Official Class Standing
Each matriculated (degree candidate) student is considered to be in one of eight classes, according to the number of credits that have been earned.
Please Note: Students in the BA/MA program are classified as undergraduate students until they earn their dual degrees.
| Level |
Class Credits |
| Lower Freshman |
0 – 14.9 |
| Upper Freshman |
15 – 29.9 |
| Lower Sophomore |
30 – 44.9 |
| Upper Sophomore |
45 – 59.9 |
| Lower Junior |
60 – 74.9 |
| Upper Junior |
75 – 89.9 |
| Lower Senior |
90 –104.9 |
| Upper Senior |
105 or more |
Maximum Number of Courses in a Term
Freshmen and sophomores are permitted to register for five courses each semester; juniors and seniors may register for six. Sophomores, juniors and seniors with grade point averages of 3.30 or above may exceed these limits by one course. The foregoing limits may be exceeded by enrolling in a physical education activity course that awards 1 credit. When making decisions about course load, students are encouraged to take into account factors like employment and family responsibilities, and to register for the number of courses in which they can expect to do well. Students should plan to spend at least two hours on coursework outside of class for every hour they spend in class. During summer sessions, students may register for up to 6 credits per session. Students on academic probation may not register for summer session without the approval of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies or the Registrar.
Maximum Course Substitutions
Occasionally, a course required to fulfill the requirements of a major is not offered. A maximum of three course substitutions is permitted for each degree program. Course substitution forms are can be downloaded from the Jay Stop webpage at: http://jstop.jjay.cuny.edu/. Students seeking a substitution for such a course are to consult with the appropriate department chairperson or program coordinator. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies may also approve a substitute course in the absence of the department chairperson or program coordinator. The approved form is submitted to the Jay Express Services Center for processing.
Students on Academic Probation
Students who are on academic probation are limited to a maximum of four courses by the Academic Review Committee and may not take courses in the summer session unless approved by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies or the Registrar. Students on probation may be subject to additional restrictions as determined by the Committee. During the first semester that a student is no longer on academic probation, that student may register for no more than four courses.
Course Prerequisites
Students must first fulfill the prerequisites specified for any course before they may register for it. The prerequisites required as preparation for coursework at a more advanced level are included in Chapter 6, Courses Offered, of this bulletin.
Please Note : ENG 101 is a prerequisite for all courses at the 200-level while ENG 201 is a prerequisite for all courses at the 300-level or above.
Permission to register for a course without first fulfilling its prerequisite(s) may be granted only when a course description specifies that permission of the section instructor may be granted for that purpose. In the absence of the section instructor, the chairperson of the department (or designee) may authorize the prerequisite waiver. Prerequisites may be waived only if, in the judgment of the section instructor (or the chairperson of the department or the latter’s designee), the student is academically prepared for the more advanced course. The English prerequisites may only be waived by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
If a course is required in a major or is part of the College’s general education requirements, the student must take the course even if it was waived as a prerequisite for a particular course.
Overall Credit Limitation
Students who have completed 144 or more credits or who have registered for 20 or more semesters will not be permitted to register without the approval of the Registrar. Such students must develop a plan to complete their degree requirements with the Registrar. They will be permitted to register only for those courses required for fulfillment of degree requirements.