How to Read and Use the Academic Catalog
How to Read and Use This Academic Catalog
A Guide for Student Success
What Is the Academic Catalog—and Why It Matters
The academic catalog is your official guide to your college education. It explains:
• What you need to graduate
• What courses you can take
• What rules and policies apply to you
Think of the catalog as a contract of expectations (not a legal contract) and a roadmap for your degree. Understanding how to use it will help you avoid delays, extra costs, or missed requirements.
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Step 1: Know Your Catalog Year
Your catalog year determines the rules you must follow to graduate.
• Usually, this is the academic year you first enroll or declare your major
• Your degree requirements come from this version of the catalog
• Even if the catalog changes later, your catalog year typically stays the same (unless you choose to update it)
👉 Why it matters: Following the wrong catalog year could mean taking unnecessary courses—or missing required ones.
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Step 2: Find Your Degree Requirements
Locate Graduation Requirements in the catalog and read that section carefully. You will usually see:
• Total number of credit hours required (minimum 120, but some majors require more)
• Required GPA for graduation
• Residency requirement (number of credit hours taken at MC)
• Any additional requirements (Maryville College Works, etc.)
👉 Tip: Print or save this section—it is your personal checklist for graduation.
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Step 3: Understand General Education (Core Curriculum)
Everyone must complete general education requirements. These courses help you build broad skills like:
• Writing and communication
• Critical thinking
• Math and scientific reasoning
• Understanding society and culture
👉 Tip: These courses are not “extra”—they are required for every degree.
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Step 4: Find Your Major Requirements
Locate your major in the catalog and read that section carefully. You will usually see:
• Total number of credit hours required (varies by major)
• Required courses in your major
• Any additional requirements (internships, capstones, exams)
👉 Tip: Print or save this section—it is your personal checklist for graduation.
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Step 5: Learn How to Read a Course Description
Each course in the catalog includes important details:
Example:
ENG 120: Composition and Speech II
This course hones students' skills in writing and speech, with particular emphasis on strategies and sources appropriate for academic and professional work. It also provides instruction in argumentation and library research that supports students' completion of an extended researched argument as well as multiple shorter writing assignments and presentations. (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: ENG110 or placement into the course
Here’s what it means:
•Course code (ENG 120): Identifies the class
• Title: What the course is called
• Description: What you will learn
• Credit hours: How much it counts toward your degree
• Prerequisite: What you must complete before enrolling
👉 Tip: Always check prerequisites before registering.
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Step 6: Understand Credit Hours and Course Load
• Most classes = 3 credit hours
• Full-time status = typically 12+ credit hours per term
• On-time graduation usually requires 15 credit hours per term
👉 Why it matters: Taking too few credits can delay graduation. Taking too many can be overwhelming.
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Step 7: Plan Your Courses (With Help)
Use the catalog along with your academic advisor to plan:
• Which courses to take each term
• When courses are offered (some are only offered once a year)
• How to balance difficult and easier courses
👉 Tip: Do not try to plan everything alone—advisors are here to help you succeed.
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Step 8: Pay Attention to Academic Policies
The catalog includes important rules about:
• Grading system (A–F scale)
• GPA requirements
• Academic standing (good standing, warning, probation, suspension)
• Withdrawal deadlines
• Repeat policies
👉 Why it matters: These policies affect your ability to stay enrolled and graduate.
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Step 9: Know Important Academic Terms
Here are a few key terms you will see often:
• Major: Your primary area of study
• Minor: A secondary area of study
• Electives: Courses you choose
• Prerequisite: A required course before another
• Syllabus: A course guide provided by your instructor
• Transcript: Your official academic record
You can see more definitions in the Key Terms and Definitions section.
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Step 10: Use the Catalog Throughout Your College Career
The catalog is not just for your first semester—use it every term to:
• Check your progress
• Confirm requirements
• Plan future courses
• Prepare for graduation
👉 Tip: Review your progress at least once per semester.
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Step 11: Ask Questions Early and Often
If something in the catalog is unclear:
• Talk to your academic advisor
• Ask a faculty member or the Registrar
• Visit the Advising Center
👉 Remember: College language can feel unfamiliar at first. Asking questions is a normal and important part of learning.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not checking prerequisites before registering
• Assuming a course will be offered every term
• Ignoring GPA requirements
• Waiting too long to meet with an advisor
• Not knowing your catalog year
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Final Advice
You do not need to understand everything at once. Start with:
1. Your catalog year
2. Your degree requirements
3. Your next semester plan
Build from there.
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You Belong Here
College systems can feel complicated, especially if you are the first in your family to attend. The catalog may seem overwhelming at first—but with practice, it becomes a powerful tool you can use to take control of your education.