Minimum high school course requirements for admission to baccalaureate (four-year) degree programs are listed below.
Keep in mind that specific programs may have additional requirements or recommendations.
English
Four units, including one unit each in composition and literature
Foreign Language/Social Studies/Art/Humanities
Five units in any combination of foreign language, social studies, arts, and humanities are required, and two units of the same foreign language are recommended.
Science
Three units of science are required
Preparation in chemistry and physics is recommended but not required for:
- the College of Engineering
- the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
- the Eberly College of Science
- Science at Penn State Altoona, Abington, Berks, Erie, Harrisburg, and Lehigh Valley
- Engineering/Engineering Technology at Penn State Erie and Penn State Harrisburg
Math
Three units of mathematics are required (four are recommended), selected from any combination of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
Some programs have additional mathematics requirements.
- The Smeal College of Business
- the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
- the College of Engineering
- Information Sciences and Technology
- the Eberly College of Science
- and all other Business, Engineering/Engineering Technology, and Science programs
The colleges listed above require one-half unit of trigonometry or higher level math within the required three units
Penn State requires proof of graduation or a GED for admission to four-year degree programs.
*In most high school curricula, one unit = one year.
