Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with an academic advisor if you need more help. You can also email step27@pdx.edu, if you have quick questions or need reassurance about your schedule.
General suggestions:
- Full-time is 12 credits. Most courses are 4 credits, so three courses is typically considered full-time. You should also budget 2-3 hours per credit outside of class for homework and studying.
- Consider the times when courses are offered and how they fit in your personal schedule/preferences. If you are not a morning person, you may want to avoid 8 am courses. If you have school-aged children, how does that impact your choices?
- You can earn either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geography. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
REGISTRATION ISSUES:
We hope everything goes smoothly for your registration, but here are solutions to some common issues:
First-Year Students:
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro-Tips |
|---|
| UNST 2XX Sophomore Inquiry or HON 260 Honors Writing for Sophomore Transfers (4 credits) | UNST 2XX Sophomore Inquiry or HON 260 Honors Writing for Sophomore Transfers (4 credits) | Refer to descriptions on the websites linked and pick a theme that interests you. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 111Z, or STAT 243Z (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
GEOG 210+ 210L Physical Geography + Lab OR
GEOG 380U+380L Maps and Geographic Information + Lab (4 credits) | GEOG 210+ 210L Physical Geography + Lab OR
GEOG 380U+380L Maps and Geographic Information + Lab (4 credits) | Check with an advisor to see if you have taken an equivalent course to these requirements first. |
| Any GEOG 300-level course | Any GEOG 300-level course | If your BA language or BS math are completed, take any 300-level GEOG course (check pre-requisites). |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90 or more credits:
If you are transferring in with 135 or more credits, you do not need an Upper Division Cluster. We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro-Tips |
|---|
| Upper Division Cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Upper Division Cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Remember that you cannot use any GEOG courses to fulfill your cluster. If you are completing a minor, those courses can be applied to the cluster. |
GEOG 210+ 210L Physical Geography + Lab OR
GEOG 380U+380L Maps and Geographic Information + Lab (4 credits) | GEOG 210+ 210L Physical Geography + Lab OR
GEOG 380U+380L Maps and Geographic Information + Lab (4 credits) | Check with an advisor to see if you have taken an equivalent course to these requirements first. |
| Any GEOG 300-level course | Any GEOG 300-level course | If your BA language or BS math are not completed, take those instead. |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
Return to top of page