Enrolling for pre-requisites in a master's program? (PhD, master degree, schools)

[nehs]

I want to pursue my master's in Information Systems/Management Information systems for Fall 2011. I have completed my Engineering degree. Now, I am thinking of taking some classes over this spring 2011 so that I could cover my pre-requisites. I saw that most schools ask for Financial accounting, database management ,economics for their master's course.
Is it a good idea for me to go ahead and register for one or more of these courses at a community college so that I can use it toward my pre-requisites or core courses/electives in my master's program?
Any opinions please?
Thank You.

[K-Luv]

It really depends on the specific department at which-ever school you apply to. Some may require you to take these courses before matriculating, and others will grant you admittance with the speculation that you take these courses on your own time in unison with your grad courses.

If you want to attend Fall semester, you are getting close to application time. You will definitely apply before the Spring semester is over, and in some cases, may already have your decision, too.

Admissions to grad school is not the same as for undergrad. Undergrad institutions look at grades, course rigor, and test scores as an indicator of how well you will handle that particular college overall. While grad schools definitely look at grades and scores, they are generally more concerned with the courses you took as those courses are the indicators of how well prepared you are with core concepts and ability to move on to a higher level.

So, with that; if database management, financial accounting, and economics are considered building blocks for this particular degree--then it will not do you any harm to enroll into these courses at the CC level since having taken them will hold more weight and will show your seriousness with grad school.

It really wouldn't hurt you, either, if you contacted the appropriate departments and ask them.

[nehs]

K-luv, thank you for your detailed reply! I want to utilize my time now by taking up pre requisites since I have already graduated from my under grad and am at home now. I don't have any particular school in mind and so its hard to call admissions of the schoools that I intend to apply. Nevetheless, I want to take 1-2 courses over the Spring so that I will get started toward my master's program.

[Jillaceae]

I would definitely agree with contacting the departments you are interested in applying to and asking them what they think would be ideal for you. It is a good excuse to get to know them, which will help when you apply!

[nehs]

Jillaceae,
that's a good idea! LEt me mail admissions and ask them what pre-requisities they expect. This way, I will be able to communicate with them and also know what courses to do. Thanks.

[mia12]

I agree with the PPs, it is very important to talk to the departments where you intend to apply and see exactly what requirements they have. Sometimes it happens that they insist on their students taking some specific classes at their university. It happened to me, although it was a slightly different situation: I took a specific course towards my master degree. Later, I applied for a PhD program at another university. The new department (actually the graduate adviser) insisted that I should take that course again, at their school. This happened despite the fact that I got an A grade on that class and they transferred all my other credits towards the PhD program.
Just in case something like this would happen to you, by talking to the department where you intend to apply could save you some money...

Good luck with your studies!

[nehs]

Thanks for the post Isabel! I think I will wait until I short list my target schools and then go ahead.