Undergraduate Programs
Portland State University is committed to providing its students with maximum opportunities for intellectual and creative development within the context of its urban and international mission. Students earning a baccalaureate degree will complete a rigorous program of study leading to mastery of the chosen field of study at the undergraduate level. In addition, Portland State University is committed to providing the foundation for continued learning after completing the baccalaureate degree. This foundation includes the capacity to engage in inquiry and critical thinking, to use various forms of communication for learning and expression, to gain an awareness of the broader human experience and its environment (local, national, and international), along with an ability to appreciate the responsibilities of individuals to themselves, each other, and community.
Undergraduate students at Portland State University may work toward a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Fine Arts, or a Bachelor of Music degree with one or more majors. See the Programs of Study chart for majors leading to a baccalaureate degree.
Students working toward a bachelor’s degree must complete the (1) University requirements, (2) University Studies (general education) requirement, (3) University Writing Requirement, (4) Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Science requirements, and (5) requirements for a major. Students majoring in Liberal Studies or completing the Honors Program do not need to meet the general education requirement. Specific requirements for a baccalaureate degree are detailed here. Students pursuing supplementary programs must complete additional requirements as specified in the curricula of these programs.
Students working toward a bachelor’s degree may wish to supplement their major coursework with:
A certificate program which is a concentration of courses in one of a variety of specialty fields and may be awarded upon graduation, or as a stand alone credential as a postbaccalaureate student.
A minor which is a concentration of courses in one of a variety of fields of study and may be awarded only with a baccalaureate degree.
For a list of available certificates and minors, see Program of Study.
A nondegree preprofessional program in chiropractic, clinical laboratory science, dental hygiene, dentistry, law, medicine, naturopathic medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, radiation therapy, teacher education, and veterinary medicine.