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Interested students can enroll in a pre-session at the beginning of the regular spring semester to catch up or get ahead on their degree requirements, broaden their career skills, or complete a required ACE or EL course.

Course Dates: Jan. 2 - 17, 2025

Registration Starts: Oct. 28, 2024 (register as soon as you're able as classes will fill quickly)

Credit Hours: Students can take up to four credit hours during the pre-session.

Deadline for new or visiting students to submit application and all supporting materials: Dec. 1

Scholarships and financial aid options available.

Pre-Session classes may be in-person, web conferencing, or online. Check in MyRED to see if a class has a synchronous component, meaning you'll be required to attend class in-person or on Zoom at specific days and times, or if the class is asynchronous, meaning you'll complete all coursework on your own and not be required to join a live class section. If a class has a synchronous component, specific days and times will be listed in MyRED.

Pre-session courses fall into one of four categories. See them all below:

Achievement-Centered Education courses

Achievement-Centered Education (ACE): General education courses that are certified to fulfill an ACE program requirement.

Career Enhancement

Career Enhancement: Courses that enhance career-readiness, covering discipline-specific topics as well as communication, technology, and leadership skills.

Degree Completion courses

Degree Completion: Courses necessary for graduation that tend to fill up quickly during the regular fall and spring semesters.

Experiential Learning courses

Experiential Learning: Designed to help students explore the world beyond the classroom. Courses that fulfill the undergraduate experiential learning requirement for students who entered UNL in Fall 2022, 2023, and 2024 are designated “EL” in MyRed.

Register for the
Spring Pre-Session

Registration for the Spring Pre-Session opens Oct. 28, 2024. We anticipate classes will fill up fast, so sign up as soon as you're able!

Current Nebraska Students

Register for classes in MyRED, just like for any other term. Search for "Pre-Session" in the session search field.

Register in MyRED

Visiting Students

(from another University)

Even if you're not currently enrolled at Nebraska, you're still welcome to join us for a Spring Pre-Session class. Complete an application for the Spring 2025 term as a "visiting" student and submit all supporting materials before Dec. 1, and you will be able to register for classes once you are admitted.

Apply as a Visiting Student

Spring Pre-session Classes

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Achievement-Centered Education

CLAS 180  Classical Mythology (3 credits) ACE 5

Learn about gods and goddesses, monsters, and heroes while studying literary and artistic sources within classical mythology.

CRIM 101  Survey of the Criminal Justice System (3 credits) ACE 6

This introductory course takes students behind the scenes of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and survivorship. Develop critical thinking, explore career opportunities, and gain an understanding of complex social and ethical issues.

ECON 200  Economic Essentials and Issues (3 credits) ACE 6,8

This introduction to economic reasoning and methods will cover consumer choice, resources, decision making under constraints, supply, demand, markets, economic welfare analysis, measurement, prices, employment, money, and interest rates. Students will also learn about economic policy and its limitations.

ECON 212  Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits) ACE 6

Students will learn how to understand and predict the behavior of both consumers and business, and more generally, learn a novel approach to predicting human behavior that complements other fields in the social sciences.

ETHN/HIST/WMNS 358  Native American Women (3 credits) ACE 9

Indigenous women's history offers a unique perspective on Native nations, colonialism, and modern movements toward decolonization and repatriation. Themes include ethnohistory, law and policy, reproductive rights, sovereignty, and women's activism.

HIST 291  History of Baseball (2 credits)

Learn how the cultural history of the United States has been affected through its national pastime, and how it has led the way in transforming the culture of the country.

HIST/ETHN 113  History of Hip Hop (3 credits) ACE 9

Analyze the history of hip-hop from the perspectives of human diversity and global awareness and explore the transnational dimensions of the hip-hop culture. Students will make connections between hip-hop and the historical and contemporary experiences of other minorities around the world with an emphasis on popular culture.

MATH 203  Contemporary Mathematics (3 credits) ACE 3

This course will introduce applications of quantitative reasoning and methods for problem-solving and decision-making in the areas of management, statistics, and social choice to students who are not in mathematically intensive fields.

MUSC 282  Introduction to Music Composition and Digital Audio Production (3 credits) ACE 7

Students will learn to use digital audio workstation (DAW) software to learn the fundamentals of music composition by creating original music via MIDI and digital audio. They will explore the theory and practice of improvisation, as well as techniques for reworking musical ideas towards producing a finished project.

NRES 492/892  Bahamas: Marine Ecology (3 credits) ACE 9

Through an immersive experience in the tropical marine ecosystems of the Bahamas, students will gain firsthand knowledge about marine biology, ecology, and conservation by directly interacting with both the biotic and abiotic components of these systems, alongside distinguished experts in the field.

PHIL 106  Philosophy and Current Issues (3 credits) ACE 8, 9

Students in this course will explore key social and ethical issues like economic inequality, mass incarceration, and global resource deprivation. They will also develop a position and engage in meaningful debates, all while applying foundational philosophical concepts to the challenges shaping the world today. Open to all majors.

PHIL 212  Ethics of Technology and Big Data (3 credits) ACE 8

Explore the ethical challenges of emerging technologies like AI and big data. This course offers practical insights and critical thinking skills relevant to all students as we navigate our increasingly digital world. Gain a deeper understanding of how to use technology ethically and shape your digital future.

RELG/HIST 180  Culture, Religion, and Society in Asia (3 credits) ACE 9

Students will learn about diverse aspects of Asian cultures through exploring Asian languages, histories, religions, and other topics.

TEAC 330/ETHN 330  Multicultural Education (3 credits) ACE 9

“Multicultural education” acknowledges schools’ roles in building skills, creating community, and expanding opportunity, but also their sometimes roles in discriminatory practices, cultural erasure, and stratifying outcomes. Students will explore why we have the schools we do and how educators can create better ones.

TEAC 331  Schools and Society (3 credits) ACE 8

This course offers students a critical understanding of how media shapes perceptions of schools within today's polarized political climate. By examining the ethical dilemmas of the school choice debate, students will develop analytical skills to navigate and challenge dominant narratives, fostering informed perspectives on education policy and equity.

UHON 395H  Soup Cans to Superstarts: Understanding Popular Music and Arts in 20th Century American Culture (3 credits) ACE 7

Art and music are all around us, permeating our lives through the popular culture that we experience daily. Learn about how popular art and music influence our perceptions of the world, American society, our values, who we are, and how we understand the world.

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Career Enhancement

ACCT 996  Certified Public Accountant Review (3 credits)

Students can accelerate their professional certification with this course, which will review material on two of the four sections of the Certified Public Accountant Exam. Students can expect to complete at least one section of CPA exam.

ALEC 897  Applied Evaluation Lab (1 credit)

Students will track an ongoing university community program in real-time and use data analysis, visualization software, and evaluation techniques to assess and communicate the impact of UNL engagement in Nebraska's rural communities.

ARCH 428/528/828  BIM – Conceptual Modeling and Analysis (1 credit)

Revit features a broad range of conceptual design and analysis features that make it an ideal platform for exploring early design concepts within a BIM environment. This course will explore the uses of Revit for conceptual design, and students will design and develop an architectural massing concept using its creation tools.

ARCH 429/529/829  BIM – Interoperability (1 credit)

The architecture, engineering, and construction industry continues to build new workflows and feedback loops that allow designers and engineers to create seamless feedback loops between design and production. This course will explore how to connect data and geometry using Building Information Modeling.

ARCH 492/592/892  Hand Drawing in the Digital Age (3 credits)

Students will develop the ability and methods to produce imagery with pen and paper as a means to document, discover, and communicate architectural experience. They will be encouraged to explore imperfections, the imaginary, the historical, and the contemporary through the practice of hand drawing.

BSAD 391  Introduction to R Programming (2 credits)

In this introduction to R — one of the most in-demand programming languages for data analysis — students will learn the basics and apply them to a series of short projects.

CASC 392  Public Health in Rwanda – Exploring a University Healthcare Model (3 credits)

This course provides an in-depth look at global healthcare. Students will engage in experiences that will place them in the midst of healthcare delivery in Kigali, Rwanda. Special attention will be paid to cultural and historical factors and the comparison of healthcare systems between different countries, such as Rwanda and the U.S.

CIVE 410/810  Sustainable Infrastructure (1 credit)

This course will explore infrastructure sustainability using the Envision framework, a system used to assess and recommend improvements to the sustainability of a real project. Upon completion, each student will become a certified Envision Specialist (ENV SP). All students interested in sustainable infrastructure are welcome.

CIVE 991  Research Methodology in Civil and Environmental Engineering (1 credit)

Perfect for first-year doctorate and thesis-based master’s students, this course covers research fundamentals, problem formulation, research design, data analysis, and effective presentation. Students will gain essential skills to jumpstart their academic journey and set a strong foundation for their future research endeavors.

CIVE 991  Research Writing in CEE (1 credit)

Learn how to draft a manuscript from research data for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or conference paper. Peer and instructor feedback will be provided in a workshop format. Also covered will be metrics describing publication and journal impact, writing for various audiences, and how to write research proposals for various funding agencies.

CRPL 467/867  Active and Healthy Community Development (3 credits)

Students will gain foundational knowledge of how the built environment impacts public health and active living. With the knowledge earned, they will have the ability to develop strategies to create vibrant, safe and healthy communities and be better prepared to advance in this growing field.

DSGN 423/523  Plastics (1 credit)

Plastics fabrication will acquaint students with some of the most common types of plastics used in 21st-century industries and design firms. Students will learn techniques for machining plastics; types of fastening, selecting, and using appropriate adhesives for plastics; and assembling plastic to wood projects, prototypes, and models.

ECEN 498  Quantum Programming for STEM (1 credit)

In this course, students will learn the foundations of quantum computation, practice programming on state-of-the-art quantum machines, and understand the impact and potential of quantum information science and technology in real-world applications.

ENGR 491/891  Preparation for Professional Licensure (1 credit)

This course prepares seniors for professional licensure, including the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, with a focus on civil, mechanical, and environmental exams. Online the first two weeks and choice of in-person or web conferencing the last week.

JOMC 292  How To Get Your Drone License (1 credit)

Students in this course will learn to understand the FFA requirements to fly drones for media production purposes and will understand the process to obtain appropriate licenses to fly drones professionally.

JOMC 292  Travel Writing (1 credit)

Have you ever wanted to travel for a living? What if you could do it for free? Students will learn how to pitch, write, and publish travel stories to print and online publications, plus the ins and outs of working with tourism bureaus and public relations companies to schedule FAM (familiarization) trips.

JOMC 392  Player Branding for Esports Content Creators (1 credit)

Learn the process of developing an engaging videogame live-stream brand and the approaches to audience engagement and personal branding by building one of your own. Discuss and employ strategies, theories, and approaches to effective audience engagement in the weird-wild-web of the internet.

JOMC 392  The "Reel" Deal: Instagram for Storytelling (1 credit)

In this course, students will take a deep dive into the Instagram platform researching best practices, ethics, and learning the ins and out of how to create and measure content. Students will learn and create content for the grid, stories, reels, Instagram live, and eCommerce to best leverage the platform to accomplish strategic communication goals.

JOMC 492  Branding Yourself in Today’s Market (1 credit)

This course teaches strategies to build a personal brand for success in the dynamic job market. It empowers you to articulate your skills, experience, and value effectively. Utilizing social media and online tools, you'll reshape your personal branding approach for a competitive edge.

NRES 40  Readiness for Care of Captive Wild Animals (0 credits)

This discipline-specific course is open to all majors and covers animal care and use general training, fundamentals of animal learning, regulations and inspection readiness, working safely with dangerous animals, and bioethics. It builds on a knowledge base and understanding of animal care of captive wildlife in the context of zoos and rehabilitation and is supported by the San Diego Zoo’s Global Academy. Students will earn a digital badge upon completion.

NRES 41  Care of Captive Wild Animals (0 credits)

This discipline-specific course is open to all majors and provides an introduction to wild animal nutrition, safe handling and restraint, zoological record keeping, environmental systems, and trust-based animal training. It builds on a knowledge base and understanding of animal care of captive wildlife in the context of zoos and rehabilitation and is supported by the San Diego Zoo’s Global Academy. Students will earn a digital badge upon completion.

NRES 498/898  Modeling Contaminant Transport and Remediation with ModFlow (3 credits)

In this condensed course, environmental science students will learn what controls the fate of pollutants in our environment and what remediation actions can be implemented to mitigate risks.

NUTR 875  Applied Dietetic Practice and Concepts (1 credit)

Students will acquire skills for conducting interviews and counseling sessions within the field of nutrition and dietetics to improve client wellness and nutrition and to facilitate behavior change.

PLAS 496  Introduction to Plant Identification (1 credit)

An introductory course for all students with varying backgrounds and majors who appreciate being outside and would like to learn more about the plants around them. Wildlife, biology, and agriculture students can learn the basics of plant parts before taking more complex courses during their academic career.

PHYS 192  Preparing for General Physics I (1 credit)

This self-paced course will help students refresh their math and physics knowledge, with assistance from an experienced physics instructor, and be prepared for success in PHYS 211.

PHYS 492/892  Introduction to a Software Package for Processing and Improvement of High-resolution Transmission Microscopy Images (1-6 credits)

Electron microscopes are critical tools in many research fields including materials science, physics, chemistry, and civil engineering. Students are required to receive training in the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience to use the instruments in their research work. This course provides the background and software knowledge necessary for processing and improvement of high-resolution transmission microscopy images.

PSYC 392  Human Sexuality for Pre-Health (1 credit)

Sexuality and reproduction are important aspects of patients’ lives. In this course, pre-health students will learn about sexual anatomy, terminology, identity, and communication. Being able to identify and discuss sex-related concerns will help students become better healthcare providers.

SCMA 391  The Role of Business in Sustainability (3 credits)

Learn about the role of sustainability in business by analyzing real-world examples. Basic concepts and definitions will be covered, as well as the role of innovation and technology in achieving sustainability, and a variety of career paths in this field.

STAT 892  Introduction to Spatial-temporal Statistics with Agricultural and Environmental Applications (3 credits)

Spatial-temporal statistics is crucial for statistical, agricultural and environmental science students to analyze complex data, understand environmental processes, make informed decisions, and enhance career prospects in fields like environmental consulting, public health, agriculture, and urban planning. It enables interdisciplinary collaboration and effective resource management.

TEAC 411/811  Literacy Processes and Practices (3 credits)

Explore literacy from various perspectives: cognitive, developmental, psycholinguistic, socio-cultural. Students will examine how literacy might be defined by children and youth, families, teachers, policy makers, and researchers across home, school, community, and work settings. This course will connect these views of literacy to young people and their learning.

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Degree Completion

ACCT 201  Introductory Accounting I (3 credits)

This course introduces the fundamental concepts and terminology of accounting and financial reporting. Learn where the numbers come from and how to analyze and interpret accounting information to make decisions.

ACCT 202  Introductory Accounting II (3 credits)

This course focuses on the fundamentals of accounting, reporting, and analysis to understand financial, managerial, and business concepts and practices.

ADPR 151  Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations (3 credits)

Learn about the foundational principles of advertising and public relations disciplines. Once understood individually, students will explore their use together in integrated marketing communications strategies.

ECON 211  Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits) ACE 6

Students will be able to understand the consequences of macroeconomic policies and can consequentially anticipate outcomes and make better decisions in their personal and professional lives.

FINA 361  Finance (3 credits)

An introduction to concepts and techniques that form the foundation of modern finance, this course will teach students the time value of money, stock and bond valuation, risk analysis, cash flow estimation, and capital budgeting.

NRES 417/817  Agroforestry Systems in Sustainable Agriculture (3 credits)

A combination of agriculture and forestry (agroforestry) optimizes land use for both production and environmental conservation purposes. This course will help students understand the environmental, social, and economic foundations of agroforestry practices and explore natural resource concerns as they relate to conservation forestry practices.

SCMA 250  Spreadsheet Analytics (1 credit)

Spreadsheet skills are essential for careers in any area of business. This course provides students with critical analytical skills that leverage spreadsheet capabilities with an emphasis on good practices, modeling, and use of built-in Excel functions. Assignments are in problem-solving format, focusing on techniques required for effective and efficient solutions.

SCMA 331  Operations and Supply Chain Management (3 credits)

This course will give students a background in how firms design, control, and implement their production processes, as well as topics like supply chain management, logistics, quality, and inventory. It will help them understand how firms can be more efficient, reduce costs, and ultimately keep customers happy.

SCMA 350  Business Analytics/Information Analysis (3 credits)

Data and information are important resources to be managed in modern organizations. In this course, students will develop quantitative analytical and presentation skills, and learn system concepts with a focus on data analysis and related business decisions.

SPED 863  Medically Fragile Infants (3 credits)

Intended for current or future providers of special education services to children birth to age five, this course shares resources to support families of young children who have special health care needs. Learn about key medical terms, developmental care interventions, and practices related to effective professional collaboration.

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Experiential Learning

AGRI 310  Tropical Agroecosystems of Costa Rica (3 credits) ACE 9

Compare and contrast the sustainability of tropical agroecosystems in Costa Rica with temperate agroecosystems of the U.S. Experience research, commercial, small-holder, and agritourism farms across Costa Rica firsthand to better understand the diversity and economic importance of tropical food production. Open to all majors.

ASCI 197  Zoo Industry Practicum (2 credits)

Dive into the world of the zoo industry at the renowned Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Gain hands-on experience, learn from industry experts, and explore key aspects of zoo management and conservation. Perfect for those aspiring to work with wildlife and enhance their careers in animal science or zoo management.

DSGN 422/522  Metals (1 credit)

This course is an introduction to the College of Architecture's Metals Shop and equipment. Students will learn techniques for processing various metals, some of the most common welding methods, and how to assemble metal projects and prototypes. Students will gain knowledge of how and why metals are used in the design industry.

FDST 492/892  Brewing Fundamentals and Analysis (3 credits)

Explore the basic science behind beer brewing processes; learn about malt, hops, and yeast varieties; experience hands-on beer brewing; and learn about homebrewing and microbrewing. This course covers common styles and recipes and provides a sensory analysis for students age 21 and up.

HRTM 495  Discover India – Food and Culture Experience (3 credits)

India’s culinary scene reflects the cultural diversity of the country. On this transformative journey, students will experience an immersion of food, culture, and traditions while visiting historic and cultural sites, temples and palaces, arts centers, and backwaters.

MATH 391  Mathematics of Machine Learning (3 credits)

In a world where decisions are being made by analyzing large sets of data to predict phenomena and behaviors, machine learning is crucial to image recognition, sorting, classifications, and solving complex problems. With minimal mathematical background, students can learn how to use algorithms to perform these tasks and work on projects that use real world data to understand the architecture of the algorithms and mathematical aspects behind them.

MATH 398  Research Experience in Mathematics (2 credits)

A mathematical knot is like a twisted-up length of rope with the ends tied together. In this experiential learning course, students will study open questions about mathematical knots and work on never before solved problems that could lead to coauthoring original research papers.

NUTR 457  Classroom and Outreach Experiences in Food and Nutrition (2 credits)

In this course, students will explore health communication, data collection, and storytelling while creating their own podcast. They’ll dive into real-world topics, conduct interviews, share their findings, and gain hands-on experience and skills that go beyond the classroom.

PLAS 391A   Hands-on Marker-assisted Selection in a Breeding Program (1 credit)

Students interested in pursuing a career in the seed industry or work as part of a breeding operation will learn the skills necessary to plan, coordinate and execute marker-assisted selection projects for faster and enhanced product development. An extension to PLAS 216, this course will focus on the practical aspects of using molecular tools, techniques, and analysis.

Spring Pre-session Cost

Tuition and fees for the Spring Pre-Session are the same as the regular semesters:

  • Undergraduate Nebraska Resident Base Tuition: $277 per credit hour
  • Undergraduate Nonresident Base Tuition: $888 per credit hour
  • See all Tuition Rates

The deadline to drop a pre-session class and receive a 100% refund is Jan. 3. The last day to receive a partial refund is Jan. 6.

The Spring Pre-Session is a part of the spring semester, so the total of your Online Course Fees plus University Program/Facilities Fees is capped at $799.90. That means the total of these fees for your spring semester, inclusive of the Spring Pre-Session, will not exceed $799.90. Students will receive a Spring 2025 Fee Reduction if their total Online Course Fees plus Program Facilities Fees are more than $799.90.

You can purchase books for your pre-session coursework through the bookstore using your Ncard or other payment options. Ncard payment will be billed through your student account in MyRED.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

Undergraduate Scholarships and Financial Aid

Because the Spring Pre-Session is a part of the spring semester, credits attempted during the Pre-session count toward your overall spring semester financial aid enrollment status. Because every student's situation is unique, we recommend you contact us through Husker Hub to see how your scholarships and financial aid can be used toward the pre-session.

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Login now for a virtual drop-in with Husker Hub and we can tell you how your scholarships and aid will apply.

Need-Based Grants

Federal Pell Grant eligibility for the Spring Semester, including the Pre-Session, will be based on your enrollment status as of January 28, 2025. If the hours in which you are enrolled for the Spring Pre-Session were used to calculate your Federal Pell Grant and you drop or withdraw from a class prior to that date, your Federal Pell Grant may be reduced or cancelled, even if you were offered this grant prior to January 28, 2025.

Student Loan Options

Additional student loan eligibility may be offered to you or reoffered if you have not already accepted your annual grade level limit or previously declined loans. Your parent may also qualify for a parent loan. Students must be at least half time in the spring semester (15-week and pre-sessions combined) to be considered for additional loan eligibility.

Federal loans will be released once a student reaches half time enrollment (6 credits for undergraduate students). Most loans will not disburse until the 15-week session as that is when most students will reach half time enrollment.

If you would like to borrow a private loan, please visit financialaid.unl.edu/loan-aid for more information.

Note: Consideration of additional loan options or reoffering previously declined loans will not occur automatically. Please contact Husker Hub if you would like to request a review of additional loan eligibility or if you believe your total costs for the year will be higher than the average student due to your enrollment in pre-session.

Student Billing

Tuition and fees for the pre-session appear on your student account as soon as you register for classes and are due the next billing cycle. The first spring billing due date, including the pre-session, is February 12, 2025.

Scholarships and financial aid for the pre-session will be released to your student account.

If you have questions about scholarships, financial aid, course registration, or student billing, please contact Husker Hub at huskerhub@unl.edu or 402-472-203.

View the academic calendar regarding add, drop, withdrawal, and tuition refund periods.