How do university prerequisite courses work?

I'm a junior trying to figure out my college major, and I've noticed that some universities have prerequisite courses as part of their program requirements. Can someone explain what these are and how they work in the context of college admissions and course planning?

Prerequisite courses are classes that students must take and pass before they can enroll in more advanced courses within a specific major or program. They serve as foundational building blocks to ensure that students have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in subsequent coursework.

In the context of college admissions, some majors or programs may require certain prerequisite courses to be completed during high school or in the earlier years of college. In such cases, it's important to be aware of these requirements and make sure you include them in your high school or college course planning. For example, an engineering major might require completion of advanced mathematics and science courses in high school, or a foreign language major might require a specific number of years of study in that language.

When planning your courses in college, keep in mind that some classes have prerequisites within the college curriculum as well. For example, you might have to take a few introductory courses in your major or discipline before being allowed to enroll in more advanced courses.

To help ensure you're on track, research the program requirements and undergraduate course catalog for the colleges and majors you're interested in. This will give you a clear understanding of what classes you need to take in high school or early in your college career, as well as the sequence in which to take them.

If you're unsure whether you've met a prerequisite requirement or if a class you've taken counts as a prerequisite, you can reach out to the college admissions office or academic advising department for clarification. It’s essential to keep track of these requirements and plan your academic schedule accordingly to avoid delays in completing your degree or fulfilling major requirements.