How to Read Course Descriptions

Rochester University uses a four-digit course numbering system. In each course number, the first digit represents the course level; freshman level / lower-division courses begin with “1,” sophomore level / lower-division courses begin with “2,” junior level / upper-division courses “3,” senior level / upper-division courses “4,” and graduate level courses "5." The second and third digits of each course number represent the subdivision and sequence within the academic department. The fourth digit represents the number of credit hours the course is worth.