How Many AP Courses Are There?

Discover the 40 Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered by the College Board, spanning subjects like math, science, arts, and history. Learn how to choose the right AP courses for your academic goals.

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, administered by the College Board, offers a diverse range of college-level courses and exams to high school students. As of 2025, there are 40 AP courses available, covering subjects from mathematics and sciences to arts and social sciences. These courses provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit, enhance their academic transcripts, and prepare for higher education.

Overview of AP Course Offerings

The 40 AP courses are categorized into several subject areas:

• Arts:
  • AP 2-D Art and Design
  • AP 3-D Art and Design
  • AP Drawing
  • AP Art History
  • AP Music Theory
• English:
  • AP English Language and Composition
  • AP English Literature and Composition
• History and Social Sciences:
  • AP African American Studies
  • AP Comparative Government and Politics
  • AP European History
  • AP Human Geography
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Microeconomics
  • AP Psychology
  • AP United States Government and Politics
  • AP United States History
  • AP World History: Modern
• Mathematics and Computer Science:
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • AP Precalculus
  • AP Statistics
• Sciences:
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Environmental Science
  • AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
  • AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
  • AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
  • AP Physics C: Mechanics
• World Languages and Cultures:
  • AP Chinese Language and Culture
  • AP French Language and Culture
  • AP German Language and Culture
  • AP Italian Language and Culture
  • AP Japanese Language and Culture
  • AP Latin
  • AP Spanish Language and Culture
  • AP Spanish Literature and Culture
• Capstone Program:
  • AP Seminar
  • AP Research

Choosing the Right AP Courses

Selecting the appropriate AP courses depends on various factors, including your academic strengths, interests, and college aspirations. Consider the following when making your decision:

• Interest and Strengths: Choose subjects that align with your passions and areas where you excel.
• College Requirements: Research the AP credit policies of colleges you’re interested in to ensure the courses you take align with their requirements.
• Workload Balance: Be mindful of your overall course load to maintain a manageable and effective study schedule.

Benefits of Taking AP Courses

Enrolling in AP courses offers several advantages:

• College Credit: Scoring well on AP exams can earn you college credit, potentially saving time and tuition costs.
• College Admissions: AP courses demonstrate to colleges that you’re prepared for rigorous coursework.
• Skill Development: AP courses help develop critical thinking, time management, and study skills that are beneficial in higher education.

Conclusion

With 40 AP courses available across various disciplines, students have the opportunity to tailor their high school education to their interests and future academic goals. By carefully selecting AP courses that align with personal strengths and college aspirations, students can enhance their educational experience and better prepare for the challenges of higher education.