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 arts.advising@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?
- Music majors completing a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree, do not need the BA/BS requirements listed below, and should focus on the MUS and UNST/HON requirements.
- Most music majors also require an audition.
- Applied music lessons (MUP 190) will be arranged during the first week of the term.
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:" To request an override, please email music@pdx.edu with proof that the pre-requisite has been completed.
- Registration error is "not in specific program:" Confirm that your major is declared correctly, and email arts.advising@pdx.edu for assistance.
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, 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 Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
| MUS 111 Music Theory I (3 credits) | MUS 111 Music Theory I (3 credits) | This is the first course in a sequence |
| MUS 114 Sight Singing/Ear Training (1 credit) | MUS 115 Sight Singing/Ear Training (1 credit) | This is the first course in a sequence |
| MUS 188 Performance Attendance (0 credits) | MUS 188 Performance Attendance (0 credits) | |
| MUS 191 Piano (2 credits) | MUS 191 Piano (2 credits) | |
| MUS Ensemble 195, 196, 197 or 198 (1 credit) | MUS Ensemble 195, 196, 197 or 198 (1 credit) | You must audition with area coordinators prior to registration |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
Review courses above first, and take any courses that are not yet completed. Music Education students should connect with an advisor to confirm if they need other classes.
| 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, 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 Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
| MUS 211 Music Theory IV (3 credits) | MUS 111 Music Theory I (3 credits) | This is the first course in a sequence |
| MUS 214 Sight Singing/Ear Training IV (1 credit) | MUS 115 Sight Singing/Ear Training (1 credit) | This is the first course in a sequence |
| MUS 291 Advanced Piano (2 credits) | MUS 291 Advanced Piano (2 credits) | |
| MUS 188 Performance Attendance (0 credits) | MUS 188 Performance Attendance (0 credits) | |
| MUS 205 Listening (1 credit) | MUS 205 Listening (1 credit) | |
| MUS Ensemble 195, 196, 197 or 198 (1 credit) | MUS Ensemble 195, 196, 197 or 198 (1 credit) | You must audition with area coordinators prior to registration |
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. Meet with an academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion. You may also need to connect with a faculty advisor in the School of Music and Theater.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses