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 Women's Studies. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
First-Year Students:
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) | MTH 105Z, 211, 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. |
WS 101 Intro to Women's Studies (4cr)1 Any course in the Women's Studies department (4cr) | WS 101 Intro to Women's Studies (4cr)1 Any course in the Women's Studies department (4cr) | If you haven't yet taken WS 101, take it as soon as you can. It's a prerequisite for all other required WS courses. If you think you have taken WS content already, don't take it again without talking to WGSS faculty. |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90-134 credits:
| 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) | Do not do the Gender & Sexualities cluster--you must take cluster classes outside your major. There are many other great cluster options, depending on your interests. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | If you have completed language or math requirements, replace this class either with another honors/cluster class, or with another class in your major. 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. |
WS 101 Intro to Women's Studies (4cr)1 WS 301 (4cr) Feminisms: Theories & Analyses (prereq: WS 101) Any course in the Women's Studies department (4cr) | WS 101 Intro to Women's Studies (4cr)1 WS 301 (4cr) Feminisms: Theories & Analyses (prereq: WS 101) Any course in the Women's Studies department (4cr) | Junior transfers should try to meet with WGSS faculty as soon as you can. If you think you have taken WS content already, don't take it again without talking to a faculty advisor. If you haven't yet taken WS 101, take it as soon as you can. It's a prerequisite for all other required WS courses. If you have taken WS 101, take WS 301 as soon as you can. If that doesn't work in Fall, take any other class in the WS department or a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course. |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
Transfers with 135 or more credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| Upper Division course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Upper Division course or 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, 211, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | If you have completed language or math requirements, replace this class either with another honors/cluster class, or with another class in your major. 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. |
| WS 301 (4cr) Feminisms: Theories & Analyses (prereq: WS 101) | WS 301 (4cr) Feminisms: Theories & Analyses (prereq: WS 101) | Senior transfers should try to meet with WGSS faculty as soon as you can. If you think you have taken WS content already, don't take it again without talking to a faculty advisor. |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
We strongly recommend meeting with an academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.
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