Best AP Classes for Communications Majors
Plan AP classes by grade level, priority, prerequisites, college-credit caveats, and Fiveable study resources.
By Amanda DoAmaral · Updated Jul 16, 2026
For communications, the best AP® classes are AP English Language, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP Government, and AP Art and Design. Communications majors need writing, audience insight, data interpretation, public context, and media awareness.
Use this guide with Fiveable's AP English Language, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP US Government, and AP Art and Design.
Recommended AP sequence for communications
| Grade | Best AP focus | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 9th grade | AP Human Geography or no AP class | Builds audience and culture context. |
| 10th grade | AP Psychology or AP World History | Adds behavior and social context. |
| 11th grade | AP English Language, AP Statistics, AP Government | Builds persuasion, data, and public affairs. |
| 12th grade | AP Art and Design, AP Literature, AP Research | Adds media, interpretation, and research depth. |
Priority tiers
| Tier | AP classes | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | AP English Language, AP Psychology, AP Statistics | Best foundation for communication strategy. |
| Useful | AP Government, AP Art and Design, AP Literature | Supports public communication and media work. |
| Optional | AP Research, AP Comparative Government, AP Computer Science Principles | Useful for research, global media, or digital communication. |
Prerequisites and alternatives
Start with the highest available AP in the essential tier. If your school does not offer one of these AP classes, choose the closest honors or dual-enrollment course that builds the same skills: writing, audience research, data interpretation, or media production.
Credit caveats
Communications programs vary by track. Public relations, media studies, speech, advertising, and journalism can have different requirements. Use AP courses to build transferable skills and verify credit by department.
Fiveable resources for communications AP classes
| AP subject | Study hub | Practice | FRQs | Score calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Language | Study guides | Practice | FRQs | Calculator |
| AP Psychology | Study guides | Practice | FRQs | Calculator |
| AP Statistics | Study guides | Practice | FRQs | Calculator |
| AP US Government | Study guides | Practice | FRQs | Calculator |
| AP Art and Design | Study guides | Practice | FRQs | Calculator |
Official planning notes
A few things are worth checking before you lock in a schedule.
- College Board's AP Courses and Exams page lists current AP subjects and course categories.
- Use College Board's AP Credit Policy Search to check college-specific credit and placement.
- Check the communications department's own prerequisites before assuming AP credit will count toward the major.
Related AP career guides
Compare this plan with AP classes for journalism, AP classes for marketing, AP classes for graphic design, and AP classes by major.
Frequently Asked Questions About AP Classes for Communications
What AP classes are most important for communications?
AP English Language, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP Government, and AP Art and Design are the best starting point, but the right schedule depends on your school's course sequence, your math placement, and how many AP classes you can take while doing well.
Do AP classes guarantee college credit?
No. Colleges set their own AP credit and placement policies, and some majors use AP scores differently than the general university policy. Always check the specific colleges and departments on your list.
Should I take every AP class connected to my intended major?
Usually no. Colleges care about rigor, grades, and fit. Prioritize the courses that build the strongest foundation first, then add useful electives if your schedule can handle them.