First-Year Requirements
Here’s what’s needed if you’re applying as a first-time college student.
Coursework MaterialsCoursework
To be considered for admission, you must complete the following high school courses.
1 college semester = 1 year of high school coursework
English
4 years required
Courses that count: Studies in language, composition, and literature requiring practice in expository writing. Coursework should emphasize reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Math
3 or 3.5 years required, 4 years recommended
Courses that count: Algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics.
Courses that do not count: Applied business math, pre-algebra, computer processing, and information technology courses.
At least 3.5 years of math, including trigonometry or higher, are required for admission to the following:
- All Computer Science + X majors
- All Gies College of Business majors
- All Grainger College of Engineering majors
- Agricultural & Biological Engineering (ACES)
- Architectural Studies (FAA)
- Astronomy + Data Science (LAS)
- Astrophysics (LAS)
- Biochemistry (LAS)
- Chemical Engineering (LAS)
- Chemical Engineering + Data Science (LAS)
- Chemistry (LAS)
- Geology (LAS)
- Information Sciences (SIS)
- Information Sciences + Data Science (SIS)
- Materials Science and Engineering + Data Science (ENG)
- Molecular & Cellular Biology + Data Science (LAS)
- Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering + Data Science (ENG)
- Secondary Education: Mathematics (EDU)
Social Science
2 years required, 4 years recommended
Courses that count: History and government. Additional acceptable social studies include anthropology, economics, geography, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Lab Sciences
2 years required, 4 years recommended
Courses that count: Lab courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. Lab courses in agricultural sciences, astronomy, and geology are also acceptable.
Courses that do not count: General science
Language Other Than English
2 years required, 4 years recommended
Courses that count: Completion through the second level of any 1 language other than English. American Sign Language is acceptable.
Flexible Academic Units
2 years required, 4+ years recommended
Courses that count: At least 2 years of coursework in any of the above subject categories. Approved art, music, or vocational education courses may be counted in this category.
Materials
In addition to coursework, the following items are required to complete your application.
- Application fee or an approved fee waiver
- Self‑reported academic record (SRAR)
- Any test scores you choose to report
- English Language Proficiency scores (if required)