Prerequisites & schedule conflicts
When selecting classes, choose classes that:
- fit into your schedule
- are appropriate for your academic level
- count toward your academic goals
Prerequisites
In order to enroll in some courses, you must either complete or concurrently register for certain other courses or possess some particular qualifications or class standing. These courses are known as prerequisites. You will find them listed inside the parentheses after the course titles. If none are listed, the course has no prerequisites, with one exception: the class standing requirement. You are required to have the class standing indicated by the course number.
If you attempt to register for courses in which you have not met the prerequisites required, you may need to obtain a class permission number from the appropriate instructor, department, and/or college.
Sequences
When courses that must be taken in sequence are prerequisites, only the last course of the sequence is listed. When no course designator precedes the course number listed as a prerequisite (e.g., "prereq 3221"), that course is in the same department 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) is ordinarily accepted in place of that prerequisite. An instructor may, in some instances, waive prerequisites at her or his discretion. See your college for further information.
Departments and colleges may use the registration system to help place certain categories of qualified students into courses or sections on a priority basis (seniors, majors, for example). If you meet all stated prerequisites for the course, including class standing, you may also need to meet other qualifications established at the time of registration. For this reason, it is helpful to list both first and second course choices on your Registration and Cancel/Add Request form or in the email request online form.
