In the Classroom Strategies & Resources to Navigate Course Planning

One of the most important series of decisions that you will make as a college student is deciding which courses you are going to take during the next semester/term.

Navigating course scheduling can be quite a challenge as you ensure that your overall course selections:

Meet the College general requirements to graduate.
Meet the specific requirements of each Major, Minor and Certificate that you wish to pursue.
Align with actual course offerings and availability each semester.
Allows graduation in a timely manner (typically 3-5 years).

Top Down Approach to Course Planning

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Make sure early on that you have identified a realistic, but flexible 4 year plan that will meet your goals.

Links to University Catalog Example 4-year Plans for Psychology Major or Neuroscience Major:
- Psychology Major Four Year Plan
- Neuroscience Major Four Year Plan
Be strategic and efficient. Consider the necessary staging of certain course sequences. Make sure the necessary course prerequisites are completed in a timely fashion so that there is no bottle neck course constraining other upper division courses that you want to take.
Have a good Goldilocks mix of courses each semester that combined:
- Are challenging, but not so demanding that they reduce your success.
- Include sufficient high interest, engagement and maybe even fun.

Bottom Up Approach to Course Planning

Be opportunistic with the specific courses that are offered during the next term

Be flexible and have an opportunistic mind set. Remember that you may never have another opportunity to take some of the wide ranging, interesting and innovative courses taught by world class faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Identify alternative courses or course sequences.
Revisit each year with your Academic Advisor your overall plan and update/correct as needed.

Academic Advising

Academic Advisors are your most valuable resource for short-term and long-term planning!

Psychology and Neuroscience Advising

They know all of the complicated rules, course offering patterns and availability, as well as potential bottle necks.
When things don’t go exactly as planned, they are masters at coming up with creative solutions to help keep you on track.
They are your best advocate for petitioning for special considerations within the Department or College.
They also are a great resource for information concerning extracurricular opportunities, such as internship programs or career planning resources.