Definitions

A course description serves to provide an overview of the key content to be covered in the course and the knowledge to be learned. Course descriptions also include additional information about enrollment, such as pre- and co-requisites. Students are responsible for complying with restrictions or expectations related to course enrollment listed herein or in any supplementary information.

Course credits: Course credits are stated in semester units as defined in the academic policies section in this bulletin.

Course prerequisites (Prereq): A prerequisite is a course that is necessary to be completed before a student can enroll in the course.

Course co-requisites (Coreq): A co-requisite is a course that a student must take concurrently with another course. Co-requisite courses must be enrolled in at the same time and both courses must be dropped if the student discontinues enrollment in one.

Other requisites: Other requirements considered necessary for enrollment in a course, such as being admitted into a specific major, meeting a minimum credit total (classification), or earning a specific grade in a prereq course.

Cross-listed courses: Cross-listed courses are the same course offered by two or more departments under different prefixes. Cross-listed courses have a different prefix, but the course number, title, credits, course description, requisites and learning outcomes are the same. Each course is identified under the corresponding prefix in catalog course descriptions. The course exists under each prefix in the student information system for scheduling by each departments, but the course exists as a singular course in the CourseLeaf module for course editing. Credit may only be earned for the course under one prefix. The Repeated Courses policy applies if a student should attempt to retake the class under a different prefix following the first graded attempt.

Dual-listed courses: Dual-listed courses is one course is numbered at the 400-level (undergraduate) and the other course is numbered at the 600-level (graduate) and they have the same course prefix, title, credits, course descriptions, and requisites. While the same amount of credit for the course is earned by all students, there is additional work expected of the student enrolled in the 600-level course to meet the advanced course learning outcomes. Credit may only be earned for the course at one of the levels.

Format of Course Listings

All university course offerings, listed alphabetically by areas of study, are described in the section titled Course Catalog Descriptions. Course information and course availability is subject to change. The heading, which precedes the brief description of each course, includes the current course number; course title; and the number of fixed or variable semester credit hours.

Course Numbers

Course numbers indicate the student classification for which the course is primarily intended. Some course numbers end with a letter suffix: L - laboratory course; R - recitation (undergraduate) or research continuation (graduate); S - graduate project. The number system is as follows:

0-99 series courses: Developmental or remedial courses are designed to develop skills for students to prepare them for college-level coursework. These courses are not degree applicable and the grade is not factored into the grade-point average (GPA) unless otherwise stated in academic policy. Course credits for developmental or remedial courses will count for financial aid credit and to determine full- and part-time status.  

100 series courses: Introductory classes designed to give first-year students a survey of a specific topic area. Considered lower division.

200 series courses:  Intermediate courses designed for students who have taken a foundational course in a specific topic area. Courses expand on ideas central to the discipline. Considered lower division.

300 series courses: Courses contain concepts, methods, and techniques central to a specific discipline. Courses are mostly major specific and prepare students to meet the learning outcomes for the major. Considered upper division.

400 series courses: Courses are designed for students to synthesize, evaluate complex concepts, and master skills within the discipline. Courses are mostly major specific and focus on current terms, techniques and approaches that shape the discipline. Considered upper division.

500 series courses: Courses are designated for professional programs that lead to entry into practice professions or post-baccalaureate programs. Courses are advanced to prepare students for work in a specific field or discipline.

601-699 series courses: Graduate level courses taught concurrently in the same classroom with advanced undergraduates at the 400 level. Courses exist at the 600 level only if there is a 400 level counterpart.  

700 series courses: Graduate level courses open to students in master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs.

800 series courses: Graduate level courses predominately intended for doctoral level graduate students.

2000 series courses: Continuing education for post-baccalaureate learning. Continuing education courses are not applicable toward graduate degrees.

Uniform Course Numbers

The following courses may be offered by departments but are described here because of their uniform numbers and descriptions. If a grading basis is identified in the description below, no alternative grading basis may be requested. If no grading basis is identified in the description below, letter grades, P/F grades (undergraduate), or S/U grades (graduate) may be requested.

(Prefix) 179, 279, 379, 479, 679
Faculty-Led Study Abroad, 1-6
NDSU instructed experience or field study in a foreign country. Conducted in English for NDSU residence credit. Requires Global Programs and Services and major departmental approval. May be repeated for credit.

(Prefix) 189
Skills for Academic Success, 1
This course is designed to ease the transition for new students at NDSU.  Students will learn skills and techniques used by successful college students.  In addition to introducing the students to campus resources and governance, topics will include study techniques, time management, test taking, note taking, goal setting, wellness, stress management, and career orientation.

(Prefix) 191, 291, 391, 491, 590, 690, 790, 890
Seminar, 1-5
A group of students engaged, under a professor or professors, in research or criticism and in presentation of reports pertaining thereto.

(Prefix) 292, 392, 492, 692
Study Abroad/Student Exchange, 1-15
Pre-arranged study at accredited foreign institutions (study abroad) or domestic institutions (National Student Exchange). Requires Global Programs and Services and major departmental approval. May be repeated for credit. Graded P/F (UGRD) or S/U (GRAD).

(Prefix) 193, 293, 393, 493
Undergraduate Research, 1-5
Student research, scholarly project or creative investigation completed under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Directed independent project, collaborative work or ongoing participation in faculty research should culminate in a presentation, article or scholarly project.

(Prefix) 194, 294, 394, 494, 593, 793, 893
Individual Study, 1-5
Direct study allowing an individual student under faculty supervision to undertake selected, independent work in topics of special interest. Requires departmental approval. 

(Prefix) 196, 296, 396, 496, 595, 695, 795, 895
Field Experience/Practicum/Internship, 1-15
Field Experience is a structured, hands-on learning opportunity outside the classroom where students apply academic concepts and develop professional skills in a real-work setting. Experiences involve observations, assisting with tasks, and leading activities that allow students to gain practical knowledge, refine skills, and reflect on their learning in the context of their field. Requires department approval. 

Practicum is a supervised, practical experience during a course of study where students apply academic learning to real-world situations, under the guidance of professionals, to gain hands-on skills and professional knowledge. Experiences provide a bridge from theory to practice in short-term settings. Requires department approval.

Internship is designed to provide practical participation under professional supervision in selected situations to gain experience in the application of concepts, principles and theories related to the students' area of specialization. Requires department approval. Graded P/F (UGRD) or S/U (GRAD).

(Prefix) 297, 397, 497, 897
Cooperative Education, 1-4
Practical application of classroom learning through employment in supervised career-related positions. Students are granted full-time student status by the University regardless of the actual credit hours. Requires departmental approval and Co-op Program application. Graduate course 897 is not eligible for graduate tuition waiver. Graded P/F (UGRD) or S/U (GRAD).

(Prefix) 199, 299, 399, 499, 596, 696, 796, 896
Special/Temporary/Trial Topics, 1-5
A flexible, temporary course focused on a specific area of study. Allows faculty to explore new subjects or provide concentrated study on a specific topic not typically covered in regular course offerings. Courses are often about current events, emerging research, specific study needs, or to gauge interest and feasibility for a new course.

(Prefix) 792, 892
Graduate Teaching Experience, 1-6
An NDSU graduate student engaged in a teaching experiences evaluated for professional development.  Graded S/U.

(Prefix) 797
Master's Paper, 1-3
Literature review, research, and preparation for paper required for the comprehensive study option. Graded S/U.

(Prefix) 797S
Comprehensive Project, 1-6
An in-depth research study/project in a graduate student's field of study. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

(Prefix) 798
Master's Thesis, 1-10
Original investigation under the supervision of a major adviser and a supervisory committee. Graded S/U.

(Prefix) 799
Master's Examination, 1-6
Literature review, research, and preparation for the master's examination option.

(Prefix) 898
Continuing Enrollment, 1-9
Intended for graduate students who have completed all necessary credits of course work including thesis (798) and dissertation (899) on their approved Plan of Study, but who have not yet completed and submitted their thesis or dissertation. See the Enrollment Policy for details. The fee for Continuing Enrollment (898) is not eligible for a waiver. Students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa are not eligible to enroll in 898 credits as part of meeting requirements. If a student holding an F-1 or J-1 visa needs to enroll in an 898 course, they must receive prior approval to do so from the international student advisor in Global Programs and Services. Graded S/U. Requires department approval.

(Prefix) 899
Doctoral Dissertation, 1-15
Original investigation under the supervision of a major adviser and an advisory committee. Graded S/U.