A prerequisite is a course/condition that must be completed in order to enroll in another specified course. Prerequisites may be one or more courses, a minimum placement test score, a minimum grade in a prerequisite course, or junior or senior class standing.   

A corequisite is a course that must be taken at the same time as a specified course.

If you have not met a prerequisite, you may not be permitted to enroll in the course. You will receive an error message when registering that states "Error: Unable to add this class. Prerequisites have not been met.”

NOTE: Pre-requisites are determined by the program and are effective at the time the course is offered. All prerequisites and corequisites are strictly enforced at the time of the student’s registration.  Students must complete, or have in progress, all required pre-requisites at the time of enrollment.  It is recommended that students review current pre-requisites in the Schedule of Classes.

Common Prerequisite Errors

Class Standing

 I’m a third year student, why can’t I enroll in upper division courses?

In order to have upper division standing you need to have 60+ units, including any in progress units in the current semester, at the time of registration.

I will be a junior next semester and I am trying to enroll in a course that has a prerequisite of junior standing. Why can’t I enroll?

The system takes into account any in progress units in the current semester, at the time of registration. If you will have 60+ units by the end of the current semester, you will be able to enroll as long as you meet all prerequisites.

Specific Prerequisite Required

I haven’t completed the prerequisite MATH 105 but I’ve already completed MATH 150 (or another higher level math). Why can’t I enroll in this course? 

The system will look for the specific prerequisite course even if you have taken a higher level. You will need to contact the instructor for a permission number. Please note distribution of permission numbers is at the discretion of the instructor.

Department Consent

I’m trying to enroll in a course that requires department consent. What does this mean? How do I add the class?

You will need to contact the department in order to request a permission number to enroll in this course. Please note permission numbers are at the discretion of the department.

Reserve Capacity

I see there are seats open in this course and I have met the prerequisites, but I am getting this message: “You are unable to enroll. Available seats are reserved and you do not meet the requirements for reserved capacity requirements.”

You are receiving this error because the department has chosen to reserve seating for specific majors. We recommend you find an alternate course to fit your schedule or you may contact the program for more information.

Transfer Credit

I met the prerequisite for this course at a community college or former institution. Why can’t I enroll?

Check your  Transfer Credit Report (PDF, 263KB) in CI Records to see if the course you have taken has been given a direct course-to-course equivalency at CI. Contact registrar@csuci.edu if you believe an equivalency is missing or incorrect.

I submitted an approved course substitution form for a transfer course to meet a prerequisite. Why am I still receiving a prerequisite error?

A course substitution does not automatically allow the course to meet a prerequisite. You may contact the instructor to request a permission number. Please note distribution of permission numbers are at the discretion of the instructor.

I am currently enrolled in a prerequisite course at a community college. Can I submit my unofficial transcript and be added to the class?

In progress courses at another institution cannot be used to meet a prerequisite. We cannot accept unofficial transcripts as verification of a prerequisite. Please submit official transcripts once the course receives a final grade.

Course Substitution

My program chair signed off on a course substitution for a course that meets a prerequisite. Why am I still receiving a prerequisite error?

A course substitution does not automatically allow the course to meet a prerequisite. You may contact the instructor to request a permission number. Please note distribution of permission numbers are at the discretion of the instructor.

Questions?

Email us at registrar@csuci.edu with the following information:

  • Name and student ID number
  • Course(s) you are receiving an error for
  • How have you met the prerequisite requirement for this course?

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