Course Definitions and Format
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. The frequency the course is offered may appear at the end of the description. F = Fall, S = Spring, SS = Summer Session. Terms presented in a fraction indicate course is offered alternate years. F/2 = every other Fall semester.
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; non-degree eligible
- 100 series courses - primarily for freshmen
- 200 series courses - primarily for sophomores
- 300 series courses - primarily for juniors
- 400 series courses - primarily for seniors
- 500-599 series courses - post-baccalaureate professional courses
- 601-699 series courses - graduate courses taught concurrently in the same classroom with advanced undergraduates at the 400 or 500 level
- 700-799 series courses - open to graduate students
- 800-899 series courses - predominantly intended for doctoral level graduate students
- 2000 numbered courses - Continuing Education post-baccalaureate courses, 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
Global Seminar, 1-6
NDSU instructed experience or field study in a foreign country. Conducted in English for residence credit. Prerequisite: Prior approval by the International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. May be repeated.
(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
Global Practicum: Study Abroad, 1-15
Pre-arranged study at accredited foreign institutions (study abroad), domestic institutions (National Student Exchange), or on approved study abroad programs. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. Graded 'P' or 'F' (undergraduate) or 'S' or 'U' (graduate).
(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
Individual Study, 1-5
Individual student work on research or criticism under the supervision of a professor.
(Prefix) 196, 296, 396, 496, 595, 695, 795, 895
Field Experience/Practicum, 1-15
Field-oriented supervised learning activities outside the college classroom that include a preplanned assessment of the experience, registration during the term the experience is conducted, and post evaluation with the instructor. Departmental approval.
(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. Graded 'P' or 'F' (undergraduate) or 'S' or 'U' (graduate).
(Prefix) 199, 299, 399, 499, 596, 696, 796, 896
Special Topics, 1-5
A group study of the known and established literature of a field, or other evidence, for purposes of scholarly development.
(Prefix) 592
Case Studies, 1-3
Critical review, analysis, and evaluation of selected topics by individual presentations and group discussions. Case study topics are indicated by title on the student's transcript. Graded 'S' or 'U'.
(Prefix) 593, 793, 893
Individual Study/Tutorial, 1-5
Directed study allowing an individual student under faculty supervision to undertake selected, independent work in topics of special interest or a limited experience in research. Requires departmental approval.
(Prefix) 594, 794, 894
Internship, 1-8
Course 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 student's area of specialization. Requires approved program and consent of instructor. Graded 'S' or 'U'.
(Prefix) 791, 891
Temporary/Trial Topics, 1-5
University-wide course focused on group study involving critical examination and discussion of subject matter selected for proposal as a temporary or trial course.
(Prefix) 792, 892
Graduate Teaching Experience, 1-6
Graduate student teaching experiences for professional development. Graded 'S' or 'U'.
(Prefix) 797
Master's Paper, 1-3
Literature review, research, and preparation for paper required for the comprehensive study option. Graded 'S' or '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' or 'U'.
(Prefix) 798S
Specialist Field Study, 1-6
(Prefix) 799
Master's Examination, 1-6
Literature review, research, and preparation for the master's examination option.
(Prefix) 799S
Clinical Dissertation, 1-15
The clinical dissertation is a scholarly work that focuses on practice issues. It involves identification, development, implementation, and evaluation and/or dissemination of an evidence-based project addressing a current clinical issue. Graded 'S' or 'U'.
(Prefix) 899
Doctoral Dissertation, 1-15
Original investigation under the supervision of a major adviser and an advisory committee. Graded 'S' or 'U'.