Applying to graduate school can be exciting, but what happens when you discover you’re missing prerequisite courses required for admission? Whether you’re switching fields, returning to school after years in the workforce, or simply didn’t complete certain undergraduate requirements, missing prerequisites don’t have to derail your graduate school dreams.
Graduate school prerequisites are specific undergraduate courses that programs require applicants to complete before admission or during their first year of study. According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, these foundational courses ensure all students enter the program with essential background knowledge needed for advanced coursework.
Common prerequisite requirements vary by field but often include courses in mathematics, statistics, laboratory sciences, research methods, or foundational courses specific to your intended discipline.
Graduate programs establish prerequisite requirements for several important reasons. First, these courses provide foundational knowledge that professors will build upon in graduate-level classes. Without this background, students may struggle to keep pace with coursework designed for those who have mastered fundamental concepts.
Additionally, prerequisites help ensure a baseline level of preparation across all admitted students. This allows professors to teach at an appropriate level without needing to review basic material, making the educational experience more efficient and valuable for everyone in the program.
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) Programs typically require prerequisite courses in calculus, statistics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, accounting, and sometimes business law or finance. Some programs allow students to waive these requirements by demonstrating professional experience or passing placement exams.
Master of Public Health (MPH) and Healthcare Programs often require prerequisite courses in statistics, biology, chemistry, and sometimes anatomy or physiology. Research-focused programs may also require courses in epidemiology or biostatistics.
Psychology and Counseling Graduate Programs generally require prerequisite courses in general psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, research methods, and sometimes developmental psychology or social psychology. Clinical programs may have additional requirements in assessment or testing.
Engineering and Computer Science Programs typically require extensive prerequisites in mathematics including calculus and linear algebra, along with foundational courses in programming, data structures, and field-specific engineering courses.
Education Graduate Programs may require child development, educational psychology, curriculum and instruction courses, and teaching experience or observation hours.
Social Work MSW Programs often require prerequisites in human behavior, research methods, statistics, and sometimes biology or sociology courses.
Discovering you lack required prerequisites doesn’t mean you must abandon your graduate school plans. You have several options for fulfilling these requirements:
Online prerequisite courses offer the flexibility to complete required coursework while maintaining your current job or commitments. Accredited online programs provide the same rigorous content as traditional classroom courses, and most graduate schools accept credits from regionally accredited institutions.
The key advantages of online prerequisite courses include flexible scheduling, self-paced learning options in some cases, lower costs compared to traditional university enrollment, and the ability to take courses from anywhere with internet access.
Post-baccalaureate programs, also called post-bacc programs, are designed specifically for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree but need additional coursework. According to Idealist.org’s guide on post-bacc programs, these programs typically take one to two years to complete and can be formal certificate programs or simply non-degree course enrollment at a college or university.
Community colleges often provide an affordable option for completing prerequisite courses. Many offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate working adults, and the credits typically transfer to four-year institutions and satisfy graduate school requirements.
Many universities offer extension or continuing education programs where you can take individual courses without enrolling in a degree program. These courses are often taught by the same faculty who teach degree students and carry full academic credit.
The timeline for completing missing prerequisites varies based on how many courses you need, whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, and whether you take courses sequentially or simultaneously.
A single prerequisite course typically takes one semester or about 15 weeks to complete. If you need to complete three to four prerequisite courses, you might finish in one to two semesters taking two courses at a time, or in six to eight months through an accelerated format. Some platforms offer self-paced courses that can be completed more quickly.
For those missing multiple prerequisites across different subject areas, plan for one to two years of coursework if taking courses part-time while working. Full-time students can often complete extensive prerequisite requirements in two semesters or less.
Some graduate programs offer conditional admission, allowing you to begin your graduate coursework while simultaneously completing remaining prerequisites. This option works best when you’re only missing one or two courses and the program structure allows for additional courseload.
Other programs require you to complete all prerequisites before your first semester begins. They may accept students with the condition that prerequisites must be finished by a specific deadline before matriculation. Always clarify the specific policy with your target graduate programs.
When selecting where to complete your prerequisite requirements, consider these important factors:
Accreditation is paramount. Ensure the institution offering the courses is regionally accredited by organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), as most graduate programs only accept credits from accredited institutions. Check with your target graduate programs about their specific accreditation requirements.
Course equivalency matters significantly. Before enrolling, verify that the courses you plan to take will satisfy your graduate program’s specific requirements. Course titles alone aren’t always sufficient; review syllabi and course descriptions carefully.
Transfer credit policies vary between institutions. Confirm that credits will transfer and be accepted by your intended graduate school. Some programs have time limits on how old prerequisite coursework can be.
Flexibility and format should align with your schedule and learning style. Consider whether you need synchronous or asynchronous online courses, evening or weekend options, or accelerated versus traditional semester formats. Browse our flexible course options to find what works for you.
Cost and financial aid availability can significantly impact your decision. Compare tuition rates, and investigate whether you qualify for financial aid as a non-degree-seeking student.
Taking prerequisite courses seriously sets the foundation for graduate school success. Treat these courses as your first impression to graduate admissions committees if you’re taking them concurrently with the application process.
Strong grades in prerequisite courses, especially if you’re changing fields or had a lower undergraduate GPA, can demonstrate your capability to succeed in graduate-level work. According to BestColleges’ Graduate Admissions Guide, master’s programs often require a minimum 2.5 GPA, while doctoral programs generally require a 3.0 GPA or higher. Aim for grades of B or higher, with A grades being ideal for competitive programs.
Build relationships with your prerequisite course instructors. They can potentially serve as letter of recommendation writers who can speak to your recent academic performance and readiness for graduate school.
Use prerequisite courses to strengthen your application. If you’re taking courses while applying to graduate programs, mention this in your statement of purpose and explain how these courses have reinforced your commitment to the field and prepared you for advanced study.
The cost of completing prerequisites varies widely based on where and how you take courses. Community college courses might cost $100-$300 per credit hour, while university courses can range from $300-$1,000+ per credit hour depending on the institution.
Online programs often fall in the middle of this range and may offer payment plans. A typical three-credit prerequisite course might cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000 depending on your chosen institution. View our pricing for transparent, affordable options.
Financial aid options for prerequisite courses are sometimes limited if you’re not enrolled in a degree program. However, according to Federal Student Aid, some options exist including:
Graduate students can access Direct Unsubsidized Loans of up to $20,500 per academic year through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If you’re in a hurry to begin graduate school, accelerated prerequisite courses can help you fulfill requirements faster. Many institutions offer eight-week or six-week course formats that cover the same material as a traditional 15-week semester but in a compressed timeframe.
Summer sessions provide another accelerated option, often running 10-12 weeks instead of a full semester. Some online programs offer self-paced courses where motivated students can complete requirements in less time than traditional formats.
Be aware that accelerated courses require significant time commitment and disciplined study habits. The faster pace means you’ll cover material more quickly and have less time to absorb complex concepts.
Some prerequisite courses must be taken in a specific order. For example, you typically need to complete Calculus I before taking Calculus II, or General Chemistry before Organic Chemistry. Understanding these sequences helps you plan your timeline accurately.
Create a prerequisite completion plan by listing all required courses, identifying which courses have prerequisites of their own, determining how many courses you can realistically handle per term, and calculating your total timeline to completion. Use our course planning tool to map out your path. Share this plan with an academic advisor and your target graduate programs to ensure it aligns with their expectations and deadlines.
Missing prerequisites can delay your graduate school start date by one semester to one year on average, depending on how many courses you need. However, this time isn’t wasted. Completing prerequisites often strengthens your application by demonstrating commitment, improving your academic record, and providing recent academic references.
Many applicants successfully apply to graduate programs while completing final prerequisites. This approach allows you to begin your program as soon as prerequisites are finished, minimizing delays. Be transparent in your application about your current status and expected completion date for remaining requirements.
Some graduate programs offer alternatives to completing formal prerequisite courses. Placement exams or competency tests allow you to demonstrate mastery of prerequisite material without taking the course. If you have relevant professional experience or self-taught knowledge, ask whether your target programs offer this option.
Experience-based waivers are granted by some programs for applicants with significant professional experience in lieu of specific prerequisites. MBA programs, for example, might waive accounting prerequisites for applicants with accounting work experience.
Always inquire directly with graduate programs about waiver possibilities. Policies vary significantly between schools and departments, and some flexibility may exist that isn’t explicitly stated in published requirements.
Completing prerequisites can feel like a detour from your graduate school goals, but maintaining motivation is essential for success. Remember that these courses provide the foundation you’ll need to thrive in your graduate program and future career.
Set clear milestones and celebrate completing each course. Connect with other students who are also preparing for graduate school, either in your classes or through online communities. Visualize your end goal and remind yourself that prerequisite completion is bringing you one step closer to admission.
Keep your applications and graduate school research active during this period. This helps maintain excitement about your goals and ensures you’re ready to apply as soon as prerequisites are complete.
View prerequisite courses as more than just boxes to check. These classes offer valuable opportunities to confirm your interest in your chosen field, develop study habits and time management skills for graduate school, identify areas where you may need additional support, and build confidence in your academic abilities.
Engage fully with the material rather than simply aiming to pass. The concepts you learn in prerequisites will resurface throughout your graduate program, and a strong foundation makes advanced coursework significantly more manageable.
Missing graduate school prerequisites is a common challenge with straightforward solutions. Whether you choose online courses, post-baccalaureate programs, community college classes, or university extension courses, multiple pathways exist for completing required coursework while maintaining your other commitments.
The key is to start planning early, research your options thoroughly, and choose the path that best fits your timeline, budget, and learning style. With the right approach, you can fulfill prerequisite requirements efficiently and position yourself for graduate school success.
Explore our course catalog to identify exactly which prerequisites your target graduate programs require, then discover accredited options for completing these courses at your own pace. Contact our academic advisors for personalized guidance on your prerequisite pathway. Your graduate school journey starts with this important foundational step, and completing it well sets the stage for everything that follows.
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