The Degree Audit automatically applies completed and in-progress coursework to requirements. Because the audit is dynamic, course placement may change as the system recalculates the best fit for fulfilling degree requirements.
Why courses may not be placed as expected:
- Courses that satisfy multiple requirements—Some courses can fulfill more than one requirement. The audit places courses where they best support overall degree completion, which may differ from initial expectations. As the student completes additional coursework, course placement may change to create the most efficient fit.
- Catalog year—Degree requirements are based on the student’s catalog year. Because requirements can change over time, a course listed in a newer catalog may not apply to the program. An exception or a catalog year change may be needed.
- Non-qualifying Grades—Some requirements specify a minimum grade or a specific grading mode such as a letter grade instead of passed/not passed. Courses that do not meet these conditions may not apply.
- Advisor Approval Required—“SEE ADVISOR” indicates that the course that satisfies the requirement requires departmental or advisor approval. The appropriate course may need to be determined based on the student’s individual academic plan.
- Non-Articulated Transfer Work—Transfer credit may appear on the student’s record without automatically applying to a specific requirement. While many California Community Colleges courses have established articulations published in ASSIST, coursework from other institutions may require departmental review before it can be applied. Transfer work may need to be applied through exceptions.
- Unit or Course Limits—Some requirements limit the number of units that can be applied from certain course types, such as internships or seminars.
- Additional Requirement Conditions—Some requirements include additional conditions, such as completing a minimum number of units or following a required course sequence before coursework can apply.
- Special Programs—Courses completed through Special Programs may fulfill requirements but often require review before they can be applied in the degree audit.
- Exceptions—In some cases, exceptions may be approved to allow a course to satisfy a requirement. These may require prior approval via the Exception Petition to be entered.
Advising Use Recommendations
The Degree Audit is a valuable advising tool that can be used before, during, and after advising appointments, as well as throughout the certification process. It allows students and advisors to review academic progress and identify remaining requirements in real time.
For the most accurate results, coursework should be allowed to apply automatically based on the audit’s programmed rules.