Navigating Program Prerequisites: A Guide to UCF's Requirements

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a multitude of opportunities for students pursuing higher education. With over 250 degree programs across 12 colleges, UCF provides access to extraordinary academics and various opportunities. However, navigating the prerequisites for these programs can be complex. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between common program prerequisites and major-specific requirements, particularly within the College of Business, guiding students toward a successful academic journey.

Understanding Common Program Prerequisites

The State of Florida has identified Common Program Prerequisites for all University programs. These prerequisites are foundational courses expected to be completed before a student is admitted to a specific program. These courses are designed to ensure that students have the necessary base knowledge to succeed in their chosen field of study.

The Role of Success Coaches

All prospective transfer students can contact a Success Coach who will assist them with pre-admission coaching. Transfer Connect Success Coaches work with students to develop a holistic plan that will motivate them to achieve their educational and career goals and guide them to succeed by graduating on time and possibly even sooner than expected. These coaches provide invaluable support in understanding and meeting these common prerequisites.

Limited and Restricted Access Programs

UCF has both limited access and restricted access programs, both defined as majors that have additional admission requirements (e.g., early application date, a separate application, or specific GPA requirements). However, there is no limit to the number of students who can be enrolled in restricted access programs.

Catalog Year and its Significance

Catalog Year denotes graduation/degree requirements of any UCF program in effect since the student began continuous enrollment at UCF. Graduation/degree requirements change from time to time. A student’s academic catalog year guarantees their graduation requirements, but not their admission requirements. Admission standards are subject to change without notice, and all pre-majors are held to the current admission standards.

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College of Business Admission Standards

The College of Business is a restricted access college, meaning that in order to be accepted into a College of Business major certain criteria must be met. Therefore, admission into UCF does not equate to admission into the College of Business. The College of Business Admission Standards have been established by the faculty to increase the likelihood of a timely program completion and post-graduation success. These standards are designed to ensure that students entering the program are well-prepared for the rigor of business studies.

Primary Business Core Requirements

A critical component of the College of Business admission standards is the Primary Business Core. Students must complete the Primary Business Core at UCF or an AACSB-accredited institution. Successful completion of GEB 3006 Career Development and Financial Planning is also required.

GPA and Grade Requirements

A “C” or better is required for Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing and Management. Accounting, Finance, Management and Marketing majors must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the Primary Core, and no grade less than a “C” in each of the five Primary Core classes. Additionally, Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing majors must earn a grade of at least a “B” in the first course in their chosen major.

If any course in the Primary Core is repeated, either to earn the minimum required grade of “B” for a first course in the desired major, or to earn the minimum required grade of “C” for any other Primary Core course, both attempts will be counted in the calculation of the Primary Core GPA. However, the better attempt, not the average of both attempts, will be used to determine whether the student has met the minimum required grade sought through the repeated course. It is the student’s responsibility to thoughtfully consider the admission standards prior to electing to repeat a Primary Core course.

Integrated Business and Real Estate majors must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Primary Core, and no grade less than a “D” in each of the five Primary Core classes. Additionally, Real Estate majors must earn a minimum grade of “C” in the first course in their chosen major. If the first course in the major is repeated to earn a “C”, both attempts will be calculated in the Primary Core GPA. However, the best attempt, not the average of both attempts, will be used to meet the “C” admission requirement.

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Economics majors must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Primary Core courses, and no grade less than a “C” in each of the five Primary Core courses. Students are allowed a maximum of one repeat attempt to meet the 2.0 Primary Core GPA and a minimum grade of C in the first course in the major. It is the student’s responsibility to thoughtfully consider the admission standards prior to electing to repeat a Primary Core course.

Automatic Progression to Major

As long as a student meets the above admission standards, and is in the correct “Pre-major,” the student will automatically move into their major. This process will occur after official grades have posted at the end of the term.

Course Evaluation for Transfer Students

Students entering UCF with business coursework previously taken at another institution may use the College of Business Course Evaluation system to request that a business course that was taken at another institution be reviewed for equivalency with a College of Business course. Submissions to the system are reviewed by faculty within the appropriate academic department to determine if the course taken at another institution is equivalent to the course taught at UCF by College of Business faculty. If the academic department determines that the course is equivalent, the transfer credit will meet degree requirements. If it is determined that the course is not equivalent, the transfer credit will not meet degree requirements and the course must be successfully completed at UCF. Submissions are carefully evaluated by discipline-specific experts within the academic departments; therefore, equivalency decisions are final and non-negotiable.

Student Responsibilities and Expectations

All business students are expected to know how to find their degree audit (accessed through the MyUCF portal) and understand how to read the degree audit. It is the responsibility of each student to know the graduation requirements for their specific major and catalog year. If you have questions regarding your degree audit, you are encouraged to meet with an Advising Team member in the Office of Professional Development (BA2 101).

As a member of the UCF College of Business community, students commit to act honestly, responsibly, and above all, with honor and integrity in all areas of campus life. Continued enrollment in the College is a privilege, not a right, and this privilege may be revoked if a student violates the Student Code of Conduct. Students are accountable for all that they say and write and are expected to interact with faculty, staff, and students in a polite and professional manner at all times. They are responsible for the academic integrity of their work and pledge that they will neither misrepresent their work nor give or receive unauthorized aid.

Transient Course Requests

Business majors are expected to complete their business coursework at UCF. Once a student has enrolled as a UCF College of Business major, the College does not approve transient requests for college of business courses, or any business major required course. Students must request consideration by the College of Business before taking a course at another institution or the course will not count towards degree progress. You may submit your request for consideration by applying online at: floridashines.org. Go to the drop down menu under ‘Succeed in College’ and select ‘Take a Course at Another School.’ Select the “Apply Now” button.

Adding Additional Academic Plans

Requests to add additional College of Business academic plan/s (majors, minors, certificates) will be reviewed in accordance with the requirements listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. Submissions from students with 75+ credits earned or those delaying timely degree completion.

Intent to Graduate

Students are expected to submit their intent to graduate (ITG) in their graduating semester through their myUCF Student Portal once they have completed degree requirements and by the university deadline for the associated term. The Office of Professional Development can assist students in timely completion of their degree and post-graduation employment through early identification of major fit, connection with internship and employment opportunities, understanding degree requirements, and considering the opportunity costs of potential delays.

Incomplete Grades

The student must provide the appropriate documentation. Note: University requires that incompletes be completed within one year at which time a “F” is assigned. The policy does not require that students be given a year to complete the course requirements.

Grade Forgiveness

If you are retaking a course for grade forgiveness keep in mind University and College of Business deadlines. Students apply for grade forgiveness in the term they are retaking the course. If you received a “C-” or lower in your initial attempt, you will apply for grade forgiveness through myUCF. You will need to complete the online application. If you received a “C” or better in your initial attempt, you will need college approval. Students will be contacted once their form has been signed and approved with instructions to submit this form to the Registrar’s Office by the university deadline. Students must adhere to the OPD and University deadlines outlined above.

Prerequisite Enforcement

When registering for courses, it is the student’s responsibility to know prerequisite requirements. This includes both individual course prerequisites (e.g., Quantitative Business Tools I must be successfully completed prior to taking Quantitative Business Tools II) and program prerequisites (e.g., Primary Core classes must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in any upper-level courses in the major). College of Business prerequisites are updated annually by the faculty and are in place to increase the likelihood of student success. Students meeting the program prerequisites for a specific major may apply for admission to that major. Each business major has admission requirements unique to that particular major that have been established to increase the likelihood of a timely program completion and post-graduation success. Admission requirements must be met and an online ‘Change of Major Request’ must be submitted and approved in order to move from a ‘pre-business major’ status to ‘in the major’ status. When prerequisites are changed, they are enforced for all students.

Coursework Sharing and Registration Restrictions

A maximum of 6 hours of coursework may be shared between programs in the College of Business. Registration for a course that has a time overlap with any portion of the dedicated class time of another course is NOT permitted. University policy allows students to enroll in a maximum of 17 credit hours per fall and spring term, and a maximum of 14 credit hours per summer term (14 credit hours for summer A, B, C, and D combined). The College of Business fully supports this policy. Exceptions to this University policy are rare. Please note that work-related time conflicts, personal schedule conflicts, financial constraints, etc.

Academic Standing and Progress

The minimum UCF GPA required to be considered a student “in good standing” is 2.0. If a student’s UCF grade point average falls below a 2.0, the student is placed on Academic Probation. Students on academic probation are required to earn a minimum 2.0 UCF GPA during the subsequent semester. If the semester UCF GPA is above a 2.0 and is high enough to raise the cumulative UCF GPA back to a 2.0 or higher, then the student is placed back in “good standing” and is removed from academic probation. If the semester UCF GPA is a 2.0 but is not high enough to raise the cumulative UCF GPA back to a 2.0, then the student is placed on “Continued Probation” the next semester. A student on Academic Probation is disqualified upon failure to achieve a minimum 2.0 UCF GPA during the subsequent term. Students who have been disqualified from UCF will have a hold on their account from the Registrar’s Office. A Disqualified student seeking readmission to the University may submit an application for readmission to the Registrar’s Office. Meeting the admission standards for chosen major. A student readmitted following Disqualification who fails to achieve a minimum 2.0 UCF GPA is permanently excluded from the University. Students are not eligible for readmission after Exclusion.

Students failing to maintain the minimum required major GPA, per their declared major and catalog year will be placed on “Lack of Progress” in the major. If a student on “Lack of Progress” in the major fails to achieve the minimum required major GPA in the subsequent term of enrollment, including summer semesters, that student will be dismissed from the major and required to change his or her major. Students dismissed from their major are not eligible to declare a minor in the major they were dismissed from. For example: A student dismissed from Accounting is unable to declare an Accounting minor after dismissal. Students who change their major while on Lack of Progress in the Major and take courses in a subsequent term of enrollment are not permitted to return to the major or minor for which they were placed on Lack of Progress.

Students failing to maintain a minimum College of Business GPA of 2.0 will be placed on “Lack of Progress” in the College. If a student on “Lack of Progress” in the College fails to achieve a cumulative 2.0 College GPA in the subsequent term of enrollment, including summer semesters, that student will be dismissed from the College and required to change his or her major to a major outside of the College of Business.

Academic Policy Appeals

Academic policies have been approved by university and College of Business faculty. These policies will be strictly enforced. It is rare that an exception would be made. If a student has documented proof of a university error or extenuating circumstances, the College may consider an appeal. Medical-related appeals (death of an immediate family member, medical or health issues, etc.) should be submitted through the Registrar’s Office, not our College appeal process. There is a university deadline for these appeals. Appeals based on disagreement or general dissatisfaction with a policy will not be considered. The appeal includes a formal typed letter directly citing the specific policy that the student is appealing, and clearly states the exception that the student is requesting. The letter must also include the student’s PID, declared major, College of Business GPA, and UCF GPA. The appeal package contains all the above-required information and should be addressed to: College of Business Academic Policy Review Board. Appeals are submitted through an online platform. Please review the above criteria carefully and proofread your packet thoroughly. Failure to meet all of the above criteria will result in an automatic denial. Appeals will be accepted throughout the semester, until the Monday before the start of classes as indicated on the Academic Calendar. The Academic Policy Review Board will convene once a month to review appeals.

Resources for Prospective and Current Students

UCF offers a range of resources to help students navigate their academic journey.

Office of Transfer and Transition Services

Whether you’re planning to complete your bachelor’s degree or are seeking a new college with bigger opportunities, get the tools and support you need to transfer and succeed. Plus, if you earn an A.A. or articulated A.S. degree from one of our partner institutions, DirectConnect to UCF guarantees* you admission. Reach out to the Office of Transfer and Transition Services to help make your transition smooth and seamless. *Consistent with community/state college and university policy.

UCF Online

With more than 25 years of innovation in educational technology, UCF Online offers high-quality distance learning options for both traditional and nontraditional students. You’ll have a dedicated team that guides you every step of the way - from application through graduation - and helps you stay on track to achieve your goals. Choose from fully online offerings, including bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, professional certificates and 2+2 baccalaureate completion programs. Learn wherever and whenever you want.

Graduate Studies

Thinking about graduate school and beyond? Your next-level education begins right here. With world-class research, pioneering partnerships and renowned faculty, you’ll enjoy a rich blend of academics, research, culture and fun. We work hard to offer graduate degrees that work for you. Explore more than 138 master’s, specialist, doctoral and certificate programs to help you achieve your professional and personal goals. Continue your education and take the next step in your career.

Global Engagement

UCF students come from all over the world. With 151 countries represented on campus, there’s plenty of opportunity to make new friends and enjoy cultural experiences. International students, like you, make significant contributions to our campus learning, innovative research and global partnerships.

Continuing Education

Gain skills. Get certified. And get ahead. Enroll in credit and noncredit courses, as well as expert test prep programs. Whether you’re just starting out or have worked in an industry for years, certifications can help you achieve your goals and give you a competitive edge in your career.

Success Pathways

Listed courses are to account for degree requirements, pre-requisites and critical courses to prepare students for admission to intended major at UCF. This program may have different tracks. The semester curriculum suggested below assumes that the student: a) has earned an A.A., b) has completed required lower-level courses and academic milestones, c) will be enrolled full-time at UCF. Success Pathways do not substitute for your advisor, degree planning tools, and degree audits. Once you enroll at UCF, Pegasus Path (degree planning) and myKnight Audit (degree audit) are the official tools at UCF. Please choose your major of choice early and follow Success Pathways in consultation with your advisor or academic success coach.

Navigating the College of Business Curriculum

After selecting a specific business major and receiving college approval to enter the major, students will begin taking coursework in their selected major. All business majors require 27 credit hours of coursework in the major. In addition, all students will complete the Secondary Business Core and the remaining three courses in the Career Professional Series. The Secondary Business Core courses are designed to ensure that students have a solid understanding of the various functions of business and the environment in which the enterprise operates. In order to prepare students for their post college career, students will also complete the Career Professionalism Series that began with GEB 3006: Career Development and Financial Planning. Career decisions relating to choice of major and programs of study are often time consuming and haphazard. This course provides personal reflection and decision making skills to help you successfully navigate educational and on-going career challenges. Students will finalize the implementation of their career plan and learn what to do after they get their entry-level job to manage their career.

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