Courses appearing on the University transcript must be for academic credit with academic content.
Academic courses generally may not be offered for zero credits, unless it is a remedial course numbered 0xxx pursuant to this policy and appendix.
Students must be registered for a class in order to participate in the class and be eligible to earn academic credit or participate as an auditor.
Course Numbering
Departments and colleges must use 4-digit course numbers using the system in the Appendix to this policy.
Students should use the course numbering system to assist in selecting courses to advance them toward their degree.
Alphabetic Suffixes: No alphabetic suffixes other than those already in place at the time this policy was adopted (April 2009) may be used (see the FAQ).
Graduate programs must use the standard numbering conventions for all thesis credit courses (see Appendix).
Graduate programs will use the all-University numbering conventions for other kinds of courses (see Appendix for xx91 – xx98 courses).
Thesis credit courses (see Appendix) and xx91 – xx98 are examples of courses that students may repeat for credit.
Use of a zero as the last digit of a course number is reserved for courses that may be repeated for credit (e.g., "topics" courses, some music and studio arts courses).
Cross-listed courses have the same content, title, description, outcomes, prerequisites and meeting pattern; meet the same liberal education requirements (if applicable);and are offered for the same number of credits. All cross-listed versions of a course meet the same program requirements.
Exclusions
This policy is not applicable to the Duluth campus.
Reason for Policy
Minnesota statute sec. 135A.08 requires the University to have a course numbering convention to distinguish remedial, lower division, upper division, and graduate level coursework. Consistent use of the course numbering system helps students select and sequence their courses and helps those who view a student’s transcript to identify the level of courses that appear on the transcript. The University must have consistent standards for awarding credits for academic work and transcripting those courses to meet Higher Learning Commission accreditation requirements.
Procedures
There are no procedures associated with this policy.
Suffixes help identify certain characteristics of courses. Currently three suffixes are used: W (for writing intensive courses); H (for honors courses); and V (for courses that are both honors and writing intensive).
A cross- listed course consists of a single course offered for registration under two or more distinct subject designators and course numbers.
Directed Research
An opportunity in which a student designs and carries out a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Directed research may be taken for variable credit and special permission is needed for enrollment.
Directed Study
A course in which a student designs and carries out an independent project under the direction of a faculty member. Directed study courses may be taken for variable credit and special permission is needed for enrollment.
Independent Study
A course in which a student enrolls in an established course but studies independently under an instructor’s guidance rather than attending class. Independent study courses may be taken for variable credit and special permission is needed for enrollment.
Remedial
Remedial courses are intended to correct or improve deficient skills and knowledge in a specific subject. 0xxx courses are remedial courses that do not carry credit.
Responsibilities
There are no specified responsibilities associated with this policy.
February 2021 - Comprehensive Review. Minor Revision.
Added language to document that academic credit appears on the transcript and must have academic content; addressing course proposals that are not academic in nature (professional continuing education, professional development, etc.).
Added language to codify existing practice that academic courses should not be offered for zero credits
Added language from current Grading & Transcript policy that students must be registered in order to receive course credit; this policy provides a more logical “home” for this provision.
Added a definition for cross-listed courses to codify existing practice.
Minor changes regarding course numbering provisions were made to be consistent with graduate policy and moving text to the policy appendix.
Clarified that the policy is needed for both Minnesota Law and Higher Learning Commission Requirements.
Amended:
May 2016 - Comprehensive Review. Minor Revision. Language now aligns with Administrative Policy: Application of Graduate Credits to Degree Requirements. Removes language that pertained to the old Graduate School structure.
Administrative Policy