r/portlandstate • • Feb 19 '23

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

47 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 • • 1d ago

Other what are they filming in cramer?

15 Upvotes

does anyone know what the film crew taking over the geo hallway is doing?


r/portlandstate • • 1d ago

Housing Internet/wifi problems?

4 Upvotes

Anyone else having problems with wifi? My phone and computer are struggling to do anything and my ethernet isn't working?


r/portlandstate • • 2d ago

Other Anyone know what's going on on the east side of campus right now?

12 Upvotes

There's a ton of campers/motor homes and trucks unloading equipment over by Saint Helens behind the Science Research and Teaching Center, so I'm just curious if there's some kind of event going on or they're filming something? It doesn't really matter I'm just being nosey lol


r/portlandstate • • 3d ago

Other Looking for a PSU film student interested in collaborating on a documentary-style YouTube channel

7 Upvotes

Hey everyone!
I’m looking to connect with a film student or aspiring videographer who’s interested in creating documentary-style content.
I’m starting a YouTube channel focused on real conversations and stories surrounding incarceration, addiction, recovery, and other topics that don’t always get talked about openly. A lot of these subjects hit close to home for me, and I think there are some really interesting stories worth telling.
I’m comfortable being on camera, interviewing people, and coming up with ideas, but videography and editing aren’t exactly my strong suits. I’d love to find someone who enjoys that side of the creative process.
I don’t have a huge budget, but I’m definitely open to discussing compensation. Ideally, I’d like to find someone who’s interested in an ongoing collaboration rather than just a one-time project.
I’m based in the Portland/Beaverton area. You don’t need to be a professional by any means. Just someone who’s creative, reliable, and genuinely interested in storytelling.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, feel free to shoot me a DM. Would love to chat and see if we’re a good fit!


r/portlandstate • • 5d ago

Other study spots

7 Upvotes

hi!! I’m an out-of-state transfer student and I’m still getting familiar with the city. aside from the library, where are your favorite places to study? preferably somewhere free, on campus, and open late!

I’d really appreciate any recommendations. thanks!!!

edit: also looking for spots on the weekend and places that have late hours


r/portlandstate • • 6d ago

Housing Re-let PSU campus studio apartment

4 Upvotes

Hi there! My name is Cassie and I am a senior at PSU and I am currently re-letting my studio apartment at university pointe at college station.

Studio apartment, base rent is $1,524 (all utilities included except electricity which for me is usually around $80)

Amenities:

-RIGHT on PSU campus (within walking distance of all buildings, and right next to max stop for OHSU buildings)

-on site washers and dryers

-central AC and heating

-fully furnished (includes tv as well)

-wifi included

-pets allowed

-many restaurants and food carts nearby

-events every month (free food, drinks, cook outs, other)

-easy online rent payments and compatible with flex payment

Please contact me if you are interested and we can schedule a time for a phone call or meeting in person if you are more comfortable with that and I will provide you with more information.


r/portlandstate • • 7d ago

Unconfirmed lol

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80 Upvotes

r/portlandstate • • 7d ago

Housing Dorm life

3 Upvotes

What’s dorm life at PSU like? Like, what’s the age demographic, and are they social?


r/portlandstate • • 8d ago

Other PSU-CHRP orientation Thursday 10/22

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5 Upvotes

Join PSU-CHRP (committee for human rights in the Philippines) for an open orientation Thursday 10/22 4-6pm in Cramer hall room 158.


r/portlandstate • • 10d ago

Other Victor's Dining Center: Is Anyone Else Frustrated with the Percentage of Dirty Plates?

23 Upvotes

This is my first term at PSU, and I have begun to eat lunch at Victor's Dining Center a couple of days each week. After a few times, I have to say that I am becoming a little frustrated with the number of "clean" plates that still have sauce smeared across them or pieces of meat. This is exactly how food poisoning occurs.

Not only the food safety issue, but this is also costly as well. I would say that I'm sending back 30%+ of "clean" plates, some days upwards of 50%. For all these plates that are not clean, an employee is transporting them from the dishwasher to the stations, just for them to get taken right back to the dishwasher. This significantly increases the variable cost incurred each time a plate needs to be transported back and forth. Only a couple of days ago, I ended up sifting through a stack of like 10 plates before actually finding a clean one.

Now, I want to clarify that I respect the work of the employees that allow the dining center to exist on campus. They all work very hard to ensure we have access to decent food!

But at the same time, I want to bring this issue to light, as I feel this causes frustration all around (with both diners and employees). This is due to the inefficiencies and extra work the current issue creates, which seems possible to avoid by a quick glance at both sides of each clean plate that comes out of the dishwasher.


r/portlandstate • • 10d ago

Class Guidance MSW Online Program 2026-2028

7 Upvotes

I recently started the 2 year online route and was wondering if anyone else was prepared for how much synchronous work is required. Was this described anywhere prior to beginning classes? Sure, yeah, it’s talked about in the syllabus but I didn’t see it until our Canvas was activated like the weekend before? I’d like to think of myself as fairly astute and attuned to taking in information about the program. I diligently went to each informational session/orientation and I was not prepared for the amount of synchronous class time many of the courses would take up along with group work.

Has anyone else felt this way? Not looking to change anything so much as I am looking to gain clarity. I’m well aware that it is what it is and I’m prepared to go through it, but there are some parts that seem unreasonable (one instructor sent out a survey asking what office hours would be best for people to attend. Then it was revealed that class assignments could be completed either in writing or by going to office hours and conversing in the Zoom with other fellow students. Back in my day of undergrad office hours were usually only if you had a specific issue or needed extra assistance. There seems to be this assumption that office hours also means class time that wasn’t initially explained).

Onward and upwards, and generally I’m liking the content/courses but just wondering what others’ experiences have been.


r/portlandstate • • 10d ago

Other Places to safely drop off ballot on/near PSU campus?

3 Upvotes

Basically the title. Where do students usually go to drop off their ballots? For some reason my mailman NEVER picks up outgoing mail (I know I need to complain about that), so I need to drop it off myself.

Edit: I found out the UPS on campus might have a drop-off box for general USPS mail.


r/portlandstate • • 12d ago

Class Guidance AI Rules for Thee, But Not for Me

58 Upvotes

All of my professors expressly prohibit the use of AI to generate course deliverables, as that would be plagiarism, academic dishonesty, and would defeat the purpose of being enrolled in college to learn. In some courses, it is permitted as a study tool or to proofread written work, but never for actually writing the assignment submission.

However, I have one professor who clearly develops assignment feedback using AI and then just reviews what the AI develops, and even says in-class they do so due to being "too busy."

I feel there are some ethical issues with this scenario. First of all, I'm quite busy with my four courses, but I'm not permitted to use AI to generate my work for review just because I am "too busy." In addition, students, when registering for the course, did not consent to their work being fed into AI and the potential personal information which AI could learn and retain. Finally, the professor does not include an AI disclosure when submitting assignment feedback in Canvas, which I feel essentially passes off AI's feedback as his own to the college, which would be plagiarism.

If PSU wanted AI grading systems, I'm sure they could invest in this instead and save some money. However, they hire and pay professors to lecture and give human-provided feedback as it is better for the learning experience.

What do others think about this?


r/portlandstate • • 12d ago

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

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17 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 • • 13d ago

Other where are the parties?

8 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 • • 12d ago

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

0 Upvotes

like its really difficult


r/portlandstate • • 15d ago

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

112 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 • • 15d ago

Future/Potential Student Considering Portland State

20 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 • • 15d ago

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

0 Upvotes

like it feels so lonely on campus


r/portlandstate • • 20d 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 • • 25d ago

Other Lost white chihuahua

20 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 • • 25d ago

Future/Potential Student Questions for Counseling Master’s Students

3 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 • • 25d ago

Unconfirmed Issues with pdx gmail

3 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 • • 26d ago

Other Militarism Educational October 14th

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18 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