Course Numbering

The definition of levels and numbering of courses at Kent State University is intended to provide a clear distinction among lower-division, upper-division and graduate courses. Ideally, course numbers should also clarify course sequencing where that is intended. in general, levels of courses differ with regard to the breadth and depth of their content, the perspective from which the subject is viewed, the degree to which particular intellectual skills are emphasized and the degree of responsibility expected of students as they study the subject. Course numbers usually correspond to the classification of students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, master’s and doctoral students.

Some digits of the course number are intended to convey a university-wide meaning and must be used consistently across all disciplines. The first digit identifies the level of instruction:

Developmental (00000) courses, also known as remedial, are designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a regular post-secondary curriculum and educational setting. More information on developmental courses can be found on page 33 of this document.

Lower-division (10000, 20000) courses are for freshmen, sophomores and others 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).

Upper-division (30000, 40000) credit should be awarded for courses that are major related with 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.

The second and third digits of the course number may be assigned at the discretion of the department. The fourth and fifth digits of the course number may be assigned at the discretion of the department, except for the number xxx88, which is 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