Advance in STEM
Recommended Courses to Prepare Students for STEM Success
Students are more likely to pursue and succeed in STEM when they have access to rigorous math, science, and technology courses that build in a clear sequence.
These AP courses give students the opportunity to take college-level STEM coursework as well as the chance to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both. They help students develop the quantitative reasoning, modeling, and problem-solving they need for STEM majors and careers.
Because each AP course stands on its own, schools can start with one and add others over time, building a stronger pathway into advanced STEM coursework in a way that fits staffing, scheduling, and student demand.
| Course | What Students Learn | How Students Become Prepared for Success in STEM |
| AP Biology | How living systems grow, adapt, and evolve—through genetics, ecology, energy, and inquiry-based lab investigation | Strengthens preparation for biology, health science, and other advanced STEM pathways |
| AP Calculus AB | How to use differential and integral calculus to model change, analyze functions, and solve real-world problems | Serves as a core gateway course for many STEM majors and advanced quantitative study |
| AP Calculus BC | How the full scope of introductory calculus extends into parametric, polar, and vector-valued functions and infinite series | Extends advanced math study for students ready to move beyond first-semester calculus |
| AP Chemistry | How atoms, molecules, energy, and chemical reactions explain the properties and behavior of matter | Prepares students for further study in chemistry, biology, engineering, and health sciences |
| AP Computer Science A | How to design, write, and test programs using Java—including algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented design | Adds a clear computing pathway within STEM and develops computational thinking |
| AP Environmental Science | How to use scientific principles and methods to understand environmental systems,analyze problems, and evaluate solutions | Offers an accessible entry into STEM through applied science and real-world problem-solving |
| AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based | How motion, forces, energy, momentum, oscillations, and fluids follow predictable physical laws — explored through modeling and inquiry | Opens the door to physics for students who aren’t yet in calculus and builds STEM reasoning early |
| AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based | How electricity, magnetism, light, waves, thermodynamics, and modern physics explain physical systems | Extends algebra-based physics study and builds modeling, lab, and quantitative reasoning skills |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | How to use calculus to analyze and explain electric fields, circuits, magnetism, capacitors, and electromagnetic induction | Supports students pursuing electrical engineering, physics, electronics, and advanced physical science pathways |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | How to use calculus to analyze and explain motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and oscillation | Supports students pursuing mechanical engineering, aerospace, robotics, and advanced physical science pathways |
| AP Precalculus | How to use functions to model patterns, systems, and real-world change—including exponential, trigonometric, and other function families | Builds a strong foundation for calculus and supports further study across mathematics, science, business, and data science |
| AP Research | How to design and carry out independent research—from developing a question through evidence analysis, academic writing, and oral defense | Builds research, analysis, project management, and communication skills used across STEM fields |
| AP Statistics | How to collect, analyze, and draw conclusions from data, including sampling, probability, and inference | Strengthens data literacy and quantitative decision making used across STEM fields |
Let us show you how this approach can help support your school's goals. Request information.
How These Courses Can Work in Your School
Replace, not rebuild: Swap an existing course with its AP equivalent—using the staff, schedule, and structures you already have.
Enhance what you offer: Add an AP course to an existing progression in science, math, or technology.
What These Courses Enable
Alignment: Stronger alignment between your AP offerings and your school’s STEM priorities
Program Coherence: A clear progression from foundational to advanced STEM courses
Availability: A chance for more students to experience college-level STEM coursework
Growth Strategy: A practical way to expand your AP or STEM coursework without overloading your master schedule
Why This Matters
AP STEM courses help your school build a stronger pathway across math, science, and technology, giving students access to rigorous coursework that supports future STEM study and careers.
Complete the AP course interest form to get connected and explore more approaches to start or expand your AP program.
Resources
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Flyer: Advance in STEM Overview
AP can help your school strengthen its STEM pathway by ensuring students have access to a fuller range of rigorous math, science, and technology opportunities before they graduate.