Semester System
The academic year at Youngstown State University runs on a semester system. The main academic year runs from late August into May in two 16-week semesters. During the summer term, courses are offered for one 14-week session and two seven-week sessions. Youngstown State University also offers several Accelerated Online Programs which run from late August into July, covering all three offered semesters (Fall, Spring and Summer). Courses are offered for two seven-week sessions per semester.
Virtually all departments offer courses during daytime and evening hours. Several degree programs are also available online. To accommodate working students, classes are offered on a flexible schedule – from classes that meet five days a week to classes that meet only one day a week.
Course Numbering System
Undergraduate courses (1500-4900 level) are typically open to students in the corresponding level. With advisor or faculty permission, students may take courses above their level. Courses are offered in sequence to meet students program requirements. However, availability of courses during each semester is dependent on student demand and availability of university resources.
Upper-division undergraduate swing courses (5800-level), in which the student may enroll for undergraduate or graduate credit.
Only certain upper-division undergraduate courses may be taken for graduate credit. Those in this category are listed in the Courses section of this catalog. To earn graduate credit in an upper-division course, the student must be admitted to the Office of Research Services and Graduate Studies before the course is taken. Graduate students in undergraduate courses that offer graduate credit will be required to pursue the subject matter in greater depth than the undergraduate student.
Graduate courses (6900- and 7000-level) are only open to graduate students. At least one-half of the credits applied toward the master’s degree must be earned in courses in the 6900- and 7000-series.
Doctoral courses (8000-level) are for doctoral students only.
Undergraduate Courses
Fall 2000-Present Level
1500-1599 Freshman
2600-2699 Sophomore
3700-3799 Junior
4800-4899 Senior
5800-5899 Swing Courses
Swing courses can be taken for either undergraduate or graduate credit.
Graduate Courses
6900-7099 Graduate
8100-8199 Doctoral
Contact for Questions/Concerns
Office: Penguin Service Center
Location: 2nd floor Meshel Hall