r/portlandstate • • Feb 19 '23

Easy Courses (Modpost) Easy Courses & Electives at Portland State

46 Upvotes

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 • • 8h ago

Other Protest against US military and war profiteers at career fair 10/19

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12 Upvotes

Join PSU-CHRP (Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines) as we protest the presence of the US military and war profiteering companies at the PSU career fair! Instead of genuinely serving students, PSU administration funnels us into the war machine. Students deserve better, we demand to not be complicit in war crimes around the world and in the Philippines!

Monday October 19th @12:30 outside the Viking pavilion. Follow us on Instagram @psuchrp


r/portlandstate • • 21h ago

Other where are the parties?

6 Upvotes

like back in 2023 there was party going on that i saw on Snap PSU but now Snap PSU is dead, what happened?


r/portlandstate • • 4h ago

Other How to get laid at PSU as a straight guy?

0 Upvotes

like its really difficult


r/portlandstate • • 2d ago

Future/Potential Student Graduate Certificate : AI Transformation Management

5 Upvotes

Hi all,

I am a 27 yo working professional / IT Business Analyst from Istanbul and I want to have a short international experience & education in USA. I don’t want to quit my remote & hybrid job so I was looking for a short grad program and almost decided. I am interested in the certificate program “AI Transformation Management” at PSU. I want to start in summer term. My goal is to finish program in 1 or 2 terms ( 1 if possible. I have to complete full 16 credits but all courses may not be available in summer term)

Is there anyone who completed this certificate or any other cert. program? I also would appreciate comments about foreigners’ experiences in Portland city!

Thank you!!


r/portlandstate • • 3d ago

Other Please wear a mask or stay home if you are sick

105 Upvotes

I know it’s normal to get sick during fall/winter semesters, and not everyone feels comfortable missing a class because they are ill. If you have to go to class while you are sick; PLEASE WEAR A MASK.
In the last week I’ve seen multiple class mates who are obviously ill just coughing into the open air and contaminating us all. It just feels super selfish to their peers to not take this simple precaution and prevent the spread of germs.


r/portlandstate • • 3d ago

Future/Potential Student Considering Portland State

16 Upvotes

Hi there! I recently received an acceptance letter to Portland State University, and I’m currently considering the main colleges within the campus. Since it’s an urban setting, I understand that the traditional college experience might not be as prevalent. However, I’m curious to know what activities students engage in outside of academics. How do they make friends? Lastly, I’m wondering if Portland State is a good fit for someone interested in biology. I know these questions might seem scattered, but I’m genuinely torn between the University of Portland and Portland State. Both offer excellent scholarships, so I’m trying to determine which one aligns better with my interests and goals.


r/portlandstate • • 3d ago

Other Why is it so hard to get a girlfriend at PSU?

0 Upvotes

like it feels so lonely on campus


r/portlandstate • • 6d ago

Jobs/Internships Seeking advice as a PSU computer science 2025 alum in Eugene OR

16 Upvotes

Hi all! PSU was a great school and it really pushed me, but I'm struggling with employment even more than before I started my CS journey. I have a medical condition that makes me somewhat disabled (ankylosing spondylitis), so that's part of the reason I got so burnt out.

I was only able to get a contract dev job for a few months and it was a crazy position, especially since my health was worse at the time but it was also just impossible for me to do everything they wanted. The subject matter was rough too, it was about foster kids and involved child abuse and some of the worst stuff you can imagine.

After that I was extremely burnt out and suffering health wise, so I took a break and tried to be a stock and futures trader. Surprise surprise it didn't work out well and now I've been forced to take any job I can get, which right now is a call center that does political data collection. So far it is very hard and doesn't match my personality, I'm an easy going guy who likes to keep to myself mostly.

I just made an appointment with alumni services, but I saw another CS grad posted here about this a couple of years ago, and it made me think that someone here might have an idea that can help?

Another thing is, I'm not a very competitive person these days and would be fine with a boring office job, but it seems impossible to find something like that these days where I live. Eugene is my hometown and I've basically been priced out of it by people moving here, so I live with my parents again which is distressing for me. I was previously living with my girlfriend and thought things would finally start to work out. I'm 32 years old.


r/portlandstate • • 8d ago

Future/Potential Student first year applicant

10 Upvotes

can someone please tell me what the social scene is like? PSU looks great but i don’t want to miss out on “normal” college experiences like parties and events. i’m also very worried about sexuality diversity, id really like to go somewhere with a big queer population


r/portlandstate • • 12d ago

Other Lost white chihuahua

21 Upvotes

Hi all, I just saw a little white chihuahua running around near the rec center and then closer to natio near the water fountain. I tried luring it with a churu but no luck! I’m not the owner but please keep an eye out / if you see tue dog, it’s definitely lost ):

Are there any resources I could call about or is it a situation where that dog is SOL right now?


r/portlandstate • • 12d ago

Future/Potential Student Questions for Counseling Master’s Students

4 Upvotes

Hi, I’m interested in applying for the masters in counseling program, but I’m not sure if I should apply for the clinical mental health counseling track or the clinical rehabilitation counseling track.

I want to work with disabled individuals (and other under-served groups such as the LGBTQ+ community), but I don’t really want to do social work/vocational rehabilitation. My end goal is to work as a therapist in private practice.

I know both tracks eventually lead to LPC licensure, and what you do once you graduate is up to you, but I’m wondering if someone is in the CRC program do you have to focus on that for your 3rd year internship?

I also know the CMHC program is considerably more competitive, which is why I’m wondering if I should just apply to the CRC? I’m coming into this process with 2 master’s degrees which I completed concurrently about a decade ago. I have experience working with immigrants, refugees, and the disability community. I feel called to this career, and I’d love to chat with/hear from anyone who was deciding between the CMHC & CRC programs.


r/portlandstate • • 13d ago

Unconfirmed Issues with pdx gmail

4 Upvotes

Anyone having issues signing into their student email? I reached out to IT about it, but wondered if anyone is experiencing problems too.


r/portlandstate • • 14d ago

Other Militarism Educational October 14th

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17 Upvotes

The Portland State University - Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (PSU-CHRP) is hosting an educational event on militarism in the Philippines. Come learn about how PSU is tied to the US war machine: thru internships and job connections. Learn how US militarism harms people around the world, including Filipinos and is in Portland. Follow us on Instagram to learn more @psuchrp


r/portlandstate • • 15d ago

Other Clubs at PSU

6 Upvotes

What clubs do I join? Preferably a club where if I were to skip a week of attendance it would be fine, and also meets on Monday and Wednesday!

Some things I was thinking of were Christian and medical clubs, but I also want some fun stuff!


r/portlandstate • • 15d ago

Housing Is it normal for the room/floor/windows to shake in Stephen Eppler?

6 Upvotes

Hi! I am a returning student to PSU and use to live in broadway this year I’m on the 6th floor in eppler and ever since I moved in there has been constant shaking in vibrations in my room is that normal at first I chalked it up to move in and the construction but then it started happening everyday at different hours and I was curious.


r/portlandstate • • 15d ago

Other Any car clubs?

3 Upvotes

I’m curious if anyone knows if there’s a PSU car club or any PSU car enthusiasts


r/portlandstate • • 16d ago

Future/Potential Student Who here has applied for the GTEP?

6 Upvotes

Has anyone here applied for the Graduate Teacher Education Program? Were you accepted or declined? I would love to be accepted but I've never worked in K-12. I only have minimal experience working with kids, from an education class I took out of state. My grades from my bachelors degree granting university are very good, but my first year of college, I had pretty bad grades. I'm also involved with tutoring low literacy adults on how to read and write. The people in the program are often migrants from a non-English speaking country, but still, the GTEP says it wants experience with educating kids, which I'm struggling to get. So, what are my odds of getting in? Tell me about your application process and approval/denial. Also, there is apparently an interview in February or May. Is it in person or through Zoom?


r/portlandstate • • 16d ago

Other Student market/craft fair?

8 Upvotes

Does anyone know if there are any markets or craft fairs that are put on by PSU or departments/clubs within PSU? I know I saw one last December inside the Lloyd Center Mall (RIP), and I would absolutely love to know how to be part of something like that. I’m in the school of business so I’m not sure if that affects my ability to join, I hope not since we’re all part of PSU 😊

I do run my own small business and I’m fully insured for market events. Thank you in advance for any leads. Even if it’s not PSU, I’d love to know about nearby and low cost markets to apply to if you know of any 😊


r/portlandstate • • 16d ago

Other Masc Lesbians?

47 Upvotes

So can anyone tell me if there‘s a strong masc lesbian population at PSU? And by strong I mean both a larger population and a jacked one. This is really important to me 🙏🏻


r/portlandstate • • 17d ago

Other Looking for gym buddy

27 Upvotes

Hi! I'm a 21F biology undergrad looking to get back into the gym this year and maybe make some friends in the process :) I've been to the PSU gym before but I'm pretty out of shape and honestly have a bit of gym anxiety, so it would be nice to find someone else in a similar boat to go with. Preferably looking for someone around my age who identifies as feminine or nonbinary, but don't sweat it if that's not you! Generally, I'll be on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoon this term, and this would be the time I'd be looking to hit the gym. Please dm or comment if you are interested, and things sound like a good fit :)


r/portlandstate • • 17d ago

Future/Potential Student Grad School Programs

8 Upvotes

I'm looking around at grad schools and Portland seems to have pretty decent Social Psych/Psych Research grad programs.

If you're a grad student, how do you feel about it? Are you happy with your program? How was the application process?

Any insight is greatly appreciated!


r/portlandstate • • 17d ago

Graduation/Commencement Diploma Dates

2 Upvotes

I wish they had some kind of way to track diplomas. I graduated after summer term, and to get the army’s federal tuition, I have to have my physical degree to update my status from undergraduate to graduate in the armyignited portal.

Anyways, just wondering if anyone had graduated in summer term and gotten their diploma yet? I know it says 3-4 weeks after your degree is posted to your records, but I’m impatient and trying to gauge expected times.


r/portlandstate • • 18d ago

Other On Campus Community Boards

5 Upvotes

Hello!

I'm wondering if there's possibly anywhere on or around campus that I could put a couple of business cards for a photography business?


r/portlandstate • • 18d ago

Other Canvas updates? Professor updates?

14 Upvotes

Is anybody else not getting any emails or canvas updates for this fall terms class? Am i just not registered or is it because of the strike thats happening on monday?