No matter your field of study, the journey through higher education is filled with academic milestones – including prerequisite courses. More than just formalities, prerequisites are an essential part of preparing for more advanced studies for your major.
You may have some questions, like “what is a prerequisite course,” “do you need to take prerequisite college courses in order,” and “how long do prerequisites take?” This guide covers everything you need to know about prerequisite courses.
What Is a Prerequisite?
A prerequisite course is a class or subject that you’re required to complete before you can move on to more complex and advanced courses. Prerequisites are often a necessary part of your education and ensure that you have the foundational knowledge to succeed in more challenging courses.
For example, you may need to take basic algebra before you can take calculus for science- or math-focused disciplines. If you’re attending nursing school, courses like Anatomy & Physiology I & II, microbiology, or nutrition may be required.
How Can You Take Prerequisites?
Prerequisites for different courses cover similar information, regardless of the institution. Here are some options to take your prerequisites:
- Campus courses: Traditional colleges and universities offer prerequisites for the other courses in their catalog, so you can likely take your prerequisites at the same school where you’re getting your degree.
- Online courses: Many colleges and universities offer online courses for flexibility in scheduling – an important consideration if you’re balancing school and work or family commitment. In addition, online learning platforms like Sophia offer self-paced prerequisite courses that allow you to progress at your own speed to complete your prerequisites.
- Hybrid courses: Hybrid courses combine online and in-person learning, allowing for flexibility with some collaboration. How much time is spent with online vs. in-person learning can vary by institution.
How Long Do Prerequisites Take?
The time you spend on prerequisites can vary by several factors, including your enrollment, program requirements, course availability, and more.
If you’re enrolled full-time, you may complete your prerequisites quickly. In some cases, you may complete your prerequisites in a single semester or academic year. For example, a full-time student might complete 12-15 credits of prerequisites in just one semester.
If you’re enrolled part time, your prerequisites may take longer. Typically, prerequisites are spread over multiple semesters for part-time students, so it can take one to two academic years to complete them. This depends on your credit load each semester and your required prerequisites, however.
Different programs have different numbers of prerequisites as well. For example, a degree in engineering may require more math and science prerequisites to prepare for the advanced courses. Nursing programs also have more prerequisites covering different sciences and aspects of medicine, which can take longer.
How you schedule your prerequisite courses can affect how long it takes you to complete them. Some courses may only be available during specific semesters in limited sessions, so you may be delayed if the courses fill up quickly.
Tips to Speed Up Prerequisites
Looking to fast-track your prerequisites and degree program? There are ways you can speed up your prerequisite coursework and get into your advanced courses sooner, including:
- Summer courses: Many institutions offer summer sessions that include prerequisites. If you spend your summer completing some prerequisites, you may be further ahead come fall semester. This could give you more scheduling flexibility as well.
- Testing out: Some schools allow students to “test out” of courses by passing proficiency exams, including some prerequisites. This may be ideal if you already have the knowledge required for a course from previous college courses or work experience.
- Credit by Examination: Programs like College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offer exams that can grant college credit for knowledge you already have – similar to “testing out” – and reduce the number of required courses.
- Strategic scheduling: While your prerequisites are necessary for your program, you may be able to double up on gen eds and prerequisites to make them count for both. For example, College Algebra may be a prerequisite for computer science courses, but it may count as your math requirement.
Common Prerequisites for Different Programs
Prerequisites can vary significantly by your program, institution, and the courses you’re planning to take. However, some common prerequisites for different programs may include:
Engineering
- Calculus I and II
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Introduction to Programming
Computer Science
- Calculus I
- Discrete Math
- Introduction to Programming
- Computer Operating Systems
Business
- Accounting
- Business Statistics
- Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
- Principles of Marketing
- Principles of Finance
Biological Sciences
- Chemistry I and II
- Organic Chemistry I and II
- General Biology I and II
- Physics
Psychology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Nursing or Pre-Med
- Chemistry I and II
- Organic Chemistry I and II
- Biology I and II
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Physics I and II
Keep in mind that the prerequisites can vary depending on your school and program. You can find more information about the specific prerequisites for the colleges and programs you’re considering by looking at their course catalog.
Get a Jump on Your Prerequisites
Whether you’re just starting college, returning to school after a break, or planning ahead as a high school student, prerequisites are likely part of your college degree program. If you want to get a head start, Sophia offers a range of prerequisite courses that you can take at your own pace. Start your free trial today!
