Prerequisites

Course Prerequisites

Effective: May 19, 2014

Version History: July 23, 2009 amended April 8, 2014. Revised by the Curriculum Subcommittee fall 2025 and the Faculty Senate spring 2026, with shared governance and campus input spring 2026; UCC confirmation April 17, 2026; EVCP approval June 5, 2026 (policy renamed from Establishing, Enforcing, and Waiving Prerequisites).

Policy Owner: Academic Affairs

Policy Contacts(s): Jennifer Mencl (undergraduate education) Erik Brown (graduate education); Tracey Bolen (Registrar)
 

  1. Course prerequisites are conditions that students must meet prior to taking a course or class section. Examples of course prerequisites include being enrolled in a specific program of study, having completed specific courses (which may include a specific minimum grade), or having completed a specific number of credits.
  2. Academic departments identify course prerequisites on new course proposals and on course change proposals for their respective courses. 
    1. Departments should be selective in determining prerequisites for courses, and only set prerequisites in progressive, sequential courses or where departments can clearly demonstrate that a student will not be able to complete the course successfully without first completing the prerequisites.
    2. Where prerequisites have been set, catalog descriptions and course materials must list all prerequisites. 
  3. Course prerequisites are enforced by the registration system when students register for classes. Students will only be able to register for the upcoming semester if the course prerequisites have been satisfied and are reflected on their academic records.
    1. In exceptional cases, an instructor may grant permission to students on an individual basis so that they may register for and take a course without having satisfied the prerequisite(s).
    2. When a prerequisite involves a specific minimum course grade, students are able to register for the course in the upcoming semester if they have fully met the prerequisite or are currently enrolled in the prerequisite course. Students who do not meet the minimum course grade prerequisite at the start of the semester will be informed about their ineligibility for the course with instructions to withdraw from the course before the start of the term. Each college will establish procedures for informing students and for administrative course withdrawal processes.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can a student use transfer credit of an equivalent course to meet a course prerequisite?

Yes, transfer credit can fulfill a prerequisite. Students are encouraged to talk with faculty, program coordinator, and/or professional advisors to answer any questions.

2. What should a student do when they think they are eligible to register for a course but when they attempt to register they get an error message that prerequisites are not met? 

Undergraduate students should talk with the office of Advising and Academic Services in the college of the course for which they wish to register. Graduate students may contact the UMD Graduate Office.