Demystifying Prerequisites: What Students Need to Know

As you begin to contemplate your future and determine which degree program is best for your personal and professional goals, you may find yourself reviewing curricula and exploring program pathways. In most degree programs, there are prerequisite courses that students are required to complete before they can begin studying more advanced topics within their field of study. You may find yourself wondering, “What is a prerequisite in college?” and “Why do I need to take these foundational courses?”

Our guide has the answers you need to better understand the powerful role that college prerequisites play in student growth, development, and achievement.

What is a Prerequisite in College?

Regardless of the degree program that you choose, you will find that you need to complete a select number of prerequisites before moving on to more advanced courses or topics within your field. A prerequisite is a foundational course that must be completed with a passing grade to take a higher-level course within that same topic. For example, within a business management bachelor's degree program, students may have to complete a financial accounting course before they can take a managerial finance course later.

Prerequisites — which are commonly referred to by students as prereqs — may vary based on the college and the individual degree program. Students should explore degree pathways before enrolling in a particular program to understand the prerequisites they will need to take.

Why Do Prerequisites Exist?

College prerequisites have earned a bad reputation among students, with many mistakenly assuming that they are unnecessary for their chosen program. In reality, however, prerequisites play a vital part in the learning experience for college students, allowing them to build a strong foundation before moving on to the most advanced topics and courses within their degree program.

These are a few reasons why prerequisites exist in the vast majority of degree programs:

• They support readiness for advanced material. Think of prerequisites as stepping stones — they allow you to begin gaining the foundational knowledge and skills required for future courses.
• They support student success. Through your prerequisite courses, you will become confident in the material you are learning and be ready to take on more advanced work. College prerequisites can prevent frustration and failure down the line.
• They ensure a smooth progression. These prerequisites are not arbitrary hurdles. Instead, they are thoughtfully designed to support student achievement.

How Are Prerequisites Determined?

The prerequisites you must complete depend on the degree program you choose and the college you enroll in. Typically, college advisory committees, academic leadership, and accrediting bodies work to determine the prerequisites for a particular program. Prerequisites are not necessarily the same from one school to the next, highlighting the importance of exploring program pathways before you apply.

The Benefits of Prerequisites for Students

Ultimately, prerequisite programs are designed to protect college students from inadvertently enrolling in advanced coursework that they are not quite ready for. Through prerequisite courses, students not only gain a basic understanding of a given topic and develop a foundation to build upon later in their degree program, but they also begin to adapt to the rigor of collegiate coursework.

These are some of the leading benefits of college prerequisites: 

Confidence in the Classroom

Most prerequisite courses are 100-level courses that students complete within the first year or two of their degree program. These courses are designed to introduce students to a topic that will play a critical role in their degree program, and to help them become familiar with the scope and rigor of college coursework. For example, students enrolled in a finance degree program must take an introductory level course that allows them to become familiar with the financial principles that serve as the foundation for more advanced topics in the field, such as financial modeling and investment analysis. Successfully completing prerequisite courses will equip students with the confidence needed to tackle more advanced coursework.

Stronger Outcomes 

College prerequisites support stronger academic outcomes in more advanced courses because they provide students with an opportunity to develop a solid foundation before moving on to more complex topics. In many ways, prerequisites are a preventative measure put in place to protect students from enrolling in a course that they are not prepared to complete. Most colleges require students to not only complete prerequisite courses but also earn a minimum grade in those courses for them to count toward their degree program.

Reduced Stress

Prerequisites are often referred to as the building blocks of a degree program, allowing students to master introductory materials before moving on to more specialized and advanced topics. Prerequisites prepare students for future success by providing them with essential knowledge and skills, thereby reducing stress and preventing frustration. In most cases, prerequisite courses offer a broad scope and provide an overview of a subject area, giving students a strong foundation to build upon throughout their degree program.

Career Readiness

In addition to preparing students for success within their degree program, prerequisite courses support career readiness. The fact of the matter is, graduates will go on to pursue a wide range of opportunities. Prerequisite courses offer a broad overview, allowing students to draw upon a baseline of knowledge throughout their career and to pursue specialty areas in their industry based on their strengths and interests.

Navigating Questions About Prerequisites

Given the fact that prerequisites can vary from one college to another, and from one degree program to another, it's vital to explore academic pathways and become aware of the requirements you may need to complete.

You can learn more about college prerequisites for your chosen program by:

• Reviewing the degree program curriculum requirements online is beneficial. Many colleges provide detailed information about required coursework for each program.
• Connecting with an academic advisor who can provide you with detailed information about prerequisite requirements and why they are essential for the degree program that you wish to enroll in.
• Talking with students who are currently enrolled in the degree program that you are most interested in, and getting objective feedback about the prerequisite courses for that field of study.

Explore Program Pathways and Learn More About College Prerequisites at Champlain College Online

College prerequisites set the foundation for your degree program, allowing you to develop the knowledge and skills required to pursue more advanced, field-specific coursework. As you explore program pathways and learn more about the online degree programs available to you, it's essential to recognize the crucial role that prerequisites play in higher education. They are not arbitrary barriers, but strategic stepping stones designed to support student success.

At Champlain College Online, our online degree and certificate programs are designed to prepare students for success in their chosen field. Featuring tailored program pathways that support student achievement, our degree programs allow our graduates to move forward with confidence. 

For more information about program pathways for our online degree and certificate programs, contact admissions today.