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 it in MyU when you register.

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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Course 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. 

Waived prerequisites indicate that you accept responsibility and are prepared to successfully complete the course curriculum. A waived prerequisite does not generally reduce the number of credits required to complete your degree. 

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.

Your class standing can be impacted by pending transfer credits (in-progress or completed), often due to outstanding official transcripts and final grades from courses completed outside of the University of Minnesota.

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

Drop/add requests

Departments and colleges may give registration priority to students based upon additional qualifications (e.g. seniors, majors). 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. Work with the department offering the course or your college Advising and Academic Services Office for guidance. Check the Academic calendar for your term to see timing for drop/add requests.

To add a class that has already begun day 3 of the term through week 10, you must obtain approval by Student Specific Permissions from the instructor. To swap a class that has already begun after the 2nd week of the term, you must have instructor approval and submit a Class Addition or Adjustment form.

Course cancellation (drop) is available via self service in your MyU Registration Shopping Cart up to the 10th week of the term. After that date an Academic petition and a non-academic extenuating circumstance supported by evidence is required for class cancellation by exception/petition.    

Questions about your prerequisites?

Academic advisors, the department offering the class, your college Advising and Academic Services Office, and/or One Stop Student Services are the best resources for understanding registration and how your situation is impacted by your uniquely personal academic record.