A Course Substitution/Course Directive allows an undergraduate student to substitute one Ryerson course for another within their program curriculum. All degree level courses successfully completed at Ryerson during the undergraduate student's program of study and/or prior to their admission to an undergraduate program are eligible for substitution (subject to assessment for program relevancy).

In some cases, the required course is not being offered in the term requested by the student, or it may be because changes to a program’s curriculum or a transfer credit. The substitute course must be of equal value (course weight) and same level of difficulty and can only be used once towards graduation requirements. Course Substitution/Course Directive application forms are available online through Forms and Procedures.

Approval, by way of signatures from both the teaching and program departments is required before students can submit the form to the Curriculum Advising Office c/o Enrolment Services and Student Fees Office (POD 64). Curriculum Advising will assess the suitability of the substitution only and authorizations will be recorded. Approved Course Substitutions/Course Directives will be reflected on Academic Advisement Reports available on RAMSS. In the case of part-time students and certificate students, a notation will be placed on the unofficial transcript. Students will be notified by Ryerson e-mail if requests have been denied.

PLEASE NOTE: Forms should be filled in, signatures obtained, and approvals received BEFORE the substituting course is taken.

Policies contained in the official calendars supersede any information received to the contrary. Information received from service or program departments or faculties must be approved in advance, in writing, from the Registrar’s Office.