Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with your academic advisor. You can also email your questions or concerns to upgap@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 Political Science. 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. On Democracy and Race & Justice are good UNST options. |
| 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 the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
| Choose any 100- or 200-level PS course | Choose any 100- or 200-level PS course | You will also need elective credit for your degree; don't be afraid to take one! You can see all kinds of introductory classes on this website. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
Review courses above, and take any courses that are not yet completed first.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90-134 credits:
Review courses above, and take any courses that are not yet completed first.
| 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 your cluster courses cannot be from your major, If you are completing a minor, those courses can apply to the cluster. Suggested Cluster options: Leading Social Change, Interpreting the Past, Knowledge Values, Rationality, American Identities, Understanding Communities, Design Thinking |
| 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 the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
| Choose any 300-level PS course (4 credits) | Choose any 300-level PS course (4 credits) | If your BA/BS requirements are completed, take two PS 300-level courses or a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course. |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
Transfers with 135 or more credits:
We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion. Here are a few suggestions:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| If in the Honors College, take HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | If in the Honors College, take 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, 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. |
| Choose any 300-level PS course (4 credits) | Choose any 300-level PS course (4 credits) | If your BA/BS requirements are completed, take two PS 300-level courses or a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course. |
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