A-State Common Course Numbering
Common Course Numbering Initiative
A-State Common Course Numbering Initiative
Objective
To implement a common course numbering system in alignment with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) directive, ensuring consistency across public universities and supporting statewide academic mobility.
Summary of the Initiative
This past spring our institution began transitioning to a standardized course numbering system, becoming the second university in Arkansas to adopt this approach. This initiative aims to:
- Maximize credit mobility for students across institutions.
- Strengthen equitable transfer pathways between campuses.
- Simplify administrative processes, including transcript evaluation.
The system builds upon the existing Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) and introduces:
- A standardized schema for credit-bearing courses.
- A separate schema for noncredit workforce training.
- No requirement for renaming courses or altering course descriptions.
This transition supports a statewide goal of creating a unified course numbering
Key Changes to Course Numbers and Prefixes
Course numbers will change from a four-digit to a five-digit format
(e.g., AGRI 6253 becomes AGRI 66253). Some course prefixes will also change to match ADHE standards (e.g., Political Science changes from POSC to PLSC).
ITS and the Registrar are updating Banner, DegreeWorks, Curriculog, and course equivalencies. Academic departments must create new sections in Coursedog for Fall 2026 scheduling, which begins in early February.
Training sessions will be offered by Academic Affairs, the Registrar’s Office, and ITS in January.
Course Number Lookup
Databases for Course Number Lookup
Course Number Lookup Resources
The following resources can be used to search for course equivalencies and common course numbers across Arkansas institutions.
ASU System Master Spreadsheet for Course Number Lookup
Search course alignments and equivalencies within the Arkansas State University System.
State-Wide Common Course Numbering Database
Please use this database to review the common course numbers and prefixes that have been approved by ADHE and added to the state-wide common course numbering database when seeking to change course numbers or prefixes, or create new courses. If the course in question matches a course already in the database, please utilize the established prefix and number.
If you have any questions related to the document, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs.