The main reason for taking classes is to help prepare for the Comprehensive Exams (see section 4.3). You should obtain a copy of the old exams and study them to determine whether you need to take a course. Another idea is take the previous (latest) B exam in that subject and have it graded, then talk to the professor and show that you can handle the material as evidenced by the B exam. The table below lists the relevant classes for each exam. The classes are listed by number, with a letter indicating the semester (fall or spring) in which the class is taught. If you feel you are familiar with the material covered in a class, but you need to review for the Comprehensive Exam, you can audit or labby the class, but you should clear such arrangements with relevant faculty members, such as your advisor.
| Exam | Course | Semester |
| Algorithms | 314 | Fall |
| Architecture | 425 | Fall |
| Automata Theory | 481 | Fall |
| Compilers | 412 | Fall |
| Graphics | 360 | Fall |
| Logic | 409 | Spring |
| Programming Languages | 311 | Spring |
| Systems | 421 | Spring |