The challenges facing our world will draw on many talents. Your ability to be successful starts with a balanced curriculum in high school.
High School Students
High school course requirements and recommendations
High school students seeking direct admission to Iowa State University and the College of Engineering must fulfill the following minimum high school course requirements.
| Subject | Admission Requirement | Engineering Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| English/Language Arts | 4 years | — |
| Foreign Language | 2 years of the same language | — |
| Science | 3 years, including one year each of two of the following fields: biology, chemistry and physics | 4 years, including biology, chemistry, physics and a laboratory experience; strongly recommend one full year of chemistry |
| Social Studies | 2 years | 3 years |
| Math | 3 years, including one year each of algebra, geometry and advanced algebra | 4 years, including trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, or advanced math |
- Admission requirement: 4 years
- Engineering recommendation: Same as above
- Admission requirement: 2 years of the same language
- Engineering recommendation: Same as above
- Admission requirement: 3 years, including one year each of two of the following fields: biology, chemistry and physics
- Engineering recommendation: 4 years, including biology, chemistry, physics and a laboratory experience; strongly recommend one full year of chemistry
- Admission requirement: 2 years
- Engineering recommendation: 3 years
- Admission requirement: 3 years, including one year each of algebra, geometry and advanced algebra
- Engineering recommendation: 4 years, including trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, or advanced math
College courses in high school
Many high school students have access to college-level courses in high school. We know it’s in your nature to maximize your opportunities. In general, focusing on the Engineering Basic Program courses, like math, science, and English. If you take social science and humanities courses, these general guidelines can provide a good starting point:
- At least 6 credits in social sciences with one class being Microeconomics or Macroeconomics (Econ 1010 or 1020 at ISU)
- 6 credits in humanities
- At least one six-credit sequence in the same department
- Not more than 9 credits from one subject area
- No more than two 1000-level courses
Please note that each engineering department has specific degree requirements updated yearly.
The following 4 steps can serve as a guide as you consider which college-level courses you might take in high school.
Create an account on Transit. This is an online tool that will allow you to enter in the courses you have taken and see how they may transfer in to Iowa State University.
Compare this with already established transfer plans from our community college partners in Iowa and some in surrounding states. These transfer plans will give you a great roadmap for which courses might benefit you the most.
Compare these with the 4-year plans in the major or majors that you are interested in. These give detailed lists of coursework required for our 15 majors. Please keep in mind that requirements are updated yearly.
In 12th grade, once you have applied to Iowa State University and sent in your transcripts, you will receive a transcript evaluation similar to what can be seen on Transit. During orientation, you will have a one-on-one meeting with your academic advisor, who will once again review the courses you have taken in high school and create a semester schedule with you.
Questions? Email: engineering@iastate.edu
Transferring credits to Iowa State
Credits by exam
Iowa State will allow a maximum of 60 credits of prior learning credit to satisfy a student’s undergraduate degree requirements, of which no more than 32 credits may come from the credit by exam. To determine what credit we honor and what exam scores are needed, please visit our Credit by Exam website.
Transfer credits
College of Engineering will accept up to 65 transfer credits from a 2-year institution to count towards the degree. Only transfer courses with a grade of “C” or better can be used.
Bachelor’s degree requirements
To qualify for a bachelor’s degree, students are required to take the last 32 credits at Iowa State and students must apply a minimum of 32 Iowa State credits toward their degree program. Credits earned while students participated in an ISU Study Abroad or National Student Exchange program are exempt from this requirement.
To learn more visit the Iowa State University Course Catalog.
Take the next step
Engineering Recruitment and Student Services
1300 Marston Hall, 533 Morrill Road
Ames, IA 50011
Phone: (515) 294-7186