Earn College Credit and Meet Requirements with AP Exams
The Advanced Placement program offers you the chance to begin college-level studies while you are in high school and get a jump start on your U of M education.
Many high schools offer college-level classes through the AP program. You may also prepare for an AP exam through individual study. AP exams are graded on a five-point scale. For the majority of AP exams, the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) requires a score of three or higher. Some AP exams require a score of four or higher to earn credits at UMR.
Furthermore, you can use your AP exams to fulfill liberal education requirements. Liberal education requirements are courses or categories of courses that all college students must complete for graduation from UMR. (Note: These requirements should not be confused with high school preparation requirements, which are required for admission to UMR, although AP courses can also satisfy high school preparation requirements.) See the chart below for details.
*Any AP exams not listed below are currently not being awarded for credit by the University of Minnesota Rochester.
| Area/Test | Score | Health Science Major Award | Health Professions Major Award | General Education Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African American Studies | 3, 4, 5 | 3 credits toward degree | 3 credits toward degree | Arts & Humanities Area; Diversity and Social Justice in the U.S. Theme |
| Art History | 3,4,5 | 4 credits toward degree | 4 credits toward degree | Arts & Humanities Area; Global Perspectives Theme |
| Biology | 3, 4, 5 | 4 credits in BIOL 2311 | 4 credits in BIOL 2311 | Biological Sciences Lab Area |
| Calculus AB | 3, 4, 5 | 4 credits in MATH 1171 | 4 credits in MATH 1171 AND satisfies MATH Admissions Req | Mathematical Thinking Area |
| Calculus BC | 3 | 4 credits in MATH 1171 | 4 credits in MATH 1171 AND Satisfies MATH Admissions Req | Mathematical Thinking Area |
| Calculus BC | 4, 5 | 8 credits in MATH 1171, 2171 | 8 credits in MATH 1171, 2171 Satisfies MATH Admissions Req | Mathematical Thinking Area |
| Chemistry | 3 | 4 credits toward degree | 4 credits toward degree AND Satisfies CHEM Admissions Req | Physical Sciences Lab Area |
| Chemistry | 4, 5 | 4 credits toward degree AND 4 credits in CHEM 2335 & 2336 | 4 credits toward degree AND 4 credits in CHEM 2335 & 2336 AND Satisfies CHEMISTRY Admissions Req | Physical Sciences Lab Area |
| Computer Science A | 3,4,5 | 4 credits toward degree | 4 credits toward degree | Mathematical Thinking Area |
| Computer Science B | 3,4,5 | 4 credits toward degree | 4 credits toward degree | Mathematical Thinking Area |
| Economics-Micro | 3,4,5 | 4 credits toward degree | 4 credits toward degree | Social Sciences Area |
| Economics-Macro | 3,4,5 | 4 credits toward degree | 4 credits toward degree | Social Sciences Area |
| English Language and Composition | 3,4,5 | 4 credits in WRIT 1501 | 4 credits in WRIT 1501 AND Satisfies WRITING Admission Req | |
| English Literature & Composition | 3,4,5 | 4 credits in WRIT 1501 AND 3 credits in ENGL 1433 | 4 credits in WRIT 1501 AND 3 credits in ENGL 1433 AND Satisfies WRITING Admission Req | Literature Area |
| Environmental Science | 3,4,5 | 3 credits towards degree | 3 credits toward degree | Biological Sciences Lab Area AND Environment Theme |
| French Literature | 3,4,5 | 3 credits towards degree | 3 credits toward degree | Literature Area |
| Geography-Human | 3,4,5 | 6 credits towards degree | 6 credits toward degree | Social Sciences Area AND Global Perspectives Theme |
| Government and Politics-American | 3,4,5 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits toward degree | Social Sciences Area |
| Government and Politics-Comparative | 3,4,5 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits toward degree | Social Sciences Area |
| History-European | 3,4,5 | 6 credits towards degree | 6 credits toward degree | Historical Perspectives Area AND Global Perspectives Theme |
| History-World | 3,4,5 | 3 credits towards degree | 3 credits toward degree | Historical Perspectives Area AND Global Perspectives Theme |
| History-U.S. | 3,4,5 | 6 credits towards degree | 6 credits towards degree | Historical Perspectives Area |
| Latin (Vergil) | 3,4,5 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits toward degree | Literature Area |
| Latin Literature | 3,4,5 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits toward degree | Literature Area |
| Music Theory | 5 | 5 credits towards degree | 5 credits towards degree | Arts & Humanities Area |
| Physics I | 3,4,5 | 4 credits towards degree | Satisfies PHYSICS Admission Req | Physical Sciences Lab Area |
| Physics | 3,4,5 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits towards degree | Physical Sciences Lab Area |
| Physics C (Mechanics) | 3,4,5 | 4 credits in PHYS 1251 | 4 credits in PHYS 1251 AND Satisfies PHYSICS Admission Req | Physical Sciences Lab Area |
| Physics C (Elec/Magnetism) | 3,4,5 | 4 credits in PHYS 2251 | 4 credits in PHYS 2251 | Physical Sciences Lab Area |
| Precalculus | No credit granted | No credit granted | ||
| Psychology | 4,5 | 3 credits in PSY 1511 | 3 credits in PSY 1511 AND Satisfies PSYCHOLOGY Admission Req. | Social Sciences Area |
| Spanish Literature | 4,5 | 3 credits towards degree | 3 credits towards degree | Literature Area |
| Statistics | 3,4,5 | 3 credits in MATH 1161 | 3 credits in MATH 1161 AND Satisfies STATISTICS Admission Req | Mathematical Thinking Area |
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) enables students of any age to take exams on a variety of college-level topics. The University of Minnesota Rochester offers college credit for certain CLEP exams. The guide below tells you which CLEP tests are accepted by UMR, for credit toward your degree. Tests not listed below are not currently accepted for credit or exemption.
*Any IB exams not listed below are currently not being awarded for credit by the University of Minnesota Rochester.
| Exam | Score | Health Science Major Award | Health Professions Major Award | General Education Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Mathematics | 60 | 3 credits towards degree | 3 credits towards degree | Mathematical Thinking Area |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 60 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits towards degree | Social Sciences Area |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 60 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits towards degree | Social Sciences Area |
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Some high schools offer courses through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Students in IB programs receive eight semester credits at the University of Minnesota Rochester for each higher-level subject passed with a grade of five or higher. Specific credit awards for each higher-level subject are outlined below.
*Any IB exams not listed below are currently not being awarded for credit by the University of Minnesota Rochester.
| Higer Level | Grade | Health Science Major Award | Health Professions Major Award | General Education Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art/Design | 5-7 | 8 credits towards degree | 8 credits towards degree | Arts & Humanities Area |
| Biology | 5-7 | 4 credits in BIOL 2311 | 4 credits in BIOL 2311 | Biological Sciences Lab Area |
| Business Management | 5-7 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits towards degree | |
| Chemistry | 5-7 | 4 credits towards degree AND 4 credits in CHEM 2335 & 2336 | 4 credits towards degree AND 4 credits in CHEM 2335 & 2336 AND Satisfies CHEMISTRY Admissions Req | Physical Sciences Lab Area |
| Computer Science | 5-7 | 8 credits towards degree | 8 credits towards degree | |
| Economics | 5-7 | 8 credits towards degree | 8 credits towards degree | Social Sciences Area |
| English Language & Literature | 5-7 | 4 credits in WRIT 1501, 3 credits in ENGL 1433, 1 credit towards degree | 4 credits in WRIT 1501, 3 credits in ENGL 1433, 1 credit towards degree AND Satisfies WRITING Admission Req | |
| History | 5-7 | 8 credits towards degree | 8 credits towards degree | Historical Perspectives Area |
| Information Global Technology | 5-7 | 4 credits towards degree | 4 credits towards degree | |
| Math | 5-7 | 4 credits in MATH 1171, 4 credits in MATH 2171 | 4 credits in MATH 1171, 4 credits in MATH 2171 AND Satisfies MATH Admission Req | Mathematical Thinking Area |
| Physics | 5-7 | 4 credits in PHYS 1251, 4 credits in PHYS 2251 | 4 credits in PHYS 1251, 4 credits in PHYS 2251 AND Satisfies PHYSICS Admissions Requirement | Physical Sciences Lab Area |
| Psychology | 5-7 | 3 credits in PSY 1511, 5 credits towards degree | 3 credits in PSY 1511, 5 credits towards degree AND Satisfies PSYCHOLOGY Admission Req | Social Sciences Area |
| Theatre | 5-7 | 8 credits towards degree | 8 credits towards degree | Literature Area AND Global Perspectives Theme |
Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
Project Lead The Way provides transformative learning experiences for students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW includes engaging, hands-on classroom environments that empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills.
The University of Minnesota Rochester offers college credit for PLTW Biomedical Science courses. The guide below tells you which PLTW courses are accepted by UMR, for credit toward your degree. Courses not listed below are not currently accepted for credit or exemption.
Students who successfully complete all four PLTW Biomedical Science courses (Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovation) with an 85% or better and a 4 or higher on final exams will receive 6 semester credits. To earn six UMR credits for four PLTW Biomedical Science course, students must complete the PLTW Request for University Credit form.
| Course | Score | Health Science Major Award | Health Professions Major Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Sciences (must complete all four): Principles of Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovation | 85% or better and a 4 or higher on final exams | 6 credits towards degree | 6 credits towards degree |