At The Cooper Union, each school has its own high school graduation requirements for applicants. You can find the requirements for the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, the School of Art, and the Albert Nerken School of Engineering below. More information is available in our Course Catalog.

Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture

High school records must show graduation with a minimum of 19 units* before July 15 of the year for which admission is sought with required and elective subjects as follows:

Calculus is a required first-year course for all architecture students. Entering first-year students must have completed Mathematics (including Trigonometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus). Any student who has not completed Pre-Calculus in high school must do so during the summer before enrollment and must submit an official transcript documenting successful completion of the course. 

The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture will consider AP credits for Calculus and Physics pending department approval. 

School of Art

High school records must show graduation with a minimum of 16 units* before July 15 of the year for which admissions is sought with required and elective subjects as follows:

Students who apply while attending high school will be expected to supply transcripts of subjects studied during the first three years of high school (Grades 9, 10, and 11). High school graduates must supply the full four-year record. High school transcripts should be sent during the fall and winter months but no later than January 18 if supporting a first-year application.

Each candidate should make certain that the high school subjects required for their major are completed prior to graduation since The Cooper Union will not be able to verify their senior program until final transcripts arrive in June or July. This is too late to make up a missing required subject or to make plans for admission to another college. Students who have not fulfilled their application requirements may have their offer of admission rescinded.

Albert Nerken School of Engineering

High school records must show the following:

We understand that high schools offer varying course options and will consider your achievements within the context of your school's offerings. While we will evaluate your academic record holistically, we encourage you to pursue advanced mathematics and physics courses where possible. This will not only strengthen your application but also prepare you for the rigor of Cooper's required science and engineering courses. 

If you have not completed the above requirements, and you believe your circumstances may warrant an exception, please include that in your application or consult with the admissions team.

*A unit represents a year's study in a subject with classes meeting at least four times a week in a secondary school.

Information specific to homeschooled applicants can be found here.