Course Enrollment
Find information about enrolling in courses, managing your schedule, requesting permission numbers, and understanding enrollment requirements and deadlines.
On This Page
Class Selection & Enrollment
After your enrollment appointment begins, you can register for classes through the Student Center in myPitt. You will use the enrollment shopping cart to select and register for your courses.
For additional guidance, visit the University's Enrollment Resources page.
How to Enroll
1. Add Classes
Search for courses using the class number or the course search feature, then add your selected classes to your shopping cart.
2. Review Your Classes
Review the courses in your shopping cart and confirm your selections. Select Proceed to Step 2 of 3.
3. Complete Enrollment
Read and accept the promissory note terms, then select Accept Terms and Register to complete your enrollment.
Enrollment Appointment
All students are assigned an enrollment appointment, which indicates the earliest date and time they can begin registering for classes. Appointments are staggered based on the number of credits earned. Students with the most completed credits generally receive the earliest appointments.
Important: You must wait until your assigned appointment time to begin enrolling. Once your appointment starts, you can register online at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Be sure to enroll before the term begins, as classes may fill quickly.
How to Find Your Enrollment Appointment
- Log in to myPitt.
- Open Student Center Login.
- Select Self Service, then Student Center.
- Look for the blue box on the right side of the page titled Enrollment Dates.
For additional information, visit the Registrar's Enrollment Resources page.
Advising Holds
An academic advising hold must be cleared before you can register for classes. The process for removing this hold depends on your student status.
Degree-Seeking and Certificate Students
For CGS degree-seeking and certificate students, the advising hold is removed by your academic advisor during your scheduled advising appointment. Be sure to schedule your appointment early so the hold can be cleared before your enrollment appointment.
Non-Degree and Guest Students
For CGS non-degree and guest students, the advising hold is removed automatically by CGS staff on the first day of the non-degree open enrollment period.
If your hold has not been removed after that date, contact cgs@pitt.edu.
Closed Classes & Permission Numbers
If a class is closed or you are unable to enroll because of a restriction or prerequisite, you may need permission from the instructor or academic department. Permission is not guaranteed and is granted at the discretion of the instructor or department.
When Is a Permission Number Required?
- Closed classes: Permission from the instructor and department may be required to enroll in a class that has reached its enrollment limit.
- Restricted classes: A permission number is required for courses identified as restricted. Look for Rstr in the Available Seats column of the course offering section of the Schedule of Classes.
- Prerequisite or special consent requirements: You may need approval if you have not met a listed prerequisite or if the course requires instructor or departmental consent.
How to Request a Permission Number
If a course is not offered through CGS and requires departmental or instructor approval, contact the appropriate academic department or school to request permission. If approval is granted, the department will issue a permission number.
You can find contact information through the University's Schools and Colleges directory.
Once you receive the permission number:
- Return to the Student Center in myPitt.
- Search for the course and add it to your enrollment shopping cart.
- Enter the permission number when prompted.
- Continue through the enrollment steps to complete registration.
Please note: Receiving a permission number does not guarantee enrollment. You must still complete the registration process, and a seat must be available.
Courses Requiring Special Approval
Some courses have additional enrollment requirements or require special approval before you can register. The process varies depending on the course and the school or department offering it.
CGS Courses
For CGS course sections that are closed, full, restricted, or require special consent, submit a request to CGS Academic Affairs using the Permission Number Request Form.
View available offerings on the CGS Courses page.
CGS Guest and Visiting Students
CGS guest and visiting students who need enrollment assistance can submit the Enrollment Assistance Request Form.
CGS staff will review the transcript submitted with your application and assist with enrollment if the required prerequisites have been met.
Computer Science and Information Science Courses
Students seeking permission to enroll in Computer Science or Information Science courses should use the School of Computing and Information Permission Number Application System.
Courses Offered by Other Schools
For courses offered by another Pitt school or department, contact the department or instructor directly to request approval. If permission is granted, the department will provide the permission number needed to complete enrollment.
Adding and Dropping Classes
Students may add or drop courses through myPitt during the add/drop period, which generally extends through the first two weeks of the fall and spring terms. Exact dates vary by term, so always check the Academic Calendar.
How to Add or Drop a Class
You can make schedule changes through the Student Center in myPitt. You may also use the University's Enrollment Resources for additional instructions.
Important: If you stop attending a course but do not officially drop or withdraw from it, you may receive a failing grade and remain responsible for tuition and fees. Always complete the official process to make changes to your schedule.
Dropping All Classes
If you drop all your classes during the add/drop period, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund. If you decide to leave the University after the add/drop period, you must follow the University's official resignation procedure. Review the Registrar's enrollment and withdrawal information for applicable deadlines and procedures.
Extended Drop Period
After the standard add/drop period, students may have a limited opportunity to drop a course during the extended drop period. Review the University's Drop vs. Withdrawal and Extended Drop Period Guidelines for details.
Late Add and Late Drop
After the add/drop period ends, changes to your schedule require special approval. Requests are reviewed by the appropriate academic office and are not automatically approved.
Late Add
Adding a course after the add/drop period requires special permission from the Dean's Office. You will need documentation of instructor consent and a permission number from the academic department.
To request a late add:
- Obtain instructor consent and the required permission number.
- Complete the CGS Late Add Appeal Form.
- Attach the required documentation and submit the form for review.
Late Drop
During the fall and spring terms, students may be eligible to drop a course during the extended drop period with permission from the Dean's Office, provided they remain enrolled as full-time students.
To request a late drop, complete the CGS Late Drop Appeal Form and submit it to your academic advisor.
Wait Lists
If a course is full, you may be able to add yourself to its wait list through Online Self Enrollment. The wait-list system tracks your position and may automatically enroll you if a seat becomes available.
Remember: Monitor your wait-list status and check your schedule regularly. If you no longer want to take the course, remove yourself from the wait list.
For additional information about enrollment and wait lists, visit the University's Enrollment Resources page.
Credit Overload
Students who wish to enroll in more than 18 credits during a fall or spring semester must obtain permission from the CGS Dean's Office.
How to Request a Credit Overload
Complete the CGS Credit Overload Appeal Form and submit it to your CGS academic advisor for review.
Other Holds
In addition to academic advising holds, other holds may prevent you from enrolling or making changes to your schedule. A student service hold must be resolved before you can complete certain transactions in the Student Center.
Common Reasons for Holds
- Academic probation
- Missing or incomplete student information
- Disciplinary matters
- Missing high school transcripts
- Immunization requirements
- Overdue tuition or account balances
Financial Holds
Financial holds are managed by the University's Office of Student Accounts, Student Loans and Special Accounts, or Student Payment Center, depending on the nature of the hold. Contact the appropriate office to resolve outstanding account issues.
Academic Advising Holds
Academic advising holds are automatically placed each term by the Registrar. These holds must be removed by your academic advisor or an authorized departmental administrator before you can enroll.
Need Help with Enrollment?
If you have questions about course enrollment, permission numbers, or schedule changes, contact the College of General Studies.
Email: cgs@pitt.edu
Additional information: Visit the CGS Course Registration page.