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
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) 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. The number of credits should be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor and reflect both the proportion of time devoted by the student to academic study during the term and the student’s enrollment status. Master’s student may enroll in two fall/spring semesters of Continuing Enrollment. Doctoral students may enroll in up to four fall/spring semesters of Continuing Enrollment. Continuing Enrollment credits may be used to define the student’s enrollment status (full-time, part-time, and for disquisition deposition) but do not count towards the requirements for the degree and are not financial aid eligible. The fee for Continuing Enrollment (898) is not eligible for a waiver. International Students must work with the International Student and Study Abroad Services office to ensure their eligibility before enrolling in these Continuing Enrollment credits. Graded 'S' or 'U'. Requires departmental approval.

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