AP Courses - Advanced Placement
AP English Language and Composition
About the Course
Learn about the elements of argument and composition as you develop your critical-reading and writing skills. You’ll read and analyze nonfiction works from various periods and write essays with different aims: for example, to explain an idea, argue a point, or persuade your reader of something.
Skills You'll Learn
1. Reading closely, analyzing, and interpreting a piece of writing
2. Evaluating a source of information
3. Gathering and consolidating information from different sources
4. Writing an evidence-based argument
5. Drafting and revising a piece of writing
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent:
An introductory college-level literary analysis course
Recommended Prerequisites
None
AP English Literature and Composition
About the Course
Learn how to understand and evaluate works of fiction, poetry, and drama from various periods and cultures. You’ll read literary works and write essays to explain and support your analysis of them.
Skills You'll Learn
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Read a text closely and draw conclusions from details
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Identify the techniques used by an author and their effects
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Develop an interpretation of a text
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Present your interpretation and make an argument for it in writing
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
An introductory college-level literature course
Recommended Prerequisites
None
AP Computer Science Principles
About the Course
Learn the principles that underlie the science of computing and develop the thinking skills that computer scientists use. You’ll work on your own and as part of a team to creatively address real-world issues using the tools and processes of computation.
Skills You'll Learn
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Making connections between concepts in computing
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Designing a program to solve a problem or complete a task
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Applying abstractions in computation and modeling
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Analyzing computational work
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Communicating ideas about technology and computation
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Working collaboratively to solve problems
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A first-semester introductory college course in computing
Recommended Prerequisites
High school algebra course
AP Computer Science A
About the Course
Get familiar with the concepts and tools of computer science as you learn a subset of the Java programming language. You'll do hands-on work to design, write, and test computer programs that solve problems or accomplish tasks.
Skills You'll Learn
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Designing a program, developing the algorithms it needs, and writing code to implement them
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Testing program code and correcting errors
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Documenting and explaining how program code works
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A one-semester, introductory college course in computer science
Recommended Prerequisites
High school courses in English and algebra, and familiarity with functions and the concepts found in the uses of function notation
AP Calculus AB
Explore the concepts, methods, and applications of differential and integral calculus. You’ll work to understand the theoretical basis and solve problems by applying your knowledge and skills.
Course Content
- Unit 1: Limits and Continuity
- Unit 2: Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties
- Unit 3: Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions
- Unit 4: Contextual Applications of Differentiation
- Unit 5: Analytical Applications of Differentiation
- Unit 6: Integration and Accumulation of Change
- Unit 7: Differential Equations
- Unit 8: Applications of Integration
AP Calculus BC
About the Course
Explore the concepts, methods, and applications of differential and integral calculus, including topics such as parametric, polar, and vector functions, and series. You’ll perform experiments and investigations and solve problems by applying your knowledge and skills.
Skills You'll Learn
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Determining expressions and values using mathematical procedures and rules
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Connecting representations
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Justifying reasoning and solutions
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Using correct notation, language, and mathematical conventions to communicate results or solutions
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A first-semester college calculus course and the subsequent single-variable calculus course
Recommended Prerequisites
You should have successfully completed courses in which you studied algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions. In particular, you should understand the properties of linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise-defined functions, as well as sequences, series, and polar equations. You should know how to graph these functions and solve equations involving them. You should also be familiar with algebraic transformations, combinations, compositions, and inverses for general functions.
AP Precalculus
About the Course
Taking AP Precalculus prepares you for other college-level mathematics and science courses. During the course, you’ll explore everyday situations using mathematical tools and lenses. You’ll also develop an understanding of modeling and functions, and examine scenarios through multiple representations. The course framework outlines content and skills needed for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science.
Skills You'll Learn
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Algebraically manipulating functions, equations, and expressions
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Translating mathematical information between representations
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Communicating with precise language, and providing rationales for conclusions
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A college precalculus course or a college algebra with trigonometry course.
Recommended Prerequisites
You should have successfully completed introductory algebra and geometry courses. In particular, you should be able to demonstrate proficiency with linear functions, polynomial addition and multiplication, factoring quadratic trinomials, using the quadratic formula, solving right triangle problems involving trigonometry, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, algebraic manipulation of linear equations and expressions, and solving systems of equations in two and three variables. You should also be familiar with piecewise-defined functions, exponential functions and rules for exponents, radicals (e.g., square roots, cube roots), and complex numbers.
AP Statistics
About the Course
Learn about the major concepts and tools used for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. You’ll explore statistics through discussion and activities, and you'll design surveys and experiments.
Skills You'll Learn
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Selecting methods for collecting or analyzing data
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Describing patterns, trends, associations, and relationships in data
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Using probability and simulation to describe probability distributions and define uncertainty in statistical inference
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Using statistical reasoning to draw appropriate conclusions and justify claims
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics
Recommended Prerequisites
A second-year course in algebra
AP Biology
About the Course
Study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. You’ll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena.
Skills You'll Learn
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Designing experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory
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Collecting and analyzing data
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Interpreting data to draw conclusions
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Developing and supporting a scientific claim with evidence
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors
Recommended Prerequisites
High school courses in biology and chemistry
AP Chemistry
About the Course
Learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. You’ll do hands-on lab investigations and use chemical calculations to solve problems.
Note: Save your lab notebooks and reports; colleges may ask to see them before granting you credit.
Skills You'll Learn
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Designing experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory
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Creating graphs, diagrams, and models that represent chemical phenomena
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Explaining how the microscopic structure of a substance determines its chemical properties
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Balancing a chemical equation
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Making a scientific claim and supporting it with evidence
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A one-year, introductory college general chemistry course
Recommended Prerequisites
High school courses in chemistry and Algebra II
AP Environmental Science
About the Course
Explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. You’ll take part in laboratory investigations and field work.
Note: Save your lab notebooks and reports; colleges may ask to see them before granting you credit.
Skills You'll Learn
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Explaining environmental concepts and processes
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Analyzing data, visual representations, and writings
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Applying quantitative methods in solving problems
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Proposing a solution for an environmental problem and supporting your idea with evidence
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Analyzing a research study to identify a hypothesis
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science
Recommended Prerequisites
Two years of high school laboratory science, including life science and physical science, along with at least one year of algebra
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
About the Course
Course Coverage Update
Colleges agree that Units 8-10 can be removed from AP Physics 1 since they are covered in AP Physics 2; accordingly, Units 8-10 are no longer tested in AP Physics 1. As of 2021, AP Physics 1 Exams focus exclusively on content covered in Units 1-7.
Learn about the foundational principles of physics as you explore Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. You’ll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate phenomena.
Note: Save your lab notebooks and reports; colleges may ask to see them before granting you credit.
Skills You'll Learn
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Interpreting and describing representations and models
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Using mathematics to solve science problems
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Formulating a scientific question or hypothesis
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Designing an experiment to answer a scientific question or to test a hypothesis
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Analyzing data and evaluating evidence
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Working with scientific explanations and theories
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Making connections
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A first-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics
Recommended Prerequisites
You should have completed a geometry course and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
About the Course
Expand your understanding of physics as you explore topics such as fluids; thermodynamics; electric force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. You’ll do hands-on and inquiry-based in-class activities and laboratory work to investigate phenomena.
Note: Save your lab notebooks and reports; colleges may ask to see them before granting you credit.
Skills You'll Learn
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Interpreting and describing representations and models
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Using mathematics to solve science problems
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Formulating a scientific question or hypothesis
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Designing an experiment to answer a scientific question or test a hypothesis
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Analyzing data and evaluating evidence
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Working with scientific explanations and theories
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Making connections
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A second-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics.
Recommended Prerequisites
You should have completed AP Physics 1 or a comparable introductory physics course and should have taken or be concurrently taking pre-calculus or an equivalent course.
AP Human Geography
About the Course
Explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth. You’ll use the tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, and land use.
Skills You'll Learn
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Connecting geographic concepts and processes to real-life scenarios
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Understanding information shown in maps, tables, charts, graphs, infographics, images, and landscapes
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Seeing patterns and trends in data and in visual sources such as maps and drawing conclusions from them
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Understanding spatial relationships using geographic scales
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
An introductory college-level course in human geography
Recommended Prerequisites
None
AP Psychology
About the Course
Explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You’ll examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion and you’ll analyze data from psychological research studies.
Skills You'll Learn
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Connecting psychological concepts and theories to real-life scenarios
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Understanding and interpreting data
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Analyzing research studies in psychology
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A one-semester, introductory college course in psychology
Recommended Prerequisites
None
AP United States Government and Politics
About the Course
Study the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the United States. You'll read, analyze, and discuss the U.S. Constitution and other documents as well as complete a research or applied civics project.
Update: Roe v. Wade
Although the Supreme Court recently overturned Roe v. Wade, it remains required course content and is part of Topic 3.9, “Amendments: Due Process and the Right to Privacy” along with two additional cases, Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022). Any of these cases can be the focus of AP Exam questions related to this topic, but none of them will be the focus of Free Response Question 3.
Skills You'll Learn
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Connecting political concepts to real-life situations
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Explaining the impact and implications of certain U.S. Supreme Court decisions
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Analyzing data to find patterns and trends and draw conclusions
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Reading and analyzing text and visual sources
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Developing a claim or thesis and supporting it in an essay
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A one-semester introductory college course in U.S. government
Recommended Prerequisites
None
AP United States History
About the Course
Study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.
Skills You'll Learn
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Evaluating primary and secondary sources
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Analyzing the claims, evidence, and reasoning you find in sources
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Putting historical developments in context and making connections between them
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Coming up with a claim or thesis and explaining and supporting it in writing
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A two-semester introductory college course in U.S. history
Recommended Prerequisites
None
AP World History: Modern
About the Course
Study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.
Skills You'll Learn
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Evaluating primary and secondary sources
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Analyzing the claims, evidence, and reasoning you find in sources
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Putting historical developments in context and making connections between them
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Coming up with a claim or thesis and explaining and supporting it in writing
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
An introductory college course in modern world history
Recommended Prerequisites
None
AP Spanish Language and Culture
About the Course
Develop your Spanish language skills and learn about the cultures in Spanish-speaking parts of the world. You’ll practice communicating in Spanish and study real-life materials such as newspaper articles, films, music, and books.
Skills You'll Learn
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Understanding Spanish when you hear it and read it
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Holding conversations in real-life situations
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Writing stories, letters, emails, essays, and other texts
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
An intermediate level (typically third- or fourth-semester) college course in Spanish language
Recommended Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites, but students are typically in their fourth year of high-school-level study. In the case of native or heritage speakers, there may be a different pathway of study leading to this course.
AP Spanish Literature and Culture
About the Course
Build your language skills and cultural knowledge by exploring works of literature written in Spanish. Using Spanish to communicate, you’ll read, analyze, discuss, and write about works by Spanish, Latin-American, and U.S. Hispanic authors of different periods.
Skills You'll Learn
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Interpreting, analyzing, and comparing literary works
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Relating literary works to their cultural and historical contexts
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Comparing literary works to works of art
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Writing a literary analysis using correct literary terms
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Discussing works of literature
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A college introductory survey course of literature written in Spanish
Recommended Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites, but students are typically in their fourth year of high-school-level study. In the case of native or heritage speakers, there may be a different pathway of study leading to this course.