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 Geology or Earth Science, but only the BS requirements are listed here. If you choose to earn a BA degree, consult your advisor. 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:
- Pre-requisite errors: If you have completed the pre-requisite, email your advisor an unofficial transcript as proof that it has been completed or set up an appointment. Exceptions include:
- Co-requisite error: make sure to add BOTH lecture and labs together (for BI/CH/PH) or mentored inquiry (for UNST) before hitting the submit button.
- Class is full. Add yourself to the waitlist, if available. If you need support with alternate courses and many options are full, email or set-up an appointment with your advisor.
First-Year Students:
| For BS degree | Advisor Pro-Tips |
|---|
| UNST 1XX First Year Inquiry or Honors 101 The Global City (5 credits) | These are yearlong sequences, so check out the First Year Inquiry Planning Guide and Honors website for descriptions and bios, and pick a theme that interests you. |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 0-45, take the following two courses: |
UNST 199 Qualities in Math Confidence (4 credits) OR MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra (4 credits) | If you are not confident in your math ability, or scored below 30, take UNST 199. If you scored 30-45, you may take MTH 111Z + MTH 199. Talk with an advisor about your options. |
| G 201 + 204 Dynamic Earth: Interior + lab (4 credits total) | May substitute G 203 & 206 OR GEOG 210 & 210L OR ESM 220 & 220L |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 46-60, take the following two courses: |
| MTH 111Z Precalculus: I: Functions (4 credits) | Take the appropriate class based on your score on the Placement Test. If you have AP, IB, or college credit, send those transcripts to Admissions. |
| G 201 + 204 Dynamic Earth: Interior + lab (4 credits total) | May substitute G 203 & 206 OR GEOG 210 & 210L OR ESM 220 & 220L |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 61-100, take the following courses:: |
| G 201 + 204 Dynamic Earth: Interior + lab (4 credits total) | You will still need math for your degree, but you can take it in a future term. May substitute G 203 & 206 OR GEOG 210 & 210L OR ESM 220 & 220L |
| CH 221Z General Chemistry + CH 227Z lab (5-6 credits) or CH 121 Prep Chemistry (4 credits) | CH 221Z/227Z: requires a minimum score of 60 on the Math Placement Assessment or completion of MTH 111Z. If you do not meet this, take CH 121. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
| For BS degree | Advisor Pro-Tips |
|---|
| 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. Global Environmental Change and Environmental Sustaiability might be of interest. |
| Any additional math not yet completed | Two terms of Calculus MTH 251Z and 252Z are required, but you must have the pre-requisite within one year or the appropriate score on the Math Placement Assessment. |
G 201/204 and/or CH 221Z/227Z, if not completed.
PH 201/211 General Physics and PH 214 lab | Check with an advisor to see if you have taken an equivalent course to these requirements first. May substitute G 203 & 206 OR GEOG 210 & 210L OR ESM 220 & 220L |
| G 318 and 319 Processes in the Surface Environment +Lab (5 credits total) | If G 201 and 202 are completed. |
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 BS degree | Advisor Pro-Tips |
|---|
| Upper Division Cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Remember that you cannot use any major courses to fulfill your cluster. If you are completing a minor, those courses can be applied to the cluster. |
G 201/204 and/or CH 221Z/227Z, if not completed.
PH 201/211 General Physics and PH 214 lab | Check with an advisor to see if you have taken an equivalent course to these requirements first. May substitute G 203 & 206 OR GEOG 210 & 210L OR ESM 220 & 220L |
| G 318 and 319 Processes in the Surface Environment +Lab (5 credits total) | If G 201 and 202 are completed. |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
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