Fall Term Suggested Courses: Graphic Design

Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with a Design, Creativity & Performance 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?
Graphic Design is only available as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). If you change majors, you may need to fulfill BA/BS requirements.
Program admission is required to take upper division (300/400 level) courses in the major. This happens in the spring term only, typically at the end of the sophomore year.

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 arts.advising@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.
If a course is full, you may add yourself to the Waitlist, and talk to an academic advisor about other alternatives.

First-Year Students:

Required courses	Advisor Pro Tips
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. Creativity in Action is a great option for art students!
DES 120 Digital Design (4 credits)	You must be declared a GD major to register for this class. If sections are full, you should add yourself to the Waitlist, and talk to an academic advisor about other alternatives.
DES 125 Show and Tell (2 credits)	You must be declared a GD major to register for this class. If sections are full, you should add yourself to the Waitlist, and talk to an academic advisor about other alternatives.
DES 111 Design Thinking (4 credits) OR general elective	You must be declared a GD major to register DES 111. If sections are full, register for a general elective or talk to an academic advisor about other alternatives.

Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs

Transfers with 30-89 credits:

Review courses for freshman first, and take any courses that are not yet completed.

Required courses	Advisor Pro Tips
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. Design Thinking is a good UNST option for GD majors.
Major courses (4 credits each)	Consult a Design, Creativity & Performance advisor if you are transferring in Art or Design credits.

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 discuss how your transfer credits apply and to create a plan for your degree completion. If you are transferring in Art credits, meet with a faculty advisor.

Additional Helpful Information