Equivalent Courses

Course equivalency allows two or more courses with different prefixes (such as BIO and BIOL) to be recognized as equivalent for curricular purposes.

The policy on course equivalencies can be found: https://www.wku.edu/policies/academic-affairs/

Equivalent courses must share the same curriculum, student learning outcomes, and competencies or skills. They may be used interchangeably to fulfill prerequisite, co-requisite, or degree completion requirements.

Requirements for Equivalent Courses

To qualify as equivalent, courses must have identical information in the following areas:

Faculty from the departments offering equivalent courses must jointly determine course content and consult regularly to maintain equivalency.

Important: Course equivalency is different from course cross-listing. Refer to WKU Policy 1.4080 – Course Cross-listing for additional information.

Establishing Course Equivalency

The approval process depends on whether the proposal involves existing courses or a new course.

Option 1: Establishing equivalency between existing courses

1. Develop a proposal to establish equivalency between two or more existing courses.

2. Obtain approval from each department or school offering the courses.

3. If the courses are offered in different colleges, obtain approval from each college's curriculum committee.

4. Following college curriculum committee approval, submit the proposal through the remainder of the established curriculum approval process.

Option 2: Establishing equivalency for a new course

1. Develop a new course proposal that identifies the existing course to which equivalency is requested.

2. Route the proposal through the departments and colleges concerned.

3. Obtain approval from both departments or schools.

4. Complete college curriculum committee review and the remaining curriculum approval process.

Courses recognized as equivalent before the policy's effective date retain their equivalency status.

Discontinuing Course Equivalency

Faculty wishing to discontinue equivalency between two or more courses must submit a proposal through the established curriculum approval process.

When equivalency is discontinued:

• Equivalency notations must be removed from the course catalog.

• Banner course inventory records must be updated accordingly.

• If both courses remain active, changing one course number is recommended to prevent confusion for students and advisors.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Course equivalencies must be documented in each affected course description, including:

• University course catalog

• Other online course information sources

• Banner course inventory

These records must be updated when equivalency is discontinued through the appropriate curriculum channels.

Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty from departments offering equivalent courses are responsible for jointly determining appropriate course content and consulting regularly to ensure continued equivalency.

Establishing equivalency does not change the primary reporting line of faculty assigned to teach the courses.