Admissions: New Freshmen Course Requirements
This information will help you determine which of your high school courses count for college preparation. If you aren't sure if a course meets the requirements, ask your counselor for assistance. The minimum requirements for English, mathematics, social studies, science, and electives are listed below.
Minimum Course Requirements:
Subject |
Requirement |
Explanation |
| English | 4 years |
Minimum of 1 year of composition. May include 1 year of speech, communications and/or journalism.
|
| Mathematics | 3 years |
Must include equivalent of algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra.
|
| Social Studies | 3 years |
Anthropology, economics, geography, government, history, psychology and/or sociology are acceptable.
|
| Science | 3 years |
General science, biology, chemistry, earth science and/or physics are acceptable. Laboratory experience is highly recommended.
|
| Electives | 2 years |
Additional courses from subject areas identified above are acceptable. May include foreign language* and/or fine arts.
|
*Two years of one foreign language in high school with a C- or above in the last term meet the University graduation requirement. The University highly recommends that students fulfill this requirement while in high school.
English: 4 years
Appropriate courses emphasize composition, analysis and interpretation of literature and speech. One year of speech, communications, and/or journalism will apply toward this requirement. Courses that focus on applied or technical applications (i.e., business letters, memos, news releases, ads and interviews) generally do not count. Examples of appropriate courses include composition, college writing, American literature, world literature, modern fiction, and public speaking. Examples of courses that will not count are vocational English, developmental English, reading lab, developmental writing, applied communication and English as a second language.
Mathematics: 3 years
Must complete a minimum of one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra. Pre-algebra will not apply.
Social Studies: 3 years
Appropriate courses will focus on the knowledge, theories and methods of the social sciences, teach research writing skills and foster a tolerance for conflicting viewpoints. Examples of appropriate courses are American history, world history, government, economics, psychology, sociology and world cultures. Personal finance will not apply.
Science: 3 years
Science courses that meet this requirement should help you learn how to use scientific facts, analyze problems and develop a scientific vocabulary. They should focus on theory, knowledge, principles and methods and their application. Laboratory experience is highly recommended. Examples of appropriate courses are general science, biology, earth science, chemistry and physics. Examples of courses that will not apply are health, consumer science, electronics and principles of technology.
Electives: 2 years
Courses from English, mathematics, social studies and science that exceed minimum requirements are acceptable. Foreign language is highly recommended. May include credit earned in the visual arts, theatre and drama and music.
NCAA Approved High School Courses
The University of Northern Iowa uses the NCAA's list of approved courses as the primary resource in determining whether a course is acceptable toward high school course requirements. You can find your high school's list of approved courses at the NCAA List of Approved Core Courses website.