Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with your academic advisor if you need more help. You can also email sipathway@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 Psychology. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
- If you are planning on pursuing a clinical health field (nursing, dentistry, medicine, etc.), be sure to review the Pre-Health guide for your track.
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) | 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 now and STAT 243Z next term. |
PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I OR PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II | PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I OR PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II | Both PSY 201Z and PSY 202Z are required for the Psychology major, and should be taken before the end of your first year. They can be taken in any order you want. You will also be required to take 1-2 electives; don't be afraid to take one! If these classes are full, choose from this list of introductory classes. |
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) | 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 now and STAT 243Z next term. |
PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I OR PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II | PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I OR PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II | Both PSY 201Z and PSY 202Z are required for the Psychology major. If you took introductory courses at your previous institution, take any 300-level psychology, if open. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90-134 credits:
If any class in the major looks similar to one you have taken before, don't take it again until you talk to an advisor.
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.
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| Any PSY course 300 or higher or, if in Honors, HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Any PSY course 300 or higher or if in Honors, HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | If any class in the major looks similar to one you have taken before, don't take it again until you talk to an advisor. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | 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 now and STAT 243Z next term. |
The Psychology Human Diversity requirement. PSY 321 Research Methods in Psychology (4 credits) | The Psychology Human Diversity requirement. PSY 321 Research Methods in Psychology (4 credits) | PSY 321 recommends STAT 243 & 244 as a pre-requisite. |
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