Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the registration guides below for suggestions, and if you need more help, schedule an advising appointment or call 503-725-3822. You can also access the registration guide made available in the online orientation (Your browser will need to be logged into your pdx.edu account to access them.).
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 Liberal Studies. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
- Liberal Studies is the only major that does not require general education (University Studies or Honors). This is because courses from the main academic distribution areas (arts & letters, social science, science) are applied to the major, and fulfill the expectations of a broad, liberal arts education. You are able to focus on your own interests while flexibly choosing courses that fit your lifestyle.
- If you are planning on becoming a teacher, this is a great major for that! Be sure to review the Pre-Education guide for general information on becoming a teacher.
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 descriptions on the websites linked and pick a theme that interests you. These are not required for the Liberal Studies major, but we encourage you to take them in your first term and talk to your advisor in fall about whether to continue them or not. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, MTH 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. |
| Any 100 or 200 level course | Any 100 or 200 level course | Choose any that fits your schedule. See Exploratory Courses for suggestions. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| WR 121Z Composition I (4 credits) | WR 121Z Composition I (4 credits) | If you already have credit for WR 121Z, take WR 222 or any other course instead. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, MTH 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. |
| Any 100 or 200 level course | Any 100 or 200 level course | Choose any that fits your schedule. See Exploratory Courses for suggestions. If you are transferring with 60 or more credits, you can choose 300 or 400 level courses instead. |
Transfers with 90 or more credits:
Review courses above, and take any ENG courses that are not yet completed first. If you are transferring 135 or more credits, you do not need the Upper Division Cluster, and 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 |
|---|
| WR 323 Writing as Critical Inquiry (4 credits) | WR 323 Writing as Critical Inquiry (4 credits) | If you do not have credit for WR 121, take that first. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, MTH 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. |
| Any 300 or 400 level course from Arts & Letters, Social Science or Science distribution areas | Any 300 or 400 level course from Arts & Letters, Social Science or Science distribution areas | Consider or a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course.
Choose any that fits your schedule. Be sure to check pre-requisites in the class schedule. |
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