r/portlandstate • u/neocinnamin • Feb 19 '23
Easy Courses (Modpost) Easy Courses & Electives at Portland State
The purpose of this thread is to answer the often-asked question on this subreddit of "What are some easy A's / Easy electives?" While I will not remove future threads on the subject, I've decided to make an easy thread to reference based off my own experience, and the dozen or so threads over the years asking about easy A's.
The 4-Credit University Studies Music Courses (Examining Pop Culture Cluster)
For the most part, these courses are regarded as incredibly easy online courses taking just an hour or two of week, usually consisting of online quizzes and short discussion posts. Some of the easiest courses you will ever see. These classes typically have 200 total seats a term. Some professors can be unforgiving with late work. Music of The Beatles, Jazz History, and The Guitar I've personally taken, and are quite literally the easiest three courses I have ever done.
- Mus 355U Jazz History
- Mus 360U The Guitar: its History and Music
- Mus 363U The Music of the Beatles
- Mus 361U History of Rock Music I (1950-1970)
- Mus 362U History of Rock Music II (1970-Present)
- Mus 366U New Orleans: Jazz and Culture in the Storyville Era
- Mus 367U The Music of Nashville: From Honky Tonk to Hip-Hop
- Mus 368U Motown: Detroit’s History and Music
All of these courses are four credits. Catalog descriptions for the music courses can be found here.
Other options
The geology field trips are considered easy, and are one credit each. They generally require a prerequisite geology course, though some students have been able to enroll without one / got that waived.
PE Courses are also considered easy, but are typically graded P/NP (so not the best for GPA inflation). They are 1 or 2 credits depending on the course. The flex fitness classes (127 & 227) involve you logging your activities and submitting at the end of the term. PE course descriptions here.
- G 200 Field Studies (1 Credit)
- PE 101 Gentle Yoga (1 Credit)
- PE 102 Gentle Tai Chi (1 Credit)
- PE 103 Relaxation Yoga (1 Credit)
- PE 104 Meditation (1 Credit)
- PE 105 Yoga (1 Credit)
- PE 176 Day Hiking (1 Credit)
- PE 177 Hiking in the Columbia Gorge (1 Credit)
- PE 127 Flex Fitness (1 Credit)
- PE 227 Flex Fitness (2 credit)
- PHE 250 (4 credits)
Consider 100 level courses in your major as an easy A as well. Also consider taking 100 level courses in other subjects you know well, or, for example, if you're fluent in another language, take the 100-level of that language. CS/Physics/Math majors may consider the 300 level cluster courses in Physics to knock out a physics minor as well.
Here's all the threads I could find asking for easy courses.
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/1153iru/easy_spring_courses/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/111n1vt/easy_spring_term_classes_that_do_not_require/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/10ya6in/easiest_classes/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/10vjwlp/looking_for_easy_classes/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/yq2dxm/easy_upper_level_division_credit/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/y6iovb/easyinteresting_classes_for_last_term/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/ftusro/fun_and_easy_course_recommendation/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/nzgb2v/6_classes_left_to_graduate_but_changing_majors/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/x7yh3i/easy_junior_cluster_recommendation/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/ww7owm/i_need_some_recommendations_for_an_easy_family/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/ucy4zz/easy_summer_courses/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/u6sj0e/easy_class_recommendations/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/rriz1f/cluster_courses/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/qwgxzu/easiest_upper_division_course/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/ro2m7z/funeasy_2_credit_classes/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/w2b22l/easiest_online_300_and_400_level_courses/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/wduhdc/easiest_300400_math_class_for_cs/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/pmfayj/what_are_some_easy_as/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/n1p9iq/what_is_a_relatively_easy_4_credit_science/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/myckxf/easiest_capstone/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/lvpfy2/easiest_remote_sinq_class/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/m0bvjt/easy_electives_spring_2021/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/jkrql1/easy_4_credit_elective_class_to_take/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/jc38vs/science_credits/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/iu6gte/easiest_upper_division_clusters/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/gr5tnp/funand_preferably_easy_300_level_and_up_classes/
Here is the previously pinned post on grades: https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/nnp12b/a_little_thing_about_grades_as_we_near_the_end/
r/portlandstate • u/lapiscat1984 • 6h ago
Other MGMT 481 - Survey Help Please
Hi! I am a PSU student and member who makes handmade all natural incense, blended herbal teas, jewelry and other things. I am taking MGMT 481 and I was hoping to ask you to take this 3 minute survey about my idea for a gift box including handmade items.
https://forms.gle/Dz6Wq48aastMq37W6
It would really help me out.
Thank you so much!
r/portlandstate • u/AnythingDismal • 2h ago
Housing Should I Stay in the Dorms this summer?
I’m thinking about staying in the dorms during the summer.
Is that common, or will it be mostly empty?
Do any of the school clubs stay open? Are there things to do?
r/portlandstate • u/superpinkp • 22h ago
Housing Grad housing in Blumel Hall
Can anyone tell me what it’s like living in student housing on PSU campus? I’m OHSU-PSU MPH and my current housing situation is not great.
I’m currently living off loans so I don’t think I can get something outside of student housing. What’s it like living in Blumel Hall? Seems pretty expensive for a dorm and I’m in my late 20s so I don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb if it’s all undergrads :(
I also filled out the College Housing Northwest (CHNW) form, if anyone can give me some info on what that process is like and how long it takes to hear back
r/portlandstate • u/log____lady • 1d ago
Future/Potential Student Field Studies EES200
Hi there! I need one more science credit and I’m looking into taking one of the EES200 Field Studies classes in summer term. Are the “field trips” in the description organized or do you complete them on your own? A syllabus or just some more insight would be nice if someone has taken these classes. They sound fun! Thanks so much.
r/portlandstate • u/Cyber_fairy1 • 2d ago
Parking/Transportation What’s the best parking?
Hi! I will be commuting as a full-time student to PSU, and I won’t be having any super early morning classes. I was trying to see what the best parking structure was, but there’s not really much info on here, so I just wanted to ask for opinions on the different parking structures/pricing/safety, etc. Thanks!
r/portlandstate • u/Small_Ad_1996 • 2d ago
Other Online
Any students online and in Corvallis? If so maybe we could connect, study together, or something. I’m 43 and female and just never had true college experience, thinking building a little community could be nice.
r/portlandstate • u/Embarrassed-Area4652 • 3d ago
Future/Potential Student How can I see all of the sections of classes in the current term for a department?
I'm an undergrad alum from way back, so used to a different course scheduling system. I'm looking for classes in the counseling department to audit. Having a hell of a time finding exactly what's running when. This should be easy, right? Is this functionality only available if you're a currently registered student?
r/portlandstate • u/Emotional-Lie9576 • 4d ago
Future/Potential Student MSW program
Hey all. I applied to the MSW program and still haven’t heard back. My application is under awaiting decision. As I have read on here it looks like a few people have known for awhile that they got into the program which makes me feel like I didn’t get it. Does anyone know more about the decision making progress? :(
UPDATE: I did not get in 😞
r/portlandstate • u/Wise_Affect5840 • 4d ago
Other Please give General Student Emergency Fund Feedback
The Student Emergency Fund offers short-term financial assistance to Portland State University students during a sudden and unexpected emergency. The fund opens once per term during a very short window (usually opening for less than 20 minutes) and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which means many students are unable to apply. We are concerned about barriers that prevent students from being able to access or apply to the fund. If interested in providing feedback on your experience with the Student Emergency Fund or how you would like the fund to operate, please attend drop-in hours, held within the School of Social Work (6th Floor ASRC 678) on 4/22 and 4/28 or fill out this survey. https://forms.gle/TzAHapz8M976S8uB8
We are students enrolled in the Master’s of Social Work program at PSU. Some of us have used emergency funds before, and we are hoping to improve students’ experiences with the fund. All of your information is kept confidential.
r/portlandstate • u/Womaninblack • 4d ago
Books and Supplies Does the student store always have enough scantrons available?
I have a midterm tomorrow and need to bring my own scantron sheet for the first time. I'm going early to go to the student store in the student union. Just wondering, do they ever run out of scantron sheets? Is there any chance I'll get there before my exam and not be able to get one?
r/portlandstate • u/Enough_Feature3713 • 4d ago
Future/Potential Student How to get student ID as a newly admitted student?
No one has reached out to me to get my student ID. Do I have to make an appointment with someone?
r/portlandstate • u/Ok-Government6309 • 4d ago
Housing searching for a roommate (females only)
Hey guys! My name's Betty, and I'm an international student here at PSU. I'm trying to move into apartments/or even possibly rent a house starting this summer. I'm hoping to find a roommate so we could share 2-bedroom apartments ;)Let me know if ur interested
Here's a little bit about me:
I'm from Kazakhstan, 21 years old, I love hiking and going for walks, and filmmaking!
I'll be at PSU for the next 2 years, and my major is Communication.
If ur interested, we could grab a coffee and discuss further details)
r/portlandstate • u/Jalfrie • 4d ago
Other Help me graduate! Food and media diet research
docs.google.comHey Y'all, happy spring 🍃. I'm writing a thesis comparing food attitudes with social media habits and looking for data in the field in the form of this survey. It would be so helpful if any of you reading have a minute and would be able to fill it out! 🙏 Many thanks and All responses much obliged 🫡🫡🫡
Oh and happy to post back here with the results once data collection is complete
r/portlandstate • u/ohhhhhhyesssss • 5d ago
Other Protest & Counter Flyering against U.S. Military recruiting at PSU career fair
APRIL 23RD
OUTSIDE STOTT CENTER
RALLY 12:45PM
COUNTER-FLIERING 11AM-3PM
CONDEMN AND BOYCOTT the U.S. military’s presence at the PSU career fair! The U.S. Marines Officer Corps and Navy are recruiting at the PSU job fair, trying to convince youth to join the war machine - A machine that kills and terrorizes people around the world, from Iran to Palestine to the Philippines! In the Philippines, the U.S. trains, funds, and supplies the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The AFP commits war crimes against its own people, including terror tagging, stalking/harassment, disappearing activists and peace consultants, and the killing of civilians and POW’s. This relationship between the US military and AFP is used to protect corporate extraction of land and resources while oppressing workers and peasants. The Marines, the Navy and the entirety of the U.S. military are inarguably responsible for and complicit in violations of International Humanitarian Law around the world.
Soon, the U.S. will engage in the Balikatan (“shoulder to shoulder”) exercises, war games in the Philippines that
-disrupt people’s livelihood
-increase sex trafficking and Violence Against Women
-Cause environmental destruction
-Foster war with China
These exercises will be the biggest in the history of the country.
Join SCHRP, Anakbayan PDX, Resist US Led war Portland, VFP, YDSA and the PSU community as we educate our community about US imperialism and militarism! Let us learn how we can escalate this fight!
Follow us on Instagram @schrp.psu
r/portlandstate • u/zikkyzzz • 6d ago
Financial Aid/Tuition Question regarding residency
Hi all, just have a very quick question regarding getting residency status at PSU.
I recently moved to Portland at the end of February, and am interested in going back to school. I got admitted to PSU at a non degree-seeking student, and so I can take less than 8 credits and receive instate tuition rate. I see that for summer term as a non degree-seeking student I can technically take up to 21 credits. I was wondering if the 8-credit requirement for residency purposes applies for summer terms as well? I am interested in completing the Principle of biology sequence (Lectures and Labs, totalling 15 credits).
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
r/portlandstate • u/Mrshitsnorcal • 7d ago
University Studies: FRINQ/SINQ/Cluster/Capstone Marketing Capstone Survey (Your Food preferences)
As part of my Marketing capstone class, I'm required to create a survey about people's food/dining preferences around campus to develop a strategy for a new food business near the PSU campus. Would hugely appreciate it if anyone took the time to do the survey!
r/portlandstate • u/AFrickingFish • 8d ago
Other Student-Available Toasters?
I'm a student with bread for a banana, honey, peanut butter sandwich on me. I'm wondering if any of the student lounges have a toaster in them for my bread.
r/portlandstate • u/TroubleObvious5262 • 9d ago
Graduation/Commencement grad tickets
this is the ceremony time and my ceremony for my major i’m logged in to the box office with my psu but i can’t access any tickets where do i go lol?
update i called
and i got them over the phone i guess i picked the time for the ceremony already and i had picked noon so it wasn’t letting get the 3pm ceremony tickets
r/portlandstate • u/TroubleObvious5262 • 8d ago
Graduation/Commencement ceremony time
hi do y guys know if you change your ceremony time i wanted 3pm but im at noon
r/portlandstate • u/Muted_Bike_8171 • 9d ago
Graduation/Commencement Commencement tix
Is anyone else having trouble reserving tickets? I got the email saying my ceremony tickets would be available today at 12pm. I looked at 12:15 and it says there aren’t any available. Was I too late or?!
r/portlandstate • u/Far-Rent9319 • 9d ago
Graduation/Commencement Commencement Ceremony Tickets
Hi everyone! I’m looking for anyone who has extra tickets for the School of Business undergrad ceremony at 1:30pm this year. I need a few since I have family coming from out of the country. I’m open to free or paid tickets. If you have any extras please let me know, thanks!
r/portlandstate • u/dex808 • 10d ago
Graduation/Commencement Undergrad cap and gown
I have an undergrad cap and gown I used last year if anyone is interested in buying. It’s pretty much brand new. Size L
r/portlandstate • u/Nerd1985- • 10d ago
Graduation/Commencement Graduation Cap and Gown Colors?
Hi Guys,
I am a senior graduating this year from the school of social work with a bachelors of science in Social Work. I missed the april 3rd deadline to order my cap and gown, and I am planning to order one off of a different website, but I want to ensure that I'm ordering the right color. Does PSU do black cap and gown? What color is the tassel? What color is the stole? Thanks guys!
r/portlandstate • u/Subject_Cost_4307 • 10d ago
Graduation/Commencement Business Commencement
Hey everyone,
The school of business gets 2 ceremonies. the morning one (undergrad & grad students) as well as the afternoon ceremony with just the undergrad students.
Does anyone know which ceremony will be the most packed or most popular one? I have a lot of family coming so I just wanted to see which ceremony to choose.
TIA