What are the NCAA core course requirements?
The NCAA uses a list of classes, known as the Core Courses to standardize the GPA requirement of student athletes. This means you need to take a specific number of years in English, Math, Science, and related courses. Your grades in these classes are used to calculate your GPA. Your GPA and SAT or ACT test score are used in the NCAA sliding scale as one of the academic requirements. The core course requirements are listed below.
NCAA DI
- 4 Years English
- 3 Years Math
- 2 Years Physical or Natural Science
- 2 Years Social Science
- 1 Year Extra or Math or Science
- 4 Years of (Religion, Philosophy, Foreign Language, or categories above)
NCAA DII
- 3 Years English
- 3 Years Math
- 2 Years Physical or Natural Science
- 2 Years Social Science
- 2 Year Extra or Math or Science
- 4 Years of (Religion, Philosophy, Foreign Language, or categories above)
There are a couple of critical things to remember:
- As long as you meet the NCAA DI requirements you will meet the DII requirements
- The number one issue for athletes is taking an English or Math course that doesn’t full fill the requirement. If you are taking a lower level English or Math course, meet with your councilor and double check it is on the approved list.
- For athletes in the class of 2016 or later it will be more difficult to meet the core course requirements if you are behind. 10 of your core courses will be locked in at the end of your Junior year and cannot be retaken. It is important you meet with your councilor before your Junior year, freshman year is better and plan out your high school classes.
Now that you know what the core course requirement is, here is how you determine what classes are your high school meet the core course requirement.
How to calculate your core course GPA
The full NCAA eligibility requirements
Find opportunities for athletic scholarships and get connected to college coaches.