AP Environmental Science
Course Information
AP Environmental Science is a college-level interdisciplinary science course that examines the relationships within the natural world and the environmental challenges created by both natural processes and human activity.
Subject Area: Science
UC A-G Area: D – Science
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/16/2026
Course End: 5/5/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This course provides useful preparation for many science, environmental, engineering, and policy-based college pathways, including:
Environmental Science / Ecology / Marine Biology / Environmental Engineering / Public Health / Geology / Geography / Sustainability Studies / Public Policy
Prerequisites
Students should:
- Earn an A in College Prep Biology or complete Pre-AP Biology
- Complete two years of high school laboratory science, including one year of life science and one year of physical science
- Complete at least one year of algebra
A course in earth science is helpful but not required.
Course Units
- The Living World: Ecosystems
- The Living World: Biodiversity
- Populations
- Earth Systems and Resources
- Land and Water Use
- Energy Resources and Consumption
- Atmospheric Pollution
- Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution
- Global Change
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 13, 2027 | Exam Duration: 2 Hours 40 Minutes
Section I
Multiple Choice
- 80 questions
- 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- 60% of Score
Students answer questions that assess their understanding of environmental concepts, scientific processes, data interpretation, quantitative methods, and real-world environmental problems.
Questions may include:
- Charts and graphs
- Maps and visual models
- Scientific data
- Research scenarios
- Environmental case studies
Calculators are permitted.
Section II
Free Response
- 3 questions
- 1 Hour 10 Minutes
- 40% of Score
The section includes:
- 1 question: Design an Investigation
- 1 question: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution
- 1 question: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution Using Calculations
Students may be asked to interpret data, explain environmental processes, evaluate problems, propose scientifically supported solutions, and perform quantitative analysis.
Calculators are permitted throughout the section.
Both multiple-choice and free-response answers are completed digitally in Bluebook.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP Statistics
Develop skills in collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from real-world data.
AP Biology
Explore evolution, cellular processes, genetics, ecology, and other core biological concepts.
AP Human Geography
Examine population, land use, cities, economic development, and human interactions with geographic space.
AP Chemistry
Study atomic structure, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and other foundational chemistry concepts.
Questions About AP Environmental Science
Where can I find official AP Environmental Science resources and exam details?
For the official course framework, exam information, calculator policies, and student resources, visit the College Board AP Environmental Science page.
Is there a laboratory component to AP Environmental Science?
Yes. Franklin Academy laboratory science courses require students to complete hands-on laboratory work throughout the course. Students are required to perform at least seven labs per semester and complete a formal lab report each semester.
How much math is required for AP Environmental Science?
AP Environmental Science is not as math-intensive as courses such as AP Physics or AP Calculus, but quantitative analysis is an important part of the course. Students use algebra, percentages, rates, dimensional analysis, and environmental data to solve problems and interpret scientific relationships.
Is AP Environmental Science easier than AP Biology?
The two courses emphasize different skills. AP Environmental Science is broader and more interdisciplinary, while AP Biology goes deeper into biological processes. The better fit depends on a student’s science background, interests, and comfort with laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific reasoning.
Will I receive high school credit for taking this course?
Yes. Franklin Academy is a WASC-accredited private school. Upon completion of the course, Franklin Academy issues an official transcript with the WASC seal. Students may choose to transfer credits to their school of record or submit the Franklin Academy transcript as part of their college application materials.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
Franklin Academy offers a range of AP courses designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, explore advanced subjects, and prepare for college-level coursework. Complete the form below and let us know which AP courses you’re interested in.