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Course Numbering System

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Effective Date: Fall 2026
Last Reviewed: Fall 2025
Last Revised: Fall 2013
Next Review: Fall 2036

Policy Statement

The course numbering system at Kent State University is designed to clearly distinguish among lower-division, upper-division and graduate courses. Course numbers also serve, where appropriate, to indicate sequencing. In general, course levels differ in the breadth and depth of content, the perspective from which the subject is approached, the intellectual skills emphasized and the level of responsibility expected of students. Kent State’s numbering system assigns digits that carry university-wide meaning and must be applied consistently across all disciplines. Some courses may also carry prerequisites and/or class-level restrictions.

The first digit identifies the level of instruction:

  • 00000-09999: Undergraduate developmental courses, also known as remedial. Courses are considered pre-college level and do not count toward a degree or certificate. Refer to the Developmental Coursework policy in the University Catalog for more information.
  • 10000-29999: Undergraduate lower-division courses. Courses typically are introductory for students with little or no background in the discipline. Generally, these courses provide the understanding, foundation and preparation for more advanced study (although a pathway for more advanced study is not always required, and they may be ends in themselves).
    • 10000-19999: Introductory courses
    • 20000-29999: Intermediate courses
  • 30000-49999: Undergraduate upper-division courses. Courses are major-related with the specialization, breadth and depth in a particular field. They often have prerequisites for students to have the proper knowledge before taking the course.
    • 30000-39999: Advanced intermediate courses
    • 40000-49999: Advanced courses
  • 50000-69999: Master's-level courses (see Graduate Coursework section below)
    • 50000-59999: Graduate courses offered alongside their undergraduate counterpart (i.e., slashed), and may be counted toward a master’s degree or graduate certificate.
    • 60000-69999: Graduate and professional courses and research; may be counted toward a master’s or post-master's degree or graduate certificate.
  • 70000-89999: Doctoral-level courses (see Graduate Coursework section below)

The second and third digits of the course number may be assigned at the discretion of the academic unit. The fourth and fifth digits of the course number may be assigned at the discretion of the academic unit, except for the number xxx88 (restricted for future expansion) and the numbers xxx89 through xxx99, which have the following prescribed meanings:

  • xxx89 International Experience
  • xxx90 Study Away
  • xxx91 Variable-Content Seminar
  • xxx92 Practical Experience (field experience, practicum, internship, student teaching, directed practice)
  • xxx93 Variable-Topic Workshop
  • xxx94 College Teaching
  • xxx95 Special Topics
  • xxx96 Individual Investigation
  • xxx97 Variable-Topic Colloquium
  • xxx98 Research
  • xxx99 Project or Capstone
  • 6x199 Thesis I
  • 6x299 Thesis II
  • 8x199 Dissertation I
  • 8x299 Dissertation II

Graduate Coursework

Courses numbered 50000 and above are for graduate students and are referred to as graduate courses. Course number limitations at the graduate level:

  • 50000-level courses are also offered at the 40000 level for undergraduate students. Students who earned a C grade or higher in 40000-level courses may not repeat the courses at the 50000-level for credit toward a master's degree or graduate certificate.
  • No more than one-half of a master’s student’s coursework may be taken at the 50000 level to be applied toward a master’s degree.
  • 50000- and 60000-level coursework cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of a post-master’s doctoral degree.
  • For doctoral degrees, 60 credit hours beyond the master’s degree must be completed at the 70000 and 80000 levels.

Reason for Policy

Course numbering provides a clear and consistent system that allows students to understand the level, sequence and category of each course. Course numbers often reflect the difficulty or academic level, distinguishing between introductory, intermediate and advanced courses. This helps students choose courses suited to their academic progress.

Procedures

There are no procedures associated with this policy.

Forms/Instructions

There are no forms/instructions associated with this policy.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I am a first-year student, can I register for any class I want to?
    It is recommended that students follow the roadmap for their major, which details the best order to take the classes. While typically you start with lower-division classes, you should always consult the course description, which will tell you if there are prerequisites, class-level restrictions, etc. that may prevent you from registering for a course.
  2. Do I have to take my courses in order (all 10000-level courses, then 20000-level, etc.)?
    No. Courses do not need to be taken in a specific order unless required by the course description. For instance, many math courses have prerequisites and must be taken in a specific sequence.
  3. Are upper division courses harder than lower division courses?
    Upper division courses are generally more focused on a specific topic. Because of that, they may require more foundational/background knowledge, critical thinking or advanced study/content. It is best to review the course description, prerequisites and information from the department to learn about the individual courses.

Additional FAQ: Course Numbering System

Definitions

Graduate Student: A term applied to students who have been admitted to a master's, post-master's or doctoral degree or to a graduate certificate or other non-degree programs.

Lower Division Courses (10000, 20000): Are for freshmen, sophomores and others with little or no background in the discipline. Generally, these courses provide understanding, foundation and preparation for more advanced study (although a pathway for more advanced study is not always required, and they may be ends in themselves).

Prerequisite: The courses or conditions required to be completed before enrollment in a more advanced class. Example: FR 13201 is a prerequisite for FR 13202.

Undergraduate Student: A term applied to students who have been admitted to an associate or bachelor's degree or to an undergraduate certificate or other non-degree programs. Typically, they are classified as as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Upper Division Courses (30000, 40000): Upper-division credit should be awarded for courses that are major related to the specialization, breadth and depth in a particular field. These courses typically have prerequisites because it is understood that it is advanced study, and students need the proper knowledge before taking the course.

Related Information

Revision History

Amended Fall 2026: Policy is revised to replace undergraduate student classifications (e.g., freshman, sophomore) with definitions, add information on reserved course numbers and add graduate policies that exist elsewhere.

Amended Fall 2013: Policy is revised to add a 0 level for designated developmental/remedial courses.

Amended Fall 1973: Policy is revised to moved from a three-digit to five-digit numbering system, with establishment of “parallel” courses (aka “slashed”) for mixed enrollment of degree levels.