Pass-Fail Option

The Pass/Fail option was created to allow students to explore an academic area that they find interesting, but for which they may not have a significant amount of prior knowledge.  For example, a student majoring in English may have an interest in Anthropology 153a:  Writing Systems and Scribal Traditions, but worry that they do not have a storng enough background in anthropology to take the course. This student may want to take the anthropology course pass/fail, so he or she can still explore the subject in spite of concerns about academic preparation.  Pass/fail should not be used as a way to try to accumulate additional credit hours. Nor should a student take a class pass/fail when he or she does not have the required prerequisites for the class.


How do I designate a class as pass/fail?
There are two steps involved. 

  • Step One:  You must indicate your intent to use the pass/fail option for a specific course on or before the deadline announced by the University. See the academic Calendar for the specific dates.  You do this by filling out the Pass/Fail Form in the Registrar’s office. You will be given a copy of the completed form for your records. It is important that you keep this form for step two.
  • Step Two: You must confirm that you still want to use the pass/fail option.  This is done after the grade has been entered on Sage. The deadline for this confirmation is approximately 3 weeks after the beginning of the next semester.   You may confirm with the Registrar’s office that you still want to cover the grade with a “P” either by sending an email to passfail@brandeis.edu requesting that the grade be covered (don’t forget to mention which course it is) or by bringing your copy of the Pass/Fail form (that you received at the beginning of the semester) back to the Registrar’s office.  You may not cover a grade of “E”.  If you do not confirm that you want to cover the grade with a “P” the grade will appear on your transcript. 

Is there a limit to the number of classes I can take pass/fail?
Yes, you may take a total of four pass-fail courses during your four years at Brandeis but never more than one in any given semester.


Can a course taken pass/fail be used to fulfill major requirements or general university requirements?
General university requirements cannot be fulfilled by courses taken using the pass/fail option.  In addition, courses taken pass/fail generally will not fulfill major requirements either.  Some departments may allow courses in excess of those required for the major to be taken pass/fail.  Consult with the undergraduate advising head for major-specific practices.


How does a pass/fail course affect my GPA?
A grade of P, which may only be used to cover a grade of D- or above, is not used in computing the GPA.  For work below the D- level, an “E” remains on your record and is counted in the GPA.

Can I use pass/fail classes to fulfill my foreign language requirement?
You may take a maximum of one foreign language course pass/fail but never the final course in the foreign language sequence (if it is being used to fulfill the foreign language requirement). Given the cumulative nature of language study, the language departments of Brandeis strongly encourage you to not use the pass/fail option for any language courses.