Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and, if you are comfortable registering, please do so then schedule an advising appointment during the fall term. 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 Urban & Public Affairs. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
- Urban & Public Affairs is a flexible bachelor’s degree that lets you integrate courses from multiple departments in PSU’s renowned College of Urban and Public Affairs and the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Work with your advisor to tailor a program that meets your needs and interests.
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. |
| Any of the following: CCJ 200, 230, or 260, PS 204, EC 201Z, INTL 201 or 202 (4 credits each) | Any of the following: CCJ 200, 230, or 260, PS 204, EC 201Z, INTL 201 or 202 (4 credits each) | Choose based on your interest or what fits your schedule. |
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.
| 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. There are many UNST options online; if you are in Honors, consult the Honors Advisor for options. |
| 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. |
| Any of the following: CCJ 200, 230, or 260, PS 204, EC 201Z, INTL 201 or 202 (4 credits each) | Any of the following: CCJ 200, 230, or 260, PS 204, EC 201Z, INTL 201 or 202 (4 credits each) | If your BA/BS requirements are completed, take two courses from this list. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90 or more credits:
Review courses above, and take any courses that are not yet completed first. We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion, especially
| 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) | Choose a cluster that matches your interests! If you are transferring with 135 or more credits and doing UNST, you only need Senior Capstone, but don't take that your first term. Choose another major course instead. |
| 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. |
| Any of the following: CCJ 320U or 330U, USP 300U or 313U | Any of the following: CCJ 320U or 330U, USP 300U or 313U | If your BA/BS requirements are completed, take two courses from this list or from the lists above or a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course. |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
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