Most Common Prerequisite College Courses for Science, Humanities, and Nursing Majors

Prerequisite college courses are the foundation of most degree programs. Whether you are planning a science degree, a humanities major, or a nursing program, the college classes you take first determine how smoothly you move into upper-level coursework—and whether your credits transfer where you need them to.

This guide covers the most common prerequisites by major, when community college classes make sense, how online college classes and hybrid college classes fit in, and how to plan a realistic pathway from prerequisites to degree.

What Are Prerequisite College Courses?

Prerequisite college courses are classes you must complete before enrolling in more advanced coursework. Some are required for admission into a major; others prepare you for more difficult subjects later in your program.

These college classes fall into two broad categories:

• General education prerequisites — English composition, college-level math, and communication courses required across most majors.
• Major-specific prerequisites — courses like chemistry for science majors or anatomy and physiology for nursing majors that unlock upper-division study in your field.

Prerequisites are not optional. They are designed to ensure students have the academic foundation needed to succeed in higher-level courses — and in many programs, completing them with a competitive grade is part of the admission process itself.

Most Common Prerequisites for Science Majors

Science majors have the most structured prerequisite path. These programs typically require multiple semesters of math and lab-based science college classes before students can advance to upper-level study.

Common science prerequisite courses

• General Biology I and II (with lab)
• General Chemistry I and II (with lab)
• Physics I and II
• College Algebra, Precalculus, or Calculus
• Statistics
• Anatomy and Physiology (depending on the major)
• Introductory lab science electives

Science prerequisites are usually sequenced — one course must be completed before the next unlocks. Skipping steps or taking courses out of order can delay your entire degree timeline.

Science majors these courses support

If you are choosing between courses, check whether your target university requires calculus-based physics or prioritizes biology and chemistry first. The answer affects which classes to take and in what order.

You can explore science prerequisite options on our course directory: Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Most Common Prerequisites for Humanities Majors

Humanities majors generally have fewer hard science-style prerequisites, but they still rely on foundational college classes in writing, reading, analysis, and critical thinking. Strong skills in these areas matter for both admission and long-term success.

Common humanities prerequisite courses

• English Composition I
• English Composition II
• Introduction to Literature
• Philosophy
• History (U.S. or World)
• Art History or Music Appreciation
• Cultural Studies
• Foreign Language (required by some programs)
• Public Speaking or Communication

Humanities programs focus on interpretation, argumentation, and communication. Writing and research skills matter more than lab science sequences in most humanities tracks — but the quality of your writing samples and academic record often determines your transfer competitiveness.

Humanities majors these courses support

Browse humanities options on our course directory: Humanities courses.

Most Common Prerequisites for Nursing Majors

Nursing majors have some of the most specific prerequisite college courses of any field. Nursing schools require students to be ready for both classroom learning and clinical training, so the required courses are intentional and non-negotiable.

Common nursing prerequisite courses

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab)
• Microbiology (with lab)
• General Chemistry or Introductory Chemistry
• Biology
• Statistics
• English Composition
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology

Many nursing programs require these college classes to be completed with a minimum grade — often a C or better — and a minimum GPA across the full prerequisite set before students can apply to the program. Some schools also require that prerequisites be completed within the last five to seven years.

Why nursing prerequisites matter

Nursing coursework becomes demanding quickly. Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology help students understand how the body works, while psychology and sociology support patient care and therapeutic communication. Because nursing admissions are competitive, students should plan prerequisites carefully and complete them as early as possible.

For a detailed breakdown, see our complete guide to prerequisite courses for nursing school .

Prerequisites by Major: At a Glance

Community College Options

Community colleges are one of the most popular places to complete prerequisite college courses. They typically offer lower tuition, smaller class sizes, and flexible scheduling — including in-person, online, and hybrid college classes — making them the smartest starting point for many students.

Why students choose community colleges for prerequisites

• Lower cost — often a fraction of university tuition per credit
• General education access — English, math, psychology, biology, chemistry, and more
• Transfer planning support — many CCs have articulation agreements with four-year schools
• Flexible formats — in-person, online college classes, and hybrid college classes all available
• Working-student friendly — evening, weekend, and asynchronous options

Transfer planning matters

Not every college class transfers the same way to every university. Before enrolling, always check the transfer agreements, articulation guides, and specific departmental requirements at your target school.

This matters most for:

• Science majors with lab-based sequences (some universities require specific course formats)
• Nursing majors with program-specific GPA and recency requirements
• Humanities majors transferring into selective universities

Online College Classes and Hybrid College Classes

Online college classes and hybrid college classes give students more flexibility than traditional face-to-face schedules. That flexibility can help students finish prerequisites faster or fit school into a busy life.

How to Choose the Right Prerequisite Classes

The best approach is to start with your degree goal and work backward. Look at the exact major requirements at the school where you want to transfer or apply, then map out which courses you need and in what order.

Smart planning steps

1. Identify the major and target school you want.
2. Find the official prerequisite list on the program's admissions page.
3. Confirm whether each class transfers and check any recency or grade requirements.
4. Decide whether community college, online college classes, or hybrid college classes fit your schedule and budget.
5. Prioritize sequenced courses first — especially in science and nursing — so you do not create gaps in your timeline.

This approach helps you avoid wasting time or money on college classes that do not count toward your degree.

Sample Prerequisite Pathways

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Sources and further reading

• College Courses Online — Prerequisite Courses for Nursing School: Complete 2026 Guide
• College Courses Online — How to Choose the Right Online College: The Complete Guide
• College Courses Online — Online College Enrollment After the Pandemic: Trends, Costs, and the Future
• U.S. Department of Education — Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
• National Student Clearinghouse Research Center — Transfer and Mobility research