Ozark Campus Admission
Individuals who meet the admission requirements listed below may apply to Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus. The University reserves the right to reject the application of any individual. Every student must submit an application for admission. Applications and additional information about Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus are available from the Office of Student Services, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, 1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, Arkansas, 72949.
Students may apply on-line from the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus website at http://atu.edu/ozark/admission.
Tech will provide equal opportunity in admission to all persons. This applies to all phases of the admission process. Any demographic information collected through the admission application is on a voluntary basis and is to be used in a nondiscriminatory manner consistent with applicable civil rights laws for reporting and statistical purposes only and cannot affect eligibility for admission.
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus is subject to and endorses both the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Disabilities Coordinator can be contacted by calling (479) 667-2117.
All students at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus are assigned a permanent, randomly generated, student identification number, known as a "T" number.
All students born after January 1, 1957, must provide immunizations by way of an official record from another educational institution, certificate from a licensed medical doctor, or an authorized public health department representative. Proof of the appropriate immunizations must be presented to the Office of Admissions upon enrollment to the university. Students may be exempted from the immunization requirements if there is a medical contraindication or if religious or philosophical belief prohibits immunizations. Exemptions must be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Health by emailing immunization.section@arkansas.gov.
Students who are enrolled in online classes ONLY, and have declared an online major, may request an immunization waiver by contacting the Office of Student Services.
All students who hold resident alien status must provide a copy of their resident alien card documenting an unexpired status.
Entering freshmen must comply with the following admission requirements and freshman placement standards. This includes students who enter with college credit earned prior to high school graduation, during summer following high school graduation, or by advanced placement.
Residual college entrance exams, taken on other college campuses, will not be accepted for admission.
Entering Freshmen/New Student
New students to Arkansas Tech University must submit an application for admission, college entrance exam scores, an official record documenting completion of secondary requirements, and proof of immunization documenting 2 MMR vaccinations. If you have concurrent college credit, an official transcript from that institution is required. For Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit, original score reports or copies embossed by your high school will need to be submitted prior to credit being awarded. A minimum criterion for exam scores and grade point average for unconditional admission is listed below:
- Composite ACT score of 19 or above, composite SAT score of 1010 or above on the RSAT scale of 1600 or a composite SAT score of 1330 on the former SAT exam with a scale of 2400, or a composite Next Generation ACCUPLACER score of 246. Note: The ACT Writing exam is not required for admission purposes.
- Completion of graduation requirements from an accredited public or private secondary
school, a non-accredited private secondary school, or a home school program documenting
a minimum 2.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average, and completion of the university’s
secondary school core curriculum, OR minimum GED score of 580.
Freshmen who do not meet unconditional admission requirements will be conditionally admitted with a minimum composite ACT score of 15, composite SAT score of 850 or above on the RSAT scale of 1600 or a composite SAT score of 1060 on the former SAT exam with a scale of 2400, or a composite Next Generation ACCUPLACER score of 229, and by completing college core with a 2.0/4.0 grade point average or minimum GED score of 580.
Secondary School Core Course Recommendation
A minimum of twenty-two earned core course credits is required from grades nine through twelve for admission purposes. Two additional units of foreign language are recommended for college preparation. Asterisks indicate core courses required by Act 1290 for unconditional admission:
*English - 4 units, with emphasis on writing skills, but not to include oral communications,
journalism, drama, or debate.
*Mathematics - 4 units, including Algebra I and Algebra II, Geometry, and an advanced
math course (or 3 units of math and 1 unit of computer science). The fourth unit may
be College Algebra or a higher level college math course, as long as three college
credit hours are earned. It is strongly recommended that students take a math course
during their senior year.
*Science - 3 units with lab experience (or 2 units with lab experience and 1 unit
of Computer Science).
Biology - 1 unit (all students must have 1 unit in Biology, IB Biology, ADE Biology,
ADE Approved Biology Honors, or Concurrent Credit Biology.)
Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics - 2 units.
*Social Studies - 3 units, [one (1) unit of World History, one (1) unit of U.S. History,
one half (1/2) unit of Civics.]
*See note beside economics.
Computer Science - (optional) A flex unit of Computer Science and Mathematics, Essentials of Computer Programming, AP Computer Science, or IB Computer Science may replace the 4th math requirement or the 3rd science requirement. Two distinct units of the computer science courses listed above may replace the 4th math requirement and the 3rd science requirement. If the 4th math requirement and the 3rd science requirement have been met through other coursework, any of the computer science courses listed above may be used for career focus credit.
Oral Communications - ½ unit of oral communications.
Physical Education - ½ unit of physical education.
Health and Safety - ½ unit of health and safety.
Economics - ½ unit of economics. *may be counted toward Social Studies or Career Focus
Fine Arts - ½ unit of fine arts.
Electives - 6 units of career focus electives.
Freshmen Placement Standards
In accordance with A.C.A. § 6-61-110, first-time entering undergraduate students who enroll in baccalaureate degree programs or associate-degree transfer programs must meet the following placement standards prior to enrollment in college-level mathematics, reading, or English composition courses. Remedial courses do not provide credit toward a degree.
English Composition – Students scoring 19 or above on the English section of the ACT or 510 or above
on the writing section of RSAT or 248 or above on the writing section of the Next
Generation ACCUPLACER exam may enroll in college-level English courses. Students not
meeting the standard must successfully complete a developmental program.
Reading – Students scoring 19 or above on the reading section of the ACT, 510 or above on
the reading section of RSAT, or 246 or above on the reading section of the Next Generation
ACCUPLACER exam will be considered to have met minimal reading skill requirements.
English composition may be taken concurrent with or subsequent to any required developmental
reading program.
Mathematics – Below are the placement guidelines:
MATH 1003: College Mathematics and MATH 0803: Foundations of College Mathematics
ACT –Below 19 on mathematics section
RSAT –Below 500 on the mathematics section
Next Generation ACCUPLACER – Below 250 on the Arithmetic section
MATH 1003: College Mathematics
ACT – 19 or above on mathematics section
RSAT – 500 or above on the mathematics section
Next Generation ACCUPLACER – 250 or above on the Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra or
Arithmetic section
MATH 0903: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra and MATH 0900: Intermediate Algebra
Lab
ACT – Below 17 on mathematics section
RSAT – Below 460 on the mathematics section
Next Generation ACCUPLACER – Below 243 on Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra section
MATH 1113: College Algebra and MATH 0903: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra
ACT – 17-18 on mathematics section
RSAT – 460-490 or above on the mathematics section
Next Generation ACCUPLACER – 243-249 on Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra section
MATH 1113: College Algebra and MATH 1110: College Algebra Lab
ACT – 19-20 on mathematics section
RSAT – 500-520 or above on the mathematics section
Next Generation ACCUPLACER – 250-252 on Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra section
MATH 1113: College Algebra
ACT – 21 or above on mathematics section
RSAT – 530 or above on the mathematics section
Next Generation ACCUPLACER – 253 or above on the Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra section
Students who are required to complete developmental program(s) in mathematics, English, and/or reading, must enroll in the appropriate course(s) during their first semester at ATU-Ozark and in each subsequent semester until the developmental program is completed successfully. A grade of “C” or better is required in all developmental courses before the student may advance to higher level courses.
Former Students
Students who have interrupted their attendance at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus for more than one year or who have attended another university in the interim must reapply for admission. Additional documents may be required for readmission. Academic clemency may be granted in accordance with the clemency policy detailed in the Regulations and Procedures section.
Transfer Students
Transfer students making application for admission to Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus must submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities where they were officially registered. Students seeking transfer of credit from other institutions may be asked to provide a catalog or course description from the transfer institution.
Students with fewer than 24 semester hours of earned college-level credit must also submit an official final high school transcript and must request current transferable ACT, SAT, or Next Generation ACCUPLACER scores be sent to the University. Exam scores will not be required if the English and mathematics general education requirements have been satisfied with grades of "C" or better.
In the event that receipt of a student's transcript is unavoidably delayed, as may frequently occur at midyear, a transfer student may be admitted provisionally pending receipt of the official transcript. However, the university reserves the right to require immediate withdrawal if the transfer transcript does not meet admission requirements. Students should be aware that receipt of official transcripts is required for transfer work to be articulated and to comply with scholarship application deadlines.
Applicants for transfer must have earned a GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) on all college-level courses attempted and be eligible to re-enroll at the last college or university attended.
Transfer Credit
ATU will recognize transfer credit from a U.S. institution provided that the institution is accredited by one of the six U.S. regional accreditation associations, and for courses that are approved for transfer by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) through the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS), and for courses from any institution with which ATU has a formal Memorandum of Understanding regarding transfer credit. Acceptance of course credit may depend on the date that the institution was accredited or the date that a course was approved for transfer by ADHE.
Transfer credit for coursework from institutions outside the U.S. will be considered
on an individual basis. Students seeking transfer of credit from a foreign college/university
must complete a credential evaluation through a Credential Evaluation Service authorized
by Arkansas Tech University (a list of approved service providers can be obtained
in the International and Multicultural Student Services Office (IMMSO) or in the Registrar’s
Office). Transfer credit, although accepted by the university, is not guaranteed to be applicable
toward meeting degree requirements for the particular program of study selected by
the transfer student. For more detailed information on how transfer credit is determined and applied, please
follow this link: https://www.atu.edu/registrar/transfer.php.
The most current available course transfer information on file with the university will be used at the time of advising and/or registration. The student is responsible for having all up-to-date official transcripts on file with the university for use at that time. The student, not the university, is responsible for advising and/or registration issues that may arise due to official transcripts being submitted and placed on file after advising or registration has taken place.
Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS)
The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) is designed to assist in planning the academic progress of students from the high school level through the adult workforce. This system contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements. Students may complete specified General Education courses anywhere in the public system as well as many courses in the degree/major that have been pre-identified for transfer. Course transferability is not guaranteed for courses listed in ACTS as "No Comparable Course." Transferability of courses taken prior to January 1, 2007, is at the discretion of the receiving institution. The Arkansas Transfer System can be accessed at https://editor.engagelively.com/widgets/adhe-crosswalks-by-subject/index.html.
Act 747 of 2011 establishes a statewide common course numbering system for postsecondary courses. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) meets this requirement.
The following table lists those courses found within ACTS and the equivalent Arkansas Tech University course as of March 1, 2019. Please refer to the ACTS website (https://editor.engagelively.com/widgets/adhe-crosswalks-by-subject/index.html) for the most up-to-date course listings.
ACTS Course Index Number | ACTS Course Index Name | Arkansas Tech University Course Number | Arkansas Tech University Course Name |
---|---|---|---|
ANTH1013 | Introduction to Anthropology | ANTH 1213 | Introduction to Anthropology |
ANTH2013 | Cultural Anthropology | ANTH 2003 | Cultural Anthropology |
ARTA1003 | Art Appreciation | ART 2123 | Experiencing Art |
ARTA2003 | Art History Survey I | ART 2103 | Art History I |
ARTA2103 | Art History Survey II | ART 2113 | Art History II |
BIOL1004 | Biology for Non-Majors | BIOL 1014 | Introduction to Biological Sciences |
BIOL1014 | Biology for Majors | BIOL 1114 | Principles of Biology |
BIOL1034 | Botany for Majors | BIOL 2134 | Principles of Botany |
BIOL1054 | Zoology | BIOL 2124 | Principles of Zoology |
BIOL2004 | Introductory Microbiology | BIOL 2054 | Microbiology for Health Sciences |
BIOL2404 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I * | BIOL 2404 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
BIOL2414 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II * | BIOL 2414 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
CHEM1004 | Chemistry I for General Education | CHEM 1114 | Survey of Chemistry |
CHEM1214 | Chemistry I for Health Related Professions |
CHEM 1113/ and CHEM 1111 |
Survey of Chemistry and Lab |
CHEM1224 | Chemistry II for Health Related Professions |
CHEM 2204 | Organic Physiological Chemistry |
CHEM1414 | Chemistry I for Science Majors |
CHEM 2124 | General Chemistry I |
CHEM1424 | Chemistry II for Science Majors | CHEM 2134 | General Chemistry II |
CPSI1003 | Introduction to Computers | COMS 1003 | Introduction to Computer Based Systems |
CRJU1023 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | CJ 2003 | Introduction to Criminal Justice |
DRAM1003 | Theatre Appreciation | TH 2273 | Introduction to Theatre |
ECON2103 | Principles of Macroeconomics | ECON 2003 | Principles of Economics I |
ECON2203 | Principles of Microeconomics | ECON 2013 | Principles of Economics II |
ENGL1013 | Composition I | ENGL 1013 | Composition I |
ENGL1023 | Composition II | ENGL 1023 | Composition II |
ENGL2013 | Introduction to Creative Writing | ENGL 2043 | Introduction to Creative Writing |
ENGL2023 | Introduction to Technical Writing | ENGL 2053 | Technical Writing |
ENGL2113 | World Literature I | ENGL 2003 | Introduction to World Literature |
ENGL2653 | American Literature I | ENGL 2013 | Introduction to American Literature |
FREN1013 | French I | FR 1013 | Beginning French I |
FREN1023 | French II | FR 1023 | Beginning French II |
FREN2013 | French III | FR 2013 | Intermediate French I |
FREN2023 | French IV | FR 2023 | Intermediate French II |
GEOG1113 | Human Geography | GEOG 2023 | Human Geography |
GEOG2103 | World Regional Geography | GEOG 2013 | Regional Geography of the World |
GEOG2223 | Physical Geography | No Comparable Course | No Comparable Course |
GEOL1114 | Physical Geology | GEOL 1014 | Physical Geology |
GEOL1124 | Environmental Geology | No Comparable Course | No Comparable Course |
GEOL1134 | Historical Geology | GEOL 2024 | Historical Geology |
GERM1013 | German I | GER 1013 | Beginning German I |
GERM1023 | German II | GER 1023 | Beginning German II |
GERM2013 | German III | GER 2013 | Intermediate German I |
GERM2023 | German IV | GER 2023 | Intermediate German II |
HEAL1003 | Personal Health | HLED 1513 | Personal Health and Wellness |
HIST1113 | World Civilizations I | HIST 1503 | World History to 1500 |
HIST1123 | World Civilizations II | HIST 1513 | World History since 1500 |
HIST2113 | United States History I | HIST 2003 | United States History to 1877 |
HIST2123 | United States History II | HIST 2013 | United States History since 1877 |
MATH1103 | College Algebra | MATH 1113 | College Algebra |
MATH1113 | Quantitative Literacy/ Mathematical Reasoning | MATH 1003 | College Mathematics |
MATH1203 | Plane Trigonometry | MATH 1203 | Plane Trigonometry |
MATH1305 | Pre-Calculus | MATH 1914 | Precalculus |
MATH2103 | Introduction to Statistics | STAT 2163 | Introduction to Statistical Methods |
MATH2203 | Survey of Calculus | MATH 2243 | Calculus for Business and Economics |
MATH2405 | Calculus I | MATH 2914 | Calculus I |
MATH2505 | Calculus II | MATH 2924 | Calculus II |
MATH2603 | Calculus III | MATH 2934 | Calculus III |
MUSC1003 | Music Appreciation | MUS 2003 | Introduction to Music |
PHIL1103 | Philosophy | PHIL 2003 | Introduction to Philosophy |
PHSC1004 | Physical Science | PHSC 1013/ and PHSC 1021 |
Introduction to Physical Science and Physical Science Lab |
PHSC1104 | Earth Science | GEOL 1004 | Essentials of Earth Science |
PHSC1204 | Introduction to Astronomy | PHSC 1053/ and PHSC 1051 |
Astronomy and Observational Astronomy Lab |
PHYS2014 | Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics I | PHYS 2014 | Physical Principles I |
PHYS2024 | Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics II | PHYS 2024 | Physical Principles II |
PHYS2034 | Calculus-Based Physics I | PHYS 2114 | General Physics I |
PHYS2044 | Calculus-Based Physics II | PHYS 2124 | General Physics II |
PLSC2003 | American National Government | POLS 2003 | American Government |
PLSC2103 | State and Local Government | No Comparable Course | No Comparable Course |
PSYC1103 | General Psychology | PSY 2003 | General Psychology |
PSYC2103 | Developmental Psychology | No Comparable Course | No Comparable Course |
SOCI1013 | Introduction to Sociology | SOC 1003 | Introductory Sociology |
SOCI2013 | Social Problems | CJ/SOC 2033 | Social Problems |
SPAN1013 | Spanish I | SPAN 1013 | Beginning Spanish I |
SPAN1023 | Spanish II | SPAN 1023 | Beginning Spanish II |
SPAN2013 | Spanish III | SPAN 2013 | Intermediate Spanish I |
SPAN2023 | Spanish IV | SPAN 2023 | Intermediate Spanish II |
SPAN2023 | Spanish IV | SPAN 2033 | Intermediate Spanish II for Heritage Speakers |
ACCT2003 | Principles of Accounting I | ACCT 2003 ** | Principles of Accounting I |
ACCT2013 | Principles of Accounting II | ACCT 2013 ** | Principles of Accounting II |
BLAW2003 | Legal Environment of Business | BLAW 2033** | Legal Environment of Business |
BUSI2103 | Business Statistics | BUAD 2053 ** | Business Statistics |
* Note - Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II must be
taken at the same institution to be transferable.
** Note - Accounting and business courses are not general education core courses.
***Note - Applied Technical Math courses not guaranteed for transfer.
Conditional Admission
Students who have been denied admission may file a written appeal addressed to the Chief Student Officer seeking conditional admission. The appeal should be made within ten (10) calendar days from the date admission was denied and should state applicant's grounds for appeal. Students granted conditional admission will be admitted on academic probation.
Conditional (Prep) Admission / Ability-to-Benefit
Students admitted to Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, who do not meet the university minimum standard, seeking an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, are evaluated and reconsidered as having an ability to benefit.
Required for Conditional (Prep) Admission:
- Conditional (Prep) freshman will sign a contract defining satisfactory progress and outlining requirements for enrollment.
- Conditional (Prep) freshmen will be advised into a minimum number of courses designed to enhance current skill set to include mandated remediation courses and the Arkansas Tech mandated freshman orientation course. All other courses will be selected based on their individual major or degree pathway.
- All Conditional (Prep) freshmen will be monitored through the Early Warning System.
- All Conditional (Prep) freshmen will be assigned a mentor, and tutoring will be recommended.
Student Notification
A student’s Conditional (Prep) status will be communicated in admission letters and
tracked in our student information system.
Academic Progress
Upon completing 30 hours, conditionally admitted freshmen who make satisfactory progress
will be removed from academic probation. A conditionally admitted freshman who falls
below a 2.00 grade-point average (GPA) upon finishing 30 hours may be suspended.
Existing Student Success Strategies
Many existing institutional strategies are employed when outlining requirements for
Conditional (Prep) freshmen. Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus requires a freshmen
orientation class, known as OZRK 1001 for AAS-seeking students admitted under conditional
prep guidelines; mandates extensive freshmen advising; assigns mentors, who encourage
the use of tutoring centers; employs a mid-term check policy for freshmen; and utilizes
an early warning program to find students who are exhibiting signs of academic distress.
Non-Degree Admission
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus serves the general public by allowing individuals to enroll in classes for professional development and self-fulfillment without meeting regular admission requirements. The student admitted under this policy, who later chooses to pursue a degree, must reapply for admission as a degree seeking student and meet standard admission policies. A maximum of 27 credit hours earned as a non-degree seeking student may be applied to a degree program. Financial Aid benefits may not be granted to students admitted as non-degree seeking. For more information, call the Office of Student Services at (479) 667-3433.
High School - University Admission
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus welcomes the opportunity to serve area schools by complementing their programs with special opportunities for students to enroll in college courses and earn college credit by attending Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus. In accordance with the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, paragraph 6-18-223 makes provisions whereby a student who is enrolled in a public school in Arkansas and who has completed the eighth grade is eligible to enroll at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus upon approval of the appropriate public school official, provided the student does not need developmental courses in mathematics, English or reading and has a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.00 or greater on a 4.0 scale, or principal's recommendation. (Students who do not meet admission criteria may be conditionally admitted.)
Once admitted and enrolled, concurrent students do not need to reapply for the concurrent program unless there is a break in fall/spring enrollment. Concurrent students must reapply when changing admission status, for example, from concurrent to entering freshmen. The course(s) agreed upon by the student and their high school must also be approved each term by a university official. The application for concurrent enrollment can be found at http://atu.edu/ozark/admission.
Non-Academic Rejection
Please note that academic performance is not the sole criterion for admission to the university. The university may evaluate a person's behavior and background to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at the university. An evaluation may take into consideration current behavior and performance as well as past experiences and actions. Academically qualifying for admission does not guarantee admission.
Testing for Admissions and Placement
Entering students are required to provide Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus with American College Testing (ACT) Assessment or Next Generation ACCUPLACER scores for purposes of admission, academic placement, and the awarding of academic scholarships. Entering students, who have been out of an educational setting for three or more years and who have not taken the ACT or Next Generation ACCUPLACER prior to arrival at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, are encouraged to take the Next Generation ACCUPLACER. The ACCUPLACER is administered on the computer and consists of three tests: writing, math, and reading. Information about the Next Generation ACCUPLACER can be obtained by calling the Office of Student Services at (479) 667-2117.
Student Retention and Graduation Rates
For information about retention and graduation rates at Tech, go to http://ir.atu.edu or contact the Office of Institutional Research at 479-964-3219.
Academic Advising and Selecting a Program of Study
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus encourages students to give serious thought to the selection of a major field of study. They should determine the academic pursuits that lead to the vocations most attractive, not only in financial gain, but in interest as well. They should then examine the program of study most closely related to their interest areas.
Students should meet with an academic advisor for help in selecting a major field of study. The Ozark Campus Academic Advisor works closely with faculty in order to provide assistance to our students. The Academic Advisor is available to discuss major areas of interest, assist in planning for registration, and maintain a degree checklist of requirements to complete for graduation. While an academic advisor can guide the student, it is the student's responsibility to take an active role in their educational process by knowing what courses are required; complying with requirements for graduation application and degree audit; and gaining a general knowledge of requirements to complete their program successfully.
Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiac Sonography, Cosmetology, Medical Assisting, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.
Undecided Study
Some students entering the University have not chosen a major. Students enrolling as "undecided" majors will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies and will be advised by the Office of Student Services. The Office of Student Services is located in the Student Services and Conference Center and can be contacted by calling (479) 667-3433.
Procedure for Scheduling Courses
Procedures for registration are available on the university Web site at http://atu.edu/ozark/registrar. Prior to enrollment, students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to prepare a class schedule and officially register for classes and pay tuition/fees.
Course Information
All courses taught at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus are listed alphabetically by subject area in the Course Descriptions area. Course symbols, the four-digit numbers used to identify courses within a department, have the following significance: the first digit of the number denotes the year level at which the course is given; the second and third digits differentiate the course from others in the department; the fourth digit shows the number of credit hours given. Typically an "hour of credit" requires one hour of classroom work per week for the duration of a semester.