Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the School of Extended Studies?
   

   The School of Extended Studies is Portland's premier provider of lifelong learning opportunities for local communities, the region, and the state. We provide traditional and innovative learning experiences for professionals, educators, and students, through independent, on-site and distance learning programs. In addition, we have an internal publisher that develops a variety of educational books throughout the year. We take pride in bringing the best of University learning to the community.

2. Do I need to be admitted to PSU to take Extended Studies courses?
   

   Generally no. Most Extended Studies courses are available to everyone. Formal admission to PSU is only required when registering for more than eight credits per term in fall, winter, and spring, and up to 21 credits during the summer. Ask your program advisor if admission is required.

3. How do I register for courses?
   

   The Professional Development Center and Independent Study programs offer noncredit and high school courses, respectively. You may register for these courses through the new Portland State Extended Studies Student Portal, which administers all non-credit courses. Extended Campus programs, Summer Session and all credit-bearing courses are administered through the PSU Information System.

4. How do I get my records and transcripts?
   

   Unofficial transcripts for noncredit courses are available to view and print from the new Portland State Extended Studies Student Portal. For credit coursework, requests for an official transcript should be sent to: Transcript Office, Portland State University, PO Box 1389, Portland, OR 97207-1389. Unofficial transcripts can be printed off the PSU Information System.

5. What are CEUs and can I get them from School of Extended Studies coursework?
   

   The continuing education unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized method of quantifying the time spent in a classroom during noncredit learning. The primary purpose of the CEU is to provide a permanent record of the educational accomplishment of the individual who has completed significant noncredit educational and career enhancing experiences. Ten hours of instruction equal one (1) CEU.

   Yes, CEUs are available from the School of Extended Studies. Noncredit workshops courses from the Professional Development Center often offer CEU credit.

6. Are scholarships and financial aid available?
   

   Monetary awards from Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be used for the School of Extended Studies credit courses except for Independent Study distance learning courses.

7. Why don't the Offices of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid list me as registered for courses?
   

   Records of your registrations and grades for college-credit coursework offered through departments in the School of Extended Studies are integrated with and maintained by the Office of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid. Occasionally there may be a delay in the time it takes for your registration or grade to appear. However, all course information should appear by the end of the term.

   Beginning December 2011, all noncredit and high school courses are stored in the new Portland State Extended Studies Student Portal. The Office of Admissions will not have a record of your registration. Please contact either the Professional Development Center or Independent Study to obtain registration verification for courses taken before January 2012.

8. I am a regularly admitted PSU student. Can I take Extended Studies courses?
   

   Sometimes, noncredit programs in the Professional Development Center can enrich an undergraduate or graduate degree by offering curriculum that is not currently taught in a credit format. Some of these courses offer credit overlay. Independent Study courses are offered for high school credit, so if you’re preparing for an undergraduate or graduate degree, these courses are often a great way to get up to speed on a specific topic. All other Extended Studies courses are credit-bearing.

   Students should consult with their academic adviser prior to registration to determine whether a particular course can be applied toward their degree.

9. Can I take Extended Studies courses for University credit?
   

   Extended Campus and Summer Session courses are offered for University credit. Some Professional Development CenterM courses are also offered with credit-overlay. Individual course offerings denote what type of credit is available.

10. When does a term start and end?
    

    Some Extended Studies courses have a wide range of start and end dates. Summer Session courses are scheduled to allow students to complete coursework at various times and levels of acceleration throughout the summer term. Professional Development Center courses are scheduled during regular Portland State University terms, but they begin throughout the year. You may start an Independent Study course any day of the year except for University-observed holidays.

11. Can I accelerate my degree through any of your programs?
    

    Yes, our online and Salem Center Extended Campus programs help working professionals finish a degree while balancing work, home, and other responsibilities.

12. Do you give University credit for life experience?
    

    Unfortunately, the School of Extended Studies currently does not. Please contact Eastern Oregon State College at 1-800-547-8887 ext 54859 for more information about life experience credit.

13. Do I need to be an Oregon resident to take courses?
    

    No, students from other states are invited to enroll in any of our on-campus, correspondence, cohort, or distance learning courses.

14. What is D2L and what kind of courses does it include?
    

    Portland State University uses DesiretoLearn (D2L) to deliver both credit and noncredit online courses. When you register, you will be given a web address to the Portland State University D2L homepage, a username, and a password to log on to your course(s). Students taking college credit courses will use the PSU "Faculty, Staff & Students" link. Students taking Independent Study courses will use the "D2L Guest Account Holders" link.

    Can't find the question or answer you are looking for? Email us at learn@pdx.edu and we will get back to you.

Can't find the question or answer you are looking for? Email us at learn@pdx.edu and we will get back to you.