Upper and Lower Level Credit

Overview

Getting a degree is not as simple as taking a bunch of "intro to..." classes. Each degree has a certain number of "lower level" and "upper level" credits that are required. Lower level credits are typically the general education classes you would encounter in your first two years at a four year school -- alternately, all courses you would take at a two year community college. Upper level credits are typically the more in-depth courses you would take as a junior or senior at a 4-year institution. Generally speaking, a course with a numeric prefix of 1XX or 2XX, or a title such as "Intro to..." or "Principles of..." is considered lower level, while 3XX and 4XX courses are usually upper level credits.

Note the key words "typically" and "generally" and "usually" as used above. Remember, each school is free to set its own academic policies, including the determination of what constitutes upper vs lower level credit.