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. Labs are often 1-2 credits in addition. 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. Statistics 243Z is required for both BA or BS. Take a math placement to determine the math course you can take. STAT 243Z is offered every term.
REGISTRATION ISSUES:
We hope everything goes smoothly for your registration, but here are solutions to some common issues:
- Pre-requisites have not been met error: To request an override, email your advisor an unofficial transcript as proof that the pre-requisite has been completed or set up an appointment. If the issue is with a Math/Statistics course, review the Math Department website for advice or take the Math Placement exam.
- Class standing error: Except for PHE 250 an 225, other PHE Core classes require junior standing (90 earned credits). If you think this is an error, email your advisor an unofficial transcript as proof, set up an appointment, or choose other PHE electives
- Class is full. Add yourself to the waitlist, if available.
- 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:
| 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 and/or STAT 243Z* (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 Science and STAT, take PHE 250. |
| PHE 250: Our Community, Our Health or NAS 201: Intro to Native American Studies | PHE 250: Our Community, Our Health or NAS 201: Intro to Native American Studies | 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 Health (1 credit) | PHE 225 Finding Your Path in Public Health (1 credit) | |
*STAT 243Z is a major requirement for both the BA and BS.
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. If you have 135 or more credits, take a PHE 300/400-level elective. |
| Language course and/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 STAT, take an additional Cluster or PHE course instead. |
| Any 300/400-level PHE or NAS course (4 credits) | Any 300/400-level PHE or NAS course (4 credits) | If you have not completed PHE 250 or NAS 201, take that. HE251 from PCC is the equivalent of PHE 250. HE250 IS NOT equivalent. |
| PHE 225 Finding Your Path in Public Health (1 credit) | PHE 225 Finding Your Path in Public Health (1 credit) | |
*STAT 243Z is a major requirement for both the BA and BS.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
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