Numbering of Courses of Instruction

A four-digit number is assigned to each course in the university curriculum and is unique within the department or school that lists the course. Half-credit courses are indicated by a 5 following the decimal point.

The first digit of the course number indicates the course's academic level. If the first digit is 1, the course is primarily for freshman; if 2, for sophomores; if 3, for juniors; and if 4, for seniors.

The second and third digits usually designate the order in which the course is to be taken in relation to other courses in the same department. For example, CORE 2313 should be taken before 2323. Special middle digits 70-99 are used to indicate special categories of courses. For example, 70-79 are used for variable topics courses in some departments; 80-96 for special courses, individual studies and workshops; and 98 for Honors Directed Studies, Seminars and Thesis. For example, Philosophy 2981 indicates an Honors Directed Study in that department.

The fourth digit (and fifth, in come instances) indicates the amount of credit assigned to the course. For example, CORE 1013 indicates that three semester hours are considered attempted and three hours credit are given for successful completion of the course. MUEN 1000.5 Concert Choir, indicates one-half hour of attempt or credit