Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the School of Extended Studies?
   
   The School of Extended Studies is Portland's premier provider of lifelong learning opportunities for local communities, the region, and the state. We provide traditional and innovative learning experiences for professionals, educators, and students, through independent, on-site and distance learning programs. In addition, we have an internal publisher that develops a variety of educational books throughout the year. We take pride in bringing the best of University learning to the community.

2. Do I need to be admitted to PSU to take Extended Studies courses?
   
   Generally no. Most Extended Studies courses are available to everyone. Formal admission to PSU is only required when registering for more than eight credits per term in fall, winter, and spring, and up to 21 credits during the summer. Ask your program advisor if admission is required.

3. How do I register for courses?
   
   Departments within the School of Extended Studies have individual registration procedures; please consult the relevant catalog, website, or brochure for registration details, or call 503-72-LEARN.

4. How do I get my records and transcripts?
   
   For credit coursework, requests for an official transcript should be sent to: Transcript Office, Portland State University, PO Box 1389, Portland, OR 97207-1389. Unofficial transcripts can be printed off the PSU Student Information website www.banweb.pdx.edu. Noncredit courses are not transcripted. For documentation of these courses, please call your program advisor.

5. What are CEUs and can I get them from School of Extended Studies coursework?
   
   The continuing education unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized method of quantifying the time spent in a classroom during noncredit learning. The primary purpose of the CEU is to provide a permanent record of the educational accomplishment of the individual who has completed significant noncredit educational and career enhancing experiences. Ten hours of instruction equal one (1) CEU.

   Yes, CEUs are available from the School of Extended Studies. Noncredit workshops courses by the Professional Development Center and Continuing Education often offer CEU credit.
   
   

6. Are scholarships and financial aid available?
   

   Monetary awards from Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be used for the School of Extended Studies credit courses except for Independent Study distance learning courses.

7. Why doesn't the Office of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid list me as registered for courses?
   
   Credit courses: Records of your registrations and grades for college-level credit coursework offered through the School of Extended Studies are integrated with and maintained by the Office of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid. Occasionally there may be a delay in the time it takes for your registration or grade to appear. However, all course information should appear by the end of the term.

   Independent Study course grades are available within two weeks from the date you receive your course grade notification in the mail from the Independent Study program.

   Noncredit courses: Courses and noncredit workshops that offer CEUs or high school credit are stored in separate databases; therefore, the Office of Admissions will not have a record of your registration. Please contact the department sponsoring the course or workshop to obtain registration verification.

   
   
8. I am a regularly admitted PSU student. Can I take Extended Studies courses?
   
   Yes, PSU students are encouraged to take Extended Studies courses that can enrich their educational experience. Students should consult with their academic adviser prior to registration to determine whether a particular course can be applied toward their degree.
   

   Please note that the School of Extended Studies is self-support; therefore, the tuition and fees may be different from traditional PSU courses.
   
   

9. Can I take Extended Studies courses for University credit?
   
   Yes, most Extended Studies courses are offered for University credit. Individual course offerings denote what type of credit is available.
   
   
10. When does a term start and end?
    
    Please consult the department's catalog or brochure. Unlike traditional PSU courses that have a specific start and end date, Extended Studies courses have a wide range of start and end dates.
    

    You may start an Independent Study course any day of the year except for University-observed holidays.
    
    

11. Can I accelerate my degree through any of your programs?
    

    Yes, you can complete distance learning college courses in as little as one month through the Independent Study program.

    Yes, our degree-completion programs, located at five off-campus locations, help working professionals stay on target.

    
    
    
12. Do you give University credit for life experience?
    
    Unfortunately, the School of Extended Studies currently does not. Please contact Eastern Oregon State College at 1-800-547-8887 ext 4859 for more information about life experience credit.
    
    
13. Do I need to be an Oregon resident to take courses?
    
    No, students from other states are invited to enroll in any of our on-campus, correspondence, cohort, or distance learning courses.
    
    
14. What is WebCT and what kind of courses does it include?
    

    Portland State University currently uses WebCT to deliver online courses. When you register, you will be given a web address to the Portland State University WebCT homepage, a username, and a password to log on to your course(s). The WebCT requirements page can help you determine technical requirements.
    
    

Can't find the question or answer you are looking for? Email us at learn@pdx.edu and we will get back to you.