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 Math faculty advisor directly.
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 Mathematics. 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:
- Registration error is "pre-requisites have not been met:" This is most likely because we do not have the pre-requisite on record. To request an override, e-mail mathstatadvising@pdx.edu with:
- A copy of an unofficial transcript or AP scores (PDF, screen shot, scan)
- PSU ID Number
- The course and term you want to register for
*If you’re currently enrolled in a course at a different university that is a prerequisite, only send your PSU ID number and a copy of your class schedule (PDF, screen shot, scan)
- If you need a course evaluation, email beatrizl@pdx.edu with:
- PSU ID Number
- Detailed syllabus of the course (include title, author, and chapters of used textbooks)
- Contact information for your PSU advisor
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) | Science or social science course (4-5 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice. |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 0-29, take the following course: |
| UNST 199 Qualities in Math Confidence (4 credits) | UNST 199 Qualities in Math Confidence (4 credits) | You may also use the Learning Module in ALEKS and retake the assessment. |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 30-45, take the following math course: |
MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra (4 credits) OR MTH 111Z Precalculus: I: Functions (4 credits) AND MTH 199 Precalculus Support (1 credit)t | MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra (4 credits) OR MTH 111Z Precalculus: I: Functions (4 credits) AND MTH 199 Precalculus Support (1 credit) | Talk to your advisor about which option is best for you. You will need approval to register for MTH 111Z + MTH 199. If you have AP, IB, or college credit, send those transcripts to Admissions. |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 46-75, take the following math course: |
| MTH 111Z Precalculus: I: Functions (4 credits) OR MTH 112Z Precalculus II: Trigonometry (4 credits) | MTH 111Z Precalculus: I: Functions (4 credits) OR MTH 112Z Precalculus II: Trigonometry (4 credits) | Take the appropriate class based on your score on the Math Placement Assessment. If you have AP, IB, or college credit, send those transcripts to Admissions. |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 76-100, take the following math course: |
| MTH 251Z Differential Calculus (4 credits) | MTH 251Z Differential Calculus (4 credits) | |
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) | Science or social science course (4-5 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice. |
| MTH 253Z, 254, 255, or 256; CS161 or MTH271 | MTH 253Z, 254, 255, or 256; CS161 or MTH271 | If you have not taken MTH 251Z DIfferential, Take the math course recommended by the Placement Assessment as described above. If you have AP, IB, or college credit, send those transcripts to Admissions. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
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Transfers with 90 or more credits:
Review courses above first and take any courses that are not yet completed. We strongly you consult with Math faculty advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.