Multimedia Professional Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to apply to
Portland State University in order to take your classes?
Admission to Portland State is not a prerequisite to enroll in Multimedia Professional courses. The courses are noncredit. For classes where undergraduate credit is optional (for an additional fee), admission is not necessary if you are enrolling for less than eight credits per term.
- What is a CEU?
The continuing education unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized method of quantifying the time spent in the classroom during noncredit learning. Ten hours of instruction equal one (1) CEU. The CEU provides a permanent record of the educational accomplishments of an individual who has completed significant noncredit education and career-enhancement experiences.
- What scholarships, discounts,
and financial aid are available?
Group Discounts
A 10% group reduction in the noncredit fee is given to any organization registering three or more people for the same course or seminar at one time with a single payment. For more information call 503-725-4803.Financial Aid
Contact the PSU Admissions Office at 503-725-3511 or www.pdx.edu/finaid/. Note: Portland State financial aid is applicable only to courses with a credit option. Students must be admitted to Portland State and take a minimum of six credits per term for eligibility. Other financial options are available. See Financial Resources in the Professional Development Center.For specific questions relating to financial aid and credit within the this program, contact the Portland State financial aid office. Please allow five to six weeks for processing.
- Do I have to give my Social
Security number when I register?
Providing your SSN and consent to its use is not required, and if you choose not to do so, you will not be denied any right, benefit, or privilege by law. PSU discloses your ID/SSN only if authorized by law. If you choose not to provide your SSN as your ID number, Portland State will assign an ID number for you. Also, if you choose not to provide your SSN as your ID number, PSU is unable to provide Enrollment Verification Reports (such as those deferring prior college loans) or other automated verification functions, and some financial arrangements may not be available (such as third-party billings). - Can I customize my multimedia
certificate?
Advising on a certificate path is always available by appointment with the multimedia program manager. Individuals entering the multimedia program come with a variety of skills and abilities, and often desire to specialize in a particular area of new media. Each of the three hands-on certificate tracks—the Interactive Producer, the Internet Design, and Digital Marketing Strategies—may be slightly customized to suit individual needs. Make an appointment to review your options or to determine if a combined track is recommended. - What should I do if I miss
the first night of class and need my course materials?
If you miss the first session, materials may be picked up at our offices, 1515 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1050, Portland, Oregon. Please make prior arrangement for picking up materials between 4 and 5pm. If you have any questions concerning class materials, call 503-725-4820. - What should I do in case of
inclement weather?
All Professional Development Center courses and seminars are canceled when Portland State is officially closed due to weather. Please contact the office at 503-725-4820 for instructions on cancellations and make-up sessions. To determine if the campus will be closed, call 503-725-3000 (PSU Information Line) or listen to your local radio news station. - What if I want to drop a course?
Noncredit refund
Notification of withdrawal or drop and requests for refunds must be given five business days prior to the first class session. Refunds are not given after this time. Withdrawal or drop must be done by email to pdc@pdx.edu or to the program manager.Credit refund
Refund of only the credit portion ($55 per credit hour) of the fee is based on the Portland State University fee refund schedule.100%
refund before 1st class meeting
85%
refund before 2nd class meeting
50%
refund before 3rd class meeting
25%
refund before 4th class meeting
A full refund of the credit fee is available only before the first class meeting. If a student is unsure whether to add the credit option, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor for specific credit completion requirements prior to the start of the course. Please call the Professional Development Center for information on how to contact instructors. Please allow four to six weeks for refund processing.
Payment
Payment for courses is the responsibility of the student. Full payment or approved company purchase order number must accompany the registration form in order to process registration. If payment on a purchase order is not received, the student is responsible for the balance of the course fee. - What are the benefits of being
a student at Portland State University?
Portland State University is a nationally recognized urban university with academic accreditation which assures quality instruction.
A Single Source for Training - Education is the University’s business: you have access to 600 University faculty, over 100 top business practitioners who share their knowledge through teaching, and the broadest possible range of subject matter to meet your training needs.
A Stable Training Partner - Portland State is more than 50 years old, and the School of Extended Studies’ Professional Development Center has been proactively meeting your training needs for over 25 years and counting.
Relevant and Current Curriculum - Our programs are designed to blend traditional theory with cutting-edge “best” practices. We use follow-up, feedback, and continuous monitoring of programs to ensure fresh instruction.
A Standard of Excellence - Our academic accreditation requires that we provide the community with quality education, and we work to uphold this standard value to employers and employees. University instruction is valued by employees: When you offer it to them, we promise to make your investment worthwhile by delivering the highest quality instruction.
Customer Service - Our immediate and attentive response will please you. You need it, and we deliver it.
Your proof of enrollment in this Professional Development Center program allows you to purchase software at our bookstore at educational prices, often 40-60% off the list price.
Certification and Documentation - The University’s professional development programs, onsite training, and seminars not only build on existing skills, they provide individuals with formal documentation of professional skills growth to strengthen their résumés and prepare for career advancement.
Library - A training relationship with Portland State features access to the Branford Millar Library, housing over 1 million bound volumes, and PORTALS, an online service that combines the resources of academic, public, and private libraries in the Northwest.
The Urban Mission - We have a reputation to live up to: Portland State is Oregon’s urban university, nationally recognized for development of relevant and applicable knowledge, in response to the needs and interests of organizations in the greater Portland area.
Your University - Portland State is a public, nonprofit institution dedicated to education, workforce development, and life-long learning. Our motto is Doctrina Urbi Serviat, “Let Knowledge Serve the City.”


