Prerequisites define the knowledge or skills for successful performance in a course and advise students of the minimum requirements in order to enroll. These requirements should be limited to specific courses or a reasonable definition of a certain level of knowledge, such as “GEOG 311,” “SPAN 203 or equivalent,” “one course in cultural anthropology.” Departments may specify the minimum satisfactory grade for completing the prerequisite course. 

The Office of the Registrar has implemented prerequisite checking at the time of registration for all departments. When course requirements are nonspecific, it is not possible to appropriately code the system to do this checking. 

Experimental courses such as those numbered 199, 407/507, or 410/510 may not be used as prerequisites, nor may they list term-specific requisites. Prerequisites may not be more advanced than the course (e.g., a 100-level course may not require a 300-level prerequisite). 

The phrase “or instructor consent” will not be included in a course prerequisite. It is implied that students may attempt a course without having completed the prerequisite courses if they have obtained the consent of the instructor. 

Prerequisites for 4xx/5xx courses must be the same, except for those where lower-division courses are required. It is assumed that graduate students meet the minimum requirements in a program by completing their undergraduate degree. 

Approved By: University Senate        Date: 05/24/2023

Motion Number: US22/23-20

Revision History:

Original US22/23-20 Date 05/24/2023