The undergraduate program at Lincoln is based on a staged development of knowledge progressing from basic lower division courses, typically taken during freshman and sophomore years, through more advanced and degree-specific courses in upper division (junior and senior years). The numerical designation given the individual courses can guide the student in planning a progression of study.

          Courses with a designation of fewer than 100 should be taken in lower division courses. Many are General Education courses that provide a broad background in the liberal arts that expose students to fundamental aspects of human culture that will expand his/her appreciation of any field of study. General Education courses also help students develop analytical and communication skills helpful for advanced work in all fields. Other lower division courses provide the basic foundation for work in any major finally chosen.

          Courses numbered between 100-200 are upper division courses, aimed at juniors and seniors pursuing their major. There are also some upper division General Education courses for those students wishing to pursue this avenue of study.

          Courses numbered between 200-300 are for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, working by a personal plan. Admittance into these classes normally requires the completion of less specialized courses in the same field of study found in the lower numbered sequences.

          Courses in the 300 series are intended for graduate students. In some cases, a qualified senior may be allowed to enroll in a graduate course if the student obtains permission from the administration and instructor.