Course Selection

Strategic course selection aligns your schedule with degree requirements, prerequisite sequences, and personal academic goals. Begin by reviewing your degree audit to identify remaining requirements, then consult your academic plan and course catalog to select appropriate courses. Consider course prerequisites, scheduling conflicts, workload balance, and faculty recommendations when building your schedule. Meet with your advisor before registration to ensure your course selections keep you on track for timely graduation while maintaining a manageable academic load.

How to Read Your Degree Audit

Your degree audit is the most important tool for course selection. This document shows completed requirements, courses in progress, and outstanding needs for your degree. Learning to read and interpret your audit enables independent planning between advising appointments and helps you make informed course selection decisions.

Accessing Your Degree Audit: Log into your student portal (myVSU) and navigate to the degree audit or academic requirements section. Your audit updates after each semester when grades post, reflecting your most current academic standing.

Understanding Audit Structure: Degree audits organize requirements into major categories including general education requirements, major requirements (core courses and electives), minor requirements (if applicable), free electives, and total credit hour requirements. Each category shows which requirements you've completed, which you're currently taking, and which remain unfulfilled.

Interpreting Status Indicators: Audits use symbols or colors to indicate requirement status. Completed requirements typically show checkmarks or green indicators. Requirements in progress show current semester courses applying toward them. Unmet requirements show what courses or criteria you still need to satisfy. Pay special attention to GPA requirements, prerequisite chains, and credit hour totals.

Course Equivalencies and Substitutions: Your audit shows how courses you've taken apply to requirements. Transfer credits, AP credits, or course substitutions appear with notations explaining their application. If courses don't appear where you expect, contact your advisor to verify the audit is correct.

Planning Tool: Use your audit as a planning tool by identifying the most efficient path to completing requirements. Look for courses that satisfy multiple requirements, identify prerequisite sequences that need immediate attention, and note any requirements with limited course options requiring advance planning.

Understanding Degree Requirements

Degree requirements fall into several categories, each serving different purposes in your education. Understanding these categories helps you make strategic course selection decisions.

General Education Requirements: These foundational courses provide breadth across disciplines and develop core competencies in writing, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and understanding diverse perspectives. General education requirements typically constitute 30-40 credit hours of your degree and include categories such as composition, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Complete general education courses throughout your first two years while exploring potential majors.

Major Requirements: Courses required for your specific major provide depth in your field of study. Major requirements include prerequisite courses that establish foundational knowledge, core courses required of all majors in your program, and electives allowing specialization within the major. Major requirements typically constitute 30-45 credit hours depending on the program.

Minor Requirements: If you choose to pursue a minor, you'll need to complete 15-21 credit hours in a secondary field, typically including both required core courses and electives. Minors are optional but can complement your major or allow you to explore additional interests.

Free Electives: After satisfying general education and major requirements, most degree programs require additional credit hours (free electives) to reach the 120-credit minimum for graduation. Free electives allow you to explore interests, complete a minor, or take additional major courses.

University Requirements: Beyond courses, most programs have university requirements such as minimum GPA standards, residency requirements (minimum VSU credit hours), upper-division credit requirements, and capstone or comprehensive experiences.

General Education Requirement Selection

General education courses provide flexibility in how you satisfy requirements. Strategic selection of gen ed courses enriches your education while keeping you on track for graduation.

Exploring Your Interests: Use general education requirements as opportunities to explore potential majors, develop new interests, and gain exposure to disciplines outside your intended field. If you're considering psychology as a major, take introductory psychology to fulfill a social science requirement. If you're interested in art, satisfy your fine arts requirement with a studio art course.

Balancing Difficulty: Mix challenging general education courses with more manageable ones each semester. Don't schedule all your hardest courses simultaneously. For example, if you're taking organic chemistry and advanced mathematics for your major, choose more accessible general education courses for that semester.

Double-Dipping Opportunities: Some programs allow certain courses to satisfy both general education and major requirements simultaneously.

Consult your advisor about whether your program permits this double-counting and which courses qualify.

Timing Considerations: Most students complete the majority of general education requirements during their first two years. However, spreading gen ed courses throughout your four years prevents senior year from being exclusively upper-level major courses. Including some general education courses junior and senior year provides variety and can lighten your workload in semesters with demanding major courses.

Major Requirement Sequencing

Major courses often follow prerequisite sequences where each course builds on knowledge from previous courses. Understanding and following these sequences is critical for successful progression through your major.

Identifying Prerequisites: Each course listing in the catalog specifies prerequisite requirements. These might include completion of specific lower-level courses with minimum grades, classification requirements (sophomore, junior, or senior standing), major declaration requirements, or instructor permission. The registration system checks prerequisites automatically and prevents enrollment in courses for which you don't qualify.

Prerequisite Chains: Some majors have long prerequisite chains where Course A is required for Course B, which is required for Course C.

Breaking into these chains early is essential. If you delay starting the sequence, you may not be able to complete advanced requirements before graduation. Review your entire major sequence with your advisor to identify long prerequisite chains requiring immediate attention.

Course Offering Patterns: Not all courses are offered every semester. Some advanced courses may be offered only once per year or even every other year. Your advisor can tell you which courses have limited offerings and should be prioritized when available. Missing a course that's offered only in fall might delay your graduation by a full year.

Balancing Major and Gen Ed: During your first two years, balance general education requirements with foundational major courses. Don't delay all major coursework until junior year. Beginning major courses early helps you confirm your major choice, establishes relationships with faculty in your department, and ensures you're not behind on prerequisite sequences.

Checking Prerequisites

Prerequisites exist to ensure you have necessary preparation before attempting advanced courses. Taking courses without proper preparation often results in poor performance and wasted time and money.

How to Verify Prerequisites: Course descriptions in the catalog and the course schedule list prerequisite requirements. Read these carefully before selecting courses. Your degree audit may also indicate which prerequisites you've completed for various courses. The registration system automatically checks prerequisites when you attempt to enroll. Types of Prerequisites: Common prerequisite types include completion of specific courses (e.g., "MATH 101 required"), minimum grades in prior courses (e.g., "C or better in CHEM 105"), credit hour completion (e.g., "45 hours completed" indicating junior standing), major restrictions (e.g., "open to Business majors only"), and instructor or department permission.

Equivalent Coursework: If you completed equivalent coursework at another institution or through AP/IB exams, this may satisfy prerequisites even if not identically titled. Your transfer credit evaluation should indicate which VSU courses your transfer credits replace. If you believe you have equivalent preparation, contact the course instructor or department to request a prerequisite override. Violating Prerequisites: Never attempt to circumvent prerequisite requirements. Students who lack proper preparation struggle in advanced courses and often fail or withdraw. Prerequisites exist for good reasons, reflecting faculty judgment about necessary background knowledge.

Adding a Prerequisite that is Full in Banner: In order to get an approval to get into a full prerequisite course a student would need to have a discussion with the instructor of the course for an approval then have the form ready for their signature. Secondly, the student would need to have a discussion with their academic advisor for approval.

Complete the prerequisite form found on the Office of the Registrar site and circulate for the appropriate signatures. The form will finally need to be sent to the Mass Communications Office Administrator for processing.

Navigating the Course Catalog

The course catalog is your comprehensive guide to all courses offered at VSU. Learning to navigate and interpret catalog information is essential for effective course selection.

Catalog Organization: Courses are typically organized alphabetically by department code (PSYC for Psychology, HIST for History, ENGL for

English, etc.). Within each department, courses are numbered with lower numbers indicating introductory courses and higher numbers indicating advanced courses. Course numbers 100-299 are typically lower-division, while 300-499 are upper-division courses.

Course Descriptions: Each catalog entry includes the course title, credit hours, prerequisites (if any), and a description of course content and objectives. Descriptions help you determine whether a course interests you and whether it satisfies specific requirements.

Special Notations: Catalog entries may include special notes such as "Offered fall semester only," "Writing intensive course," "Lab required," or "May be repeated for credit." These notations provide important planning information.

Catalog Year: Your degree requirements are based on the catalog year in effect when you first enrolled or declared your major. Make sure you're consulting the correct catalog year for your requirements. Recent catalogs are typically available online through the Registrar's website.

Course Numbering System Explained

Understanding the course numbering system helps you select appropriately leveled courses and plan prerequisite sequences.

100-Level Courses: Introductory courses intended for first-year students or those new to a discipline. These courses assume no prior college-level study in the subject and establish foundational knowledge. Example: PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology.

200-Level Courses: Intermediate courses that build on introductory material. These courses may have 100-level prerequisites and develop more specialized knowledge within the discipline. Example: PSYC 205 Developmental Psychology (prerequisite: PSYC 101).

300-Level Courses: Upper-division courses for juniors and seniors. These courses assume substantial prior study in the discipline and address specialized topics, research methods, or advanced applications. Example: PSYC 315 Abnormal Psychology (prerequisites: PSYC 101 and junior standing).

400-Level Courses: Advanced upper-division courses including seminars, capstones, independent studies, and specialized topics. These courses often require junior or senior standing plus multiple prerequisites. Example: PSYC 495 Senior Seminar (prerequisites: senior standing, major in psychology, completion of core major requirements).

Typical Progression: Students typically complete 100-level courses in their first year, 200-level courses in their sophomore year, and 300-400-level courses in their junior and senior years. However, progression varies by major, student preparation, and individual circumstances.

Balancing Course Difficulty

Not all courses make equal demands on your time and mental energy. Balancing easier and more challenging courses each semester supports academic success and prevents burnout.

Assessing Course Difficulty: Factors affecting difficulty include course level (upper-division courses are typically more demanding), subject matter (courses in your areas of strength versus weakness), course format (lecture, seminar, lab, online), workload (reading pages per week, number of papers, exam frequency), and instructor reputation (some instructors are known for being particularly rigorous).

The Balanced Semester: A balanced semester combines courses of varying difficulty levels. For example, if you're taking advanced major seminars requiring substantial reading and writing, pair them with courses that are less reading-intensive. If you're taking challenging STEM courses with problem sets and labs, include courses that offer different kinds of learning experiences.

Avoid Overloading on Challenging Courses: Taking your four hardest required courses simultaneously because they fit your schedule is a recipe for stress and potential academic difficulty. Distribute challenging courses across multiple semesters when possible.

Seek Advice: Your advisor and upper-level students can provide insights into course difficulty and workload. Ask about specific courses you're considering to understand what you're committing to before registration.

Recommended Course Combinations

Some courses complement each other well and should be taken together, while others are best taken in sequence or avoided in the same semester.

Synergistic Combinations: Courses that reinforce each other's content can deepen your learning when taken simultaneously. For example, a literature course and a history course covering the same time period, a statistics course and a research methods course in your major, or a language course and a culture/civilization course in that language.

These complementary courses help you see connections across disciplines. Sequential Learning: Some courses should be taken in sequence rather than simultaneously to build knowledge progressively. Don't take Introduction to Psychology and Advanced Research Methods in Psychology at the same time. Complete foundation courses before attempting advanced applications.

Resource Sharing: Courses taught by the same instructor or covering related content may have overlapping reading lists or assignments. While this can lighten your workload, be careful not to confuse material or inappropriately recycle work across courses.

Consult Your Advisor: Your advisor knows your major's courses well and can recommend effective combinations. They can warn you about problematic pairings (two extremely demanding courses, courses with similar final projects due the same week, etc.) and suggest strategic course sequences.

Courses to Avoid Taking Simultaneously

Certain course combinations create excessive workload or scheduling conflicts that should be avoided:

Multiple Writing-Intensive Courses: Taking three or four courses requiring substantial research papers in the same semester creates deadline conflicts and excessive workload. Limit writing-intensive courses to one or two per semester.

Multiple Lab Sciences: Lab courses require significant time commitments beyond credited hours. Taking multiple lab sciences simultaneously (chemistry, biology, and physics) leaves little time for your other courses and responsibilities.

Courses with Major Projects: Courses requiring major semester-long projects (senior thesis, research projects, creative portfolios) demand sustained attention across the semester. Limit yourself to one or two project-based courses per semester to avoid conflicts as deadlines approach.

Courses from the Same Instructor: While sometimes unavoidable, taking multiple courses from the same instructor can create challenges if you're not performing well or if your learning styles don't match well. It also concentrates your dependence on one person's grading and teaching approach.

Elective Selection Strategies

Free electives provide opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, or strengthen your credentials. Strategic elective selection enhances your education and career preparation.

Exploration and Discovery: Use electives to investigate fields that interest you. Take that astronomy course you've always been curious about. Explore a language you've wanted to learn. These courses enrich your education beyond your major requirements.

Skill Development: Select electives that develop marketable skills. Public speaking courses, data analysis courses, coding courses, or business fundamentals can complement any major and enhance employability.

Career Preparation: Choose electives that support your career goals. Pre-law students might take philosophy logic courses. Future social workers might take psychology courses beyond major requirements. Students entering business careers might take economics electives. GPA Boosting: If your major GPA is lower than you'd like, strategic electives in areas where you perform well can improve your cumulative GPA. However, don't sacrifice meaningful learning experiences solely to boost GPA.

Minor Completion: Use electives systematically to complete a minor that complements your major or reflects additional interests. Minors typically require 15-21 credit hours and demonstrate expertise beyond your primary field.

Building a Four-Year Plan

A comprehensive four-year plan helps you make strategic course selections each semester and ensures timely graduation.

Creating Your Plan: Start by listing all degree requirements.

Distribute general education courses across all four years. Map major courses following prerequisite sequences and course offering patterns. Identify where electives fit. Check that each semester falls within 12-18 credit hours and balances course difficulty.

Sample Planning Template: Your plan should show each semester from your first year through expected graduation. List course codes, titles, credit hours, and what requirement each course satisfies. Total credit hours for each semester and track your progress toward the 120-hour graduation requirement.

Flexibility and Adjustment: Your four-year plan is a living document, not a contract. You'll adjust it based on changed interests, course availability, unexpected circumstances, or new opportunities. Review and update your plan with your advisor each semester.

Planning for Special Experiences: Build study abroad, internships, or research experiences into your four-year plan. These experiences may require reduced course loads during participation semesters, which affects your overall timeline.

Schedule Flexibility Considerations

When building your schedule, think beyond simply getting the required credits:

Class Timing Preferences: Consider whether you're a morning person or prefer afternoon classes. Schedule difficult courses during times when you're most alert and focused.

Back-to-Back Classes: Having back-to-back classes without breaks can be exhausting, but large gaps between classes may waste time, especially if you commute. Find a balance that works for your learning style and commute situation.

Work and Activity Conflicts: If you work or participate in regular activities, build your academic schedule around these commitments. Ensure you have adequate time for studying between classes, work, and other responsibilities.

Study Time Allocation: A general guideline suggests 2-3 hours of outside work for every credit hour. A 15-credit semester requires 30-45 hours of study time per week. Ensure your schedule allows adequate time for coursework.

Registration Appointment Scheduling and Strategy

Understanding registration procedures and timing maximizes your chances of getting your preferred courses.

Know Your Registration Time: Registration appointments are assigned based on classification (seniors register first, then juniors, sophomores, and first-years) and credit hours completed. Check your registration time in the student portal well before registration opens. Register Promptly: Popular courses fill quickly. Register as soon as your time slot opens to have the best selection. Waiting even a few hours can mean closed classes.

Have a Backup Plan: Always identify alternative courses before registration in case your first-choice courses are full. Know which courses are acceptable substitutes for your needs so you can register for alternatives immediately if necessary.

Check for Holds: Advising holds, financial holds, or other restrictions can prevent registration. Check for holds several days

before your registration appointment and resolve them immediately. Be Ready to Act: Have your course selection list prepared, including course numbers and section numbers for each course. Know your alternatives. When your registration time arrives, work quickly through your list, substituting alternates as needed when courses are full.

Dealing with Closed Classes

When your desired course is full, several options exist:

Waitlists: Some departments maintain waitlists for closed courses. Add yourself to the waitlist and monitor your position. If a seat opens, you'll receive notification, typically with a deadline to enroll before the seat is offered to the next person.

Course Overrides: Departments may allow overrides for closed courses, particularly for students who need the course for major requirements or timely graduation. Contact the department office to inquire about override procedures. Provide justification for why you need the course and cannot take an alternative.

Alternative Sections: Check whether other sections of the same course have openings. While the time may be less convenient, getting into the course matters more than the ideal time slot.

Substitutions: If a closed course is a general education requirement or a major elective (not a core required course), identify acceptable

substitutes. Your advisor can approve course substitutions that meet the same requirement.

Future Semesters: If you can't access a closed course this semester, plan to take it in a future semester. Adjust your four-year plan accordingly and select alternate courses for the current semester. Adding a Prerequisite that is Full in Banner: In order to get an approval to get into a full prerequisite course a student would need to have a discussion with the instructor of the course for an approval then have the form ready for their signature. Secondly, the student would need to have a discussion with their academic advisor for approval.

Complete the prerequisite form found on the Office of the Registrar site and circulate for the appropriate signatures. The form will finally need to be sent to the Mass Communications Office Administrator for processing.

Questions?

For assistance with course selection please contact your advisor. For general questions please contact the following:

Department of Mass Communications: (804) 524-5000

Office of the Registrar (for questions about registration procedures) - Phone: (804) 524-5275

Thoughtful course selection keeps you on track for graduation while creating an enriching, balanced academic experience. Work with your advisor to make strategic choices aligned with your goals.