Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with your academic advisor if you need more help. You can also email sipathway@pdx.edu.
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 Indigenous Nations & Native American Studies. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
First-Year Students:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| UNST 1XX First Year Inquiry or Honors 101 The Global City (5 credits) | 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. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (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. |
NAS 201 Intro to Native American Studies (4 credits) or NAS 299 Alaska Native Studies (4 credits) | NAS 201 Intro to Native American Studies (4 credits) or NAS 299 Alaska Native Studies (4 credits) | You are required to take 1-3 electives this year; don't be afraid to take something you are interested in! If NAS 201 is full, take NAS 299 or choose from this list of introductory classes. |
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, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (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. |
NAS 201 Intro to Native American Studies1 (4 credits) NAS 299 Alaska Native Studies (4 credits) NAS 442 (4cr) Decolonizing Methodologies (prereq: NAS 201) | NAS 201 Intro to Native American Studies1 (4 credits) NAS 299 Alaska Native Studies (4 credits) NAS 442 (4cr) Decolonizing Methodologies (prereq: NAS 201) | NAS 442 is only offered once a year, so we suggest you take it as soon as you can. If you can't take NAS 442, take any other NAS class. |
| Any additional 300 or 400 level NAS course | Any additional 300 or 400 level NAS course | |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90-134 credits:
| 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) | Suggested Cluster options: American Identities, Understanding Communities, Global Environmental Change, Interpreting the Past |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | If you have completed language or math requirements, replace this class either with another honors/cluster class, or with another class in your major. 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. |
| NAS 442 (4cr) Decolonizing Methodologies (prereq: NAS 201) | NAS 442 (4cr) Decolonizing Methodologies (prereq: NAS 201) | NAS 442 is only offered once a year, so we suggest you take it as soon as you can. If you can't take NAS 442, take any other NAS class. |
| Any additional 300 or 400 level NAS course | Any additional 300 or 400 level NAS course | If you have not taken NAS 201, you should take that as soon as possible. |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
Transfers with 135 or more credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| Upper Division course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Upper Division course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | If you are doing UNST, you only need Senior Capstone, but don't take it during your first term. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | If you have completed language or math requirements, replace this class either with another honors/cluster class, or with another class in your major. 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. |
| NAS 442 (4cr) Decolonizing Methodologies (prereq: NAS 201) | NAS 442 (4cr) Decolonizing Methodologies (prereq: NAS 201) | NAS 442 is only offered once a year, so we suggest you take it as soon as you can. If you can't take NAS 442, take any other NAS class. |
| Any additional 300 or 400 level NAS course | Any additional 300 or 400 level NAS course | |
We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.
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