MyASU Class Search: 10 Hidden Features Most Students Don't Know

I'll be honest: most students use MyASU class search like a basic Google search. Type in a class name, hit enter, scroll until something looks okay. But the tool has way more capability than that, and most people never touch the advanced filters. If you learn a few tricks, you can avoid 8 AMs you don't want, find sections at less crowded campuses, and actually build a schedule that works with your life instead of against it.

Basic Search Tips (That Most Students Miss)

Even the default search has quirks that can save you time if you know them.

1. Subject Code vs. Course Number

You can search by subject code (like “CSE” or “ENG”) or the full course number (like “CSE 110”). The useful part? Searching just the subject code pulls up every available course in that department. It's a great way to discover electives you'd never think to search for.

Try this: Search a subject code with no course number and just browse. You might find something weird and interesting.

2. Catalog vs. Class Search

There are two different tools and they do different things:

• Class Search: Shows only what's actually offered this semester, with real seat counts and times. Use this when you're ready to register.
• Course Catalog: Shows every course ASU technically offers, even if it's not running this semester. Good for long-term planning.

Mix them up. Use the Catalog to plan your next three semesters, then switch to Class Search when it's time to actually click the enroll button.

Advanced Filters (The Stuff Power Users Actually Use)

Click “Advanced Search” and suddenly you have actual control. Here's what each filter does and why it matters.

3. Campus Filter

Filter by specific ASU campuses. Obviously useful if you live near one, but also handy if your main campus is full:

• Tempe: Main campus, most options
• Downtown Phoenix: Urban campus, law, nursing, journalism
• Polytechnic: Engineering, tech, aviation
• West: Smaller campus, diverse programs
• Online: Fully remote sections

Real talk: If Tempe is packed, check Downtown or Polytechnic. They often have seats for the same classes, and the commute might be worth it.

4. Session Filter (A, B, C)

ASU runs three session types:

• Session A: 15 weeks, the traditional full semester
• Session B: 7.5 weeks, first half
• Session C: 7.5 weeks, second half

Most people don't realize you can mix them. Two Session B classes back-to-back equals the same credit load as one Session A, but with more flexibility. If your Session A pick is full, B and C are worth a look.

5. Mode of Instruction Filter

Filter by how the class is actually delivered:

• In-Person: You show up to a classroom. Simple.
• ASU Sync: Live remote. You're on Zoom at scheduled class times.
• Online: Asynchronous. Do the work on your own schedule.
• Hybrid: Some in-person, some online.

Worth trying: If a class you need only meets at a time that conflicts with your job, check if there's an ASU Sync or Online section with the same content.

6. Instructor Search

You can search by professor name. Useful when:

• You want another class with a professor you actually liked
• You're avoiding someone with terrible reviews
• You're looking for a specific researcher in your field

Pair this with RateMyProfessors. Building a schedule around good professors makes a huge difference in how much you learn and how miserable you are.

7. Time and Day Filters

These are way more useful than they look:

• Start Time Range: Block out 8 AMs if you're not a morning person, or find evening classes that fit your work schedule
• Days of Week: Prefer M/W/F or T/Th? Filter for it instead of manually scrolling

Best combo: Time range + days + campus. Stack the filters and you'll get a schedule that actually fits your life.

8. Open/Closed Filter Tricks

The status filter does two things, and you need to know when to use each:

• Open: Only classes with seats available right now. Use this when you're about to hit the enroll button.
• All: Everything, including full classes. Use this when you're building your tracking list and want to find specific sections to monitor.

Reading the Results (What the Numbers Actually Mean)

Once you get results, there's more going on than just the class name and time.

9. Understanding Seat Information

The seat numbers aren't just one column. You get three:

• Capacity: Total seats (e.g., 150)
• Enrolled: People currently signed up (e.g., 147)
• Available: Seats you can actually grab (e.g., 3)

Watch for this: If it says “0” available but the class isn't marked “Closed,” there might be reserved seats opening up later. Don't give up immediately.

10. Location Codes Explained

The location column uses short codes you'll see constantly:

• TEMPE: Tempe campus buildings
• DTPHX: Downtown Phoenix campus
• POLY: Polytechnic campus
• WEST: West campus
• ONLINE: Fully online section
• ASU Sync: Live remote delivery

Pro Tips for Power Users

Save Your Favorite Searches

MyASU doesn't save filters, but your browser does. Bookmark the search results page after you apply filters. Name them something useful like “Evening Online CSE” or “Morning Tempe Humanities.” It saves a surprising amount of time during registration week.

Check for Hidden Sections

Some classes have multiple sections that don't show up in the default list view. If you see a class you want but it's full, click into it. A less popular time slot might still have seats, or there might be a section at a different campus you didn't see.

Use the Course Description

Click any class to see the full description, prerequisites, and special notes. This is where you'll find stuff like:

• Required lab or recitation sections
• Software or equipment you need to buy
• Honors requirements
• Department consent needed

Frequently Asked Questions