Course prerequisites

In order to enroll in some courses, you must either complete (prereq) or concurrently register (coreq) for certain other courses, possess particular qualifications or have a certain class standing. These requirements are known as prerequisites or corequisites. If you attempt to register for courses where you don’t meet the prerequisites, you may need to obtain a class permission number from the instructor or department offering the class and enter into MyU: Academics (see step-by-step instructions).

To see the prerequisites, you must select the class number or the course section information and view the details in the course description.

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Class sequences

When courses that must be taken in sequence are prerequisites, only the last course of the sequence is listed. When no course subject precedes the course number listed as a prerequisite (e.g., "prereq 3221"), that course is in the same subject as the course being offered. Likewise, a prerequisite reading "6 cr" means 6 credits in courses offered by the same department. A comma always means "and."

Equivalency

Work equivalent to a prerequisite course (having either the same content or requiring the same competence) may be accepted in place of that prerequisite. Instructors may, in some instances, waive prerequisites at their discretion and provide you with a permission number that allows you to register for a course.

Class standing

Occasionally, a class will be limited to students of a particular class standing. Your class standing is determined by your total number of completed credits.

Class standing Completed semester credits
Senior 90 or more credits
Junior 60.000 - 89.999 credits
Sophmore 30.000 - 59.999 credits
Freshman Less than 30 credits

Cancel/Add requests

Departments and colleges may use the registration system to place qualified students into courses or sections on a priority basis (seniors, majors, for example). Even if you meet all stated prerequisites for a course, including class standing, it is possible that you may also need to meet other qualifications. For this reason, it is helpful to list both first and second course choices on your Registration form when submitting. Check the academic calendar for your term to see timing for Cancel/Add requests.

Questions about your prerequisites?

Academic advisors, the department offering the class, and the Office of the Registrar are the best resources for understanding registration and how your situation is impacted by your uniquely personal academic record.