Earth Science Advising Guide

Choose to complete a BA or BS

You must complete the requirements to earn either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, explore the requirements on the pages linked below.  

Courses taken to meet BA or BS requirements are great options for courses to be taken at community colleges in advance of transfer! 

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. 

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.

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.

Transfer Process

Additional Resources