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 hse.advising@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 Public Health Studies. 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.
- HE251 from PCC is the equivalent of PHE250. HE250 IS NOT equivalent.
First-Year Students:
Additional alternatives: MTH 095, STAT 243Z, or consider a Fall 2025 Math Start Program course based on placement. (STAT 243Z is a major requirement for both the BA and BS). BA 101 or any Exploratory course that you find interesting.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
Review courses for freshman above first, and take any courses that are not yet completed. You are welcome to take more than what is listed below, depending on your school/work/life balance.
| 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) | STAT 243Z* (4-5 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you place in MTH 095, take that now and STAT 243Z next term. If you have completed STAT, take science or PHE 325U instead. |
| STAT 243Z* or BA 306U or BA 316U or BA 326U (4 credits) | BA 306U or BA 316U or BA 326U (4 credits) | If you have not completed PHE 250, take that. HE251 from PCC is the equivalent of PHE 250. HE250 IS NOT equivalent. |
| PHE 225 Finding Your Path in Public Heath (1 credit) | PHE 225 Finding Your Path in Public Heath (1 credit) | |
*STAT 243Z is a major requirement for both the BA and BS.
Additional alternatives: BA 101, PHE 300/400-level electives (PHE 350, 363, 450 and 452U require 90 or more credits). See Advising Checklist for other options.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90 or more credits:
Review courses above first, and take any courses that are not yet completed.
| 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 major courses to fulfill your cluster. If you are completing a minor, those courses can be applied to the cluster. |
| Language course or STAT 243Z* (4-5 credits) | STAT 243Z* (4-5 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice, if not completed.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you place in MTH 095, take that now and STAT 243Z next term. If you have completed Science and STAT, take PHE 325U, BA 306U, 316U, or 326U instead. |
| PHE 350 Health & Health Systems or PHE 363 Communicable Diseases (4 credits) | PHE 350 Health & Health Systems or PHE 363 Communicable Diseases (4 credits) | If you have not completed PHE 250, take that. HE251 from PCC is the equivalent of PHE 250. HE250 IS NOT equivalent. You may also choose PHE 300 or 400-level electives, if you meet pre-requisites. |
| PHE 225 Finding Your Path in Public Heath (1 credit) | PHE 225 Finding Your Path in Public Heath (1 credit) | |
*STAT 243 is a major requirement for both the BA and BS.
Additional alternatives: BA 101, PHE 300/400-level electives (PHE 350, 363, 450 and 452U require 90 or more credits). See Advising Checklist for other options.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
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