Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree


Additional Requirements

All bachelor's degrees require a minimum of 180 credits, with at least 62 upper division credits (300/400 level courses) and a minimum cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 2.0 and a 2.0 in all courses in the major (some majors require a higher GPA. Forty-five (45) of your final 75 credits must be taken at PSU, and 25 of those credits must be taken for A-F grades. 

All of the credits in the requirements described here will apply to the 180 total credits and the 62 upper division credits, but you may need additional "elective" credits to reach these totals. The number of electives needed varies. Consider filling electives with a second major or minor or by doing an internship.

Catalog Year Eligibility

Requirements occasionally change, especially in the major, and you may have the option to follow different requirements. You may select the requirements in any catalog/Bulletin going back to the year you first enrolled at any accredited postsecondary institution, as long as you graduate within seven years of that year (e.g., the 2022-2023 catalog/Bulletin expires in Summer 2029). Most students use the requirements that are in place when they enter PSU. Talk with your advisor about which catalog requirements work best for your situation. Changes to the 2022-23 catalog include addition of the Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement (RESR).

Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement (RESR)

Beginning with the 2022-23 catalog, all Portland State undergraduate students must fulfill the Race and Ethnic Studies requirement (RESR) to earn their bachelor's degrees. The new requirement, approved by Faculty Senate in Spring 2021, ensures students are equipped with an understanding of how historically rooted and ongoing racism affects institutions in Oregon, the U.S. and the world. All courses for the RESR requirement must be passed with a minimum D- or Pass grade.

University Writing Requirement

You must complete 2 college-level composition courses or their approved equivalents for your bachelor's degree requirements. All courses for the University Writing requirement must be passed with a minimum D- or Pass grade.

Second Language Admission Requirement (SLAD)

If you graduated from an Oregon high school in 1997 or after, you must meet the Second Language Proficiency admission requirement prior to graduation. All courses for the SLAD requirement must be passed with a minimum D- or Pass grade, if taken at the college level or C- if taken in high school.