Math: algebra, trigonometry/pre-calculus, calculus series (note: statistics is less helpful for engineering preparation)

Science: chemistry, physics, biology

World language requirement: Two years of a single world language in High School (i.e. Spanish 1 and 2) OR two semesters of a single world language in college (i.e. 101 and 102)

General Education: If high school students are pursuing college-credit general education courses, it is important to choose strategically due to specific requirements and limitations for credit in engineering programs. Refer to our AP and Community College course lists in the tab below for recommendations.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW): Learn more about how college credits are accepted at ISU on the Project Lead the Way FAQ webpage.

Advanced Placement (AP) and Community College courses

Community College Course Resources

  • Applicable community college courses can be found on our Engineering Transfer Plans
    • All college courses will need to be completed with a minimum grade of “C” in order to be considered for transfer credit into the College of Engineering

Advanced Placement (AP) Recommendations Specific AP course/exam recommendations for credit meeting engineering program requirements:

Caption
AP Exam Score ISU Courses Credits
Calculus AB 4-5 Math 165 (Calculus 1) 4
Calculus BC 3 Math 165 (Calculus I) 4
Calculus BC 4-5 Math 165, 166 (Calculus I and II) 8
Chemistry 4-5 Chemistry 177, 178 7*
English Language 3-5 English 150 3
English Literature 4-5 English 150 3
Physics C – Mechanics 4-5 Physics 221 (Classical Physics I) 5
Physics C-E&M 4-5 Physics 222 (Classical Physics II) 5
Computer Science A 5 Computer Science 227** 4

*Chemistry lab notebooks must be reviewed when student begins classes at Iowa State in order to confirm additional lab credit

**Only three engineering majors require this course: computer engineering, cyber security engineering and software engineering

Additional AP course/exam recommendations for general education credits readily accepted in engineering programs:

AP Exam Score ISU Courses Credits
Microeconomics 3-5 Economics 101 3
or Macroeconomics 3-5 Economics 102 3
US Government 3-5 Political Science 215 3
or Comparative Government 3-5 Political Science 241 3
Psychology 4-5 Psychology 101 3

Help your students explore engineering majors

We encourage interested students to visit the Iowa State campus to get additional questions answered and talk to current engineering students.

Curriculum plans for engineering degree programs

Group Visits to the College of Engineering

Please contact:

Yamille Perez  (she/her/ella)
Talent Development & Outreach Programs
College of Engineering – Iowa State University

515-294-5319 | yamille@iastate.edu