Biology Advising Guide

Transfer Advising Guides are for planning purposes only. This Advising Guide does not replace the need for regular and timely meetings with your assigned Pathway Advisor. 

Visit the Biology Undergraduate Program web page for detailed program information, PSU 4-year Degree Map, and PSU offered courses.

Course Equivalencies

The following courses will transfer towards PSU requirements within the Biology major. This is a shortened list for general reference. For more information on how other courses may transfer, visit Transferology, a web-based advising system. 

Notes and Benchmarks

1. At Clark College, students must take the appropriate lab with Chemistry and Physics courses
2. Students can take equivalent of PH 201 or PH 211 with the appropriate lab, but do not need to take both.
3. Students can take either MTH 251Z & MTH 252Z or STAT 243Z & STAT 244
4. Students in the biology major need 12 Elective credits from geology, physics, computer science, environmental science, or chemistry at the 200 level or higher.
5. Students interested in transferring to PSU for Biology should also take courses to satisfy the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science requirements (see below).

Other Academic Requirements

General Education Requirements

All universities have a general education curriculum included as part of the baccalaureate degree requirements. The goal of general education curricula is to ensure that all graduates have a common set of coursework aligned with the university's educational goals. 

Students have the option of University Studies or University Honors for completing their general education requirements at PSU. 

• University Studies provides students with integrated, connected learning experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong intellectual development. Extending through all four years, the program teaches you how to think critically, communicate effectively, and gain a broad awareness of the human experience to instill a deep sense of responsibility to yourself, your peers and your community
• University Honors offers courses in the theory and research methods of the human, natural, and social sciences, as well as a wide-ranging selection of intensive interdisciplinary seminars. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty on research projects, network and gain experience through internships, and study abroad. In their final year, Honors students research and write a baccalaureate Honors thesis. 

Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement

All Portland State undergraduate students must fulfill the Race and Ethnic Studies requirement (RESR) to earn their bachelor's degrees.

University Writing Requirement

Two composition courses, starting with College Writing 121Z (or equivalent)

Second Language Proficiency for Admission

Students who graduated, or would have graduated, from high school in Oregon in 1997 or later must have two years of a second language at the high school level, or two terms at the college level, to meet admission requirements, even if they choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science.