How many credits do I need?
Students must complete 180 credits to earn their undergraduate degree, 72 credits of which must be upper-division (except for the liberal studies degree, which requires 81 upper-division credits). Portland State University's off-campus programs provide the upper-division credits needed for graduation.

How do I complete required lower-division credits?
Portland State University advisors can help students requiring additional lower-division credits coordinate coursework through a community college.

Can I take classes simultaneously at Portland State and a community college?
Portland State University has established co-admission programs with Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, and Portland Community College. The co-admission program allows students to be simultaneously enrolled at both Portland State and the community college campus. In addition, the program provides for Portland State academic advising and, if qualified, financial aid for both Portland State and the community college courses.

How long will it take?
With the goal of completing a degree within three years, students should enroll in two four-credit courses per term. The program format can be adjusted according to students' needs for an earlier or later completion date.

Do you offer online, distance, or evening courses?
All of the courses in the Evening and Weekend Extended Campus Program are offered during evenings and weekends on and off campus. We offer a flexible format that may include online, partially online, condensed, traditional one night per week, or weekend-formatted classes.

What is the cost of your courses/programs?
The Evening and Weekend Degree program tuition is $125 per credit hour. There is also a one-time matriculation fee of $150 for all newly admitted students. Current information can be found at the PSU website.

How do I register for your classes?
You register for classes via the web registration system.

Do I have to be admitted to start taking classes?
You can take eight credits or less per term by submitting a quick entry form and registering as a nonadmitted student.

How do I access my grades?
You can access your grades via the Web through your personal account.

How do I order a transcript?
You need to order transcripts from your past schools by contacting them directly and requesting that your transcripts be sent to Portland State. See Getting Started. In the meantime, you can see what can be transferred by going to the Portland State Course Applicability System (CAS).

Where do I get information about financial aid?
Off-campus sites have all the financial aid forms and information you will need. You can also access them online.

Can I get my transcripts evaluated before I apply for admission?
Yes, the site coordinator will be glad to evaluate your transcripts either in person or via distance. Contact the coordinator of the site you are interested in.

Can I buy textbooks off-site?
Each off-campus site has made arrangements to have the required textbooks available for sale at the beginning of each term. Contact the coordinator of each site for more information.

My credits are from 20 years ago. Will they still count?
Yes, transferable undergraduate credits don't expire.

What can I do with a social science degree?
Many students who earn a bachelor's degree in social science go on to earn a master's degree in social work, education, counseling, or psychology. Others use the degree to get a promotion or find work that requires a bachelor's degree.