University Studies placement for transfer students

You are placed in the University Studies program according to the number of transfer credits completed once you enroll in classes at Portland State University (PSU) as a formally admitted student. Once you are registered for courses at PSU as a formally admitted student, additional credits completed at another institution will not change this placement. 1 Note that Quick Entry admission is not formal admission, so courses completed at PSU as a Quick Entry student are considered transfer credits for University Studies placement.

Your placement in the University Studies program will be reflected on your Transfer Evaluation and/or your DARS report. Also see the table below. As the table indicates, if you transfer with 90 or more credits, the lower-division portion of the University Studies courses will be waived. You will still be responsible for completing the Upper-Division Cluster of your choice and Senior Capstone, a total of 18 credits.

Please Note: The Upper Division Cluster requirement is a PSU requirement. There are no equivalent courses offered at other institutions. Your three cluster courses must be chosen from the list of approved courses and may not come from your major department.

Credits Transferred Class Standing University Studies Requirements*
0 - 29 Freshman Freshman Inquiry - UNST 1X1, 1X2, 1X3
30 - 44 Freshman Transfer Transition** - UNST 201-210
45 - 59 Sophomore Three Sophomore Inquiry courses - UNST 211-299
60 - 74 Sophomore Two Sophomore Inquiry courses - UNST 211-299
75 - 89 Sophomore One Sophomore Inquiry course - UNST 211-299
90+ Junior Three Upper-Division Cluster courses (12 credits) and
Senior Capstone (6 credits)

*You must begin with indicated course(s) and complete the remainder of the UNST program.

**Transfer Transition courses may be used to complete a Sophomore Inquiry requirement if you are not required to complete it as a third-term freshman (30-44 credits transferred).

1. If you are participating in a co-admission program your placement may need to be adjusted. For more information contact Community College Relations: cctransfer@pdx.edu.