List of Courses Offered by StraighterLine (2026)

StraighterLine offers a wide range of online, self-paced college courses that students can complete for potential transfer credit. The platform is best known for its general education and prerequisite courses, which are commonly used by students looking to save time and money on their degree.

Rather than offering full degree programs, StraighterLine focuses on individual courses that align with college requirements at many institutions. With options in subjects like English, math, science, business, and technology, the catalog is designed to support early-degree planning and credit transfer strategies. This article highlights a representative selection of available courses across major subject areas. 

What Courses Does StraighterLine Offer?

StraighterLine offers college-level courses primarily focused on general education, foundational math and science, and introductory business and technology topics. Most courses are designed to align with lower-division degree requirements, making them especially useful for students early in their academic journey.

Students commonly use StraighterLine to complete transferable credits before or alongside enrollment at a college or university. Instead of following a traditional semester schedule, learners work through course material at their own pace, completing assignments, quizzes, and final assessments when they are ready.

Many StraighterLine courses carry recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE), which can support transfer credit decisions. However, acceptance is always determined by the receiving institution, so students often select courses strategically based on their degree plan and transfer policies.

StraighterLine Course Categories at a Glance

StraighterLine’s course catalog is organized around core academic subject areas that commonly appear in undergraduate degree programs. While the platform does not offer upper-division coursework, it excels at providing flexible, affordable alternatives to introductory and prerequisite classes.

The categories below highlight commonly used StraighterLine courses and are intended to provide a snapshot of the overall catalog. Each section includes representative examples rather than a complete list, helping you understand how students typically apply these courses toward their academic goals.

General Education Courses

General education courses form the foundation of most college degrees. These classes help students build essential skills in writing, communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, and they are often required regardless of major.

• English Composition I: Students focus on building strong academic writing skills through grammar review, sentence structure practice, and essay development. Emphasis is placed on organizing ideas clearly and supporting arguments effectively.
• English Composition II: Research and critical analysis play a larger role in this course as students learn to write evidence-based essays. Coursework emphasizes source evaluation, synthesis of ideas, and advanced argument development.
• Introduction to Communication: The course introduces core principles of public speaking and interpersonal communication used in academic and professional settings. Learners practice organizing messages, adapting to audiences, and delivering presentations with confidence.
• Art Appreciation: Visual art is examined across multiple historical periods and cultural traditions. The course explores artistic movements, recurring themes, and the ways art reflects social values and historical change.
• Student Success: Designed for online learners, the course emphasizes practical strategies for managing coursework and staying on track academically. Topics commonly include time management, study techniques, goal setting, and digital literacy.

Mathematics Courses

StraighterLine’s math courses are commonly used to satisfy general education requirements or prerequisites for business and STEM programs. The catalog spans introductory concepts through calculus, allowing students to choose the level that best fits their degree plan.

• College Algebra: This class covers linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions commonly required in undergraduate programs. Many students take it to satisfy general education math requirements or prepare for more advanced coursework.
• Introduction to Statistics: Students learn how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted in real-world contexts. The course introduces probability, descriptive statistics, and basic hypothesis testing used across many disciplines.
• Precalculus: Algebraic concepts are expanded in this course alongside an introduction to trigonometry and complex numbers. It serves as a preparatory step for students planning to continue into calculus or other higher-level math courses.
• Calculus I: Limits, derivatives, and introductory integration form the core of this course. It is commonly required for majors in science, engineering, and technology fields.
• Business Statistics: Statistical methods are applied to business-related scenarios such as forecasting, market analysis, and performance measurement. The emphasis remains on practical decision-making rather than abstract theory.

Science Courses (With & Without Labs)

Science requirements can be challenging for online students, especially when labs are involved. StraighterLine addresses this by offering many science courses with optional at-home lab components, making it easier to complete both lecture and lab credits without attending campus-based classes.

• Introduction to Biology: Core principles of living systems are introduced through topics such as cell structure, genetics, and evolution. An optional lab component allows students to reinforce concepts with hands-on activities completed at home.
• Anatomy & Physiology I: The structure and function of the human body are the primary focus of this course. Major systems, including skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, are examined in detail, with an optional lab supporting experiential learning.
• General Chemistry I: Foundational chemical concepts such as atomic structure, bonding, and stoichiometry form the backbone of the curriculum. Students who need a lab science credit can pair the lecture with an optional at-home lab.
• Introduction to Environmental Science: This course examines how natural systems interact with human activity. Topics often include ecosystems, resource use, pollution, and environmental sustainability.
• Microbiology: Microscopic organisms and their role in health and disease are explored throughout the course. An optional lab component makes this class a common prerequisite for healthcare and clinical programs.

Business Courses

Business courses on StraighterLine are commonly used to satisfy core requirements for business, management, and economics-related degree programs. These classes focus on foundational concepts that apply across industries, making them useful even for students who are not business majors.

• Introduction to Business: The course provides a broad overview of how organizations operate within the global economy. Key topics include marketing, management, finance, and ethical decision-making.
• Financial Accounting: Students learn how financial transactions are recorded, summarized, and reported in business settings. The course emphasizes reading and interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
• Principles of Management: Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are examined as core management functions. Real-world examples help illustrate how managers guide teams and achieve organizational goals.
• Business Law: Legal concepts affecting business operations are introduced, including contracts, torts, and regulatory issues. The course helps students understand how legal considerations influence everyday business decisions.
• Microeconomics: Economic behavior at the level of individual consumers and firms is the focus of this course. Concepts such as supply and demand, pricing, and market structures are analyzed.

Social Science Courses

Social science courses focus on human behavior, social structures, and historical context. These classes are commonly used to meet general education requirements and can be especially helpful for students majoring in education, criminal justice, social sciences, or public service fields.

• Introduction to Psychology: The course surveys major theories and research related to human behavior and mental processes. Topics commonly include memory, personality, motivation, and social influence.
• Introduction to Sociology: Social structures and group dynamics are examined through the lens of culture, institutions, and inequality. Students explore how societies function and change over time.
• United States History I: Early American history is covered from colonization through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Political, economic, and social developments are analyzed to provide historical context.
• American Government: The structure and function of the U.S. political system form the foundation of this course. Students learn how the Constitution, federalism, and the three branches of government shape public policy.
• Cultural Anthropology: Human cultures around the world are studied with an emphasis on language, religion, kinship, and tradition. The course highlights both cultural diversity and shared human experiences.

Computer Science and Technology Courses

StraighterLine’s technology courses are designed to build digital literacy and introduce programming concepts commonly required in IT and computer science programs. These classes are often used as prerequisites or electives for students pursuing technology-focused degrees.

• IT Fundamentals: This course introduces the basic components of modern computing systems, including hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity concepts. It is often used to build technical literacy for students new to information technology.
• Introduction to Programming in C++: Programming logic is taught through hands-on practice with variables, loops, and functions. The course emphasizes problem-solving skills used in many computer science pathways.
• Introduction to Programming in Java: Object-oriented programming concepts such as classes, methods, and inheritance are central to this course. Java’s widespread use makes it a common prerequisite for software engineering programs.
• Introduction to Programming in Python: Python’s readable syntax is used to introduce core programming concepts in an accessible way. Students often apply what they learn to automation, data analysis, and beginner-level projects.
• Information Literacy: The course focuses on developing skills for finding, evaluating, and using digital information responsibly. Ethical research practices and critical source evaluation are emphasized throughout.

How to Use the StraighterLine Course Catalog

StraighterLine’s course catalog is most effective when used as part of a broader degree plan rather than a standalone solution. Because the platform focuses on individual courses instead of full degree programs, students tend to see the best results when they approach course selection strategically.

Match Courses to Your Degree Requirements

Before enrolling in any StraighterLine course, it helps to understand exactly what your college or university requires. Some courses are intended to satisfy general education requirements, while others may apply only to specific majors or elective categories.

Reviewing your degree plan or speaking with an academic advisor can help clarify which StraighterLine courses are likely to transfer. This step reduces the risk of completing courses that do not apply toward graduation.

Consider Lab Requirements Carefully

Science courses often present an extra layer of complexity due to lab requirements. Some colleges require both a lecture and a lab component, while others are more flexible.

StraighterLine’s option to pair lecture courses with at-home labs can be especially helpful, but it is still important to confirm whether your school accepts online lab credits. Checking this in advance can prevent delays later in your program.

Verify Transfer Policies Before Enrolling

Even when a course carries an ACE or NCCRS recommendation, transfer acceptance is never automatic. Each institution sets its own policies regarding how alternative credit applies toward a degree.

Many colleges publish transfer equivalency guides that list approved StraighterLine courses. Using these resources before enrolling can help you choose courses that align with your school’s expectations.

Plan Around Membership and Pacing

StraighterLine uses a monthly membership model combined with per-course fees. Planning your workload around this structure can help you complete courses efficiently and manage costs.

Some students prefer to focus on one course at a time, while others work on multiple courses simultaneously. Choosing an approach that fits your schedule and study habits can make the experience more manageable.

Who Typically Uses StraighterLine Courses?

StraighterLine courses appeal to a wide range of students, but they are most commonly used by learners looking to complete college requirements efficiently and affordably. Because the platform focuses on lower-division and prerequisite coursework, it tends to attract students early in their degree programs or those returning to school after time away.

Students Completing General Education Requirements

Many students use StraighterLine to complete general education courses required by their home institution. These learners may already be enrolled at a college or university but choose StraighterLine as a flexible alternative for fulfilling foundational requirements.

This approach can be especially helpful for students who want to move quickly through familiar material or avoid scheduling conflicts. Self-paced coursework allows them to progress at a comfortable speed without being tied to a traditional academic calendar.

Transfer and Degree-Planning Students

StraighterLine is often part of a broader credit transfer strategy. Some students take courses through StraighterLine before formally enrolling in a college, while others use it alongside enrollment to reduce overall costs.

These students typically research transfer policies carefully and select courses that align with their degree plans. When used strategically, StraighterLine can help students make steady progress toward graduation.

Adult Learners and Returning Students

Adult learners frequently turn to StraighterLine for its flexibility and affordability. Balancing coursework with work, family, and other responsibilities can make traditional class schedules difficult.

StraighterLine’s on-demand format allows these students to study during evenings, weekends, or other available time. This flexibility can make returning to school feel more manageable.

Students Completing Prerequisites for Specialized Programs

Some students use StraighterLine to complete prerequisite courses for programs in healthcare, business, or technology. Science courses with optional labs are especially popular among students preparing for nursing or allied health programs. Verifying transfer and prerequisite acceptance is particularly important in these cases, but the flexibility of StraighterLine can make meeting program requirements more accessible.

FAQs About StraighterLine Courses

These frequently asked questions address common concerns about how StraighterLine courses work and how students typically use the platform. Reviewing these answers can help set clear expectations before enrolling and planning how courses may fit into a degree pathway.

How Many Courses Does StraighterLine Offer?

StraighterLine offers dozens of college-level courses focused primarily on general education, math, science, business, and technology. The catalog is updated periodically, so available courses may change over time. The list in this article highlights representative options rather than a complete directory.

Are StraighterLine Courses Self-Paced?

StraighterLine courses are self-paced, allowing students to work through material on their own schedule. There are no set start dates, which makes it easier to balance coursework with other commitments.

Do StraighterLine Courses Transfer for College Credit?

Many StraighterLine courses carry recommendations from ACE or NCCRS, which can support transfer credit decisions. However, the final decision always rests with the receiving institution. Checking transfer policies before enrolling is strongly recommended.

Are Labs Required for Science Courses?

Some science courses include optional lab components that can be completed at home. Whether a lab is required depends on your degree program and your school’s policies. Confirming lab acceptance in advance can help avoid complications later.

Can You Take More Than One Course at a Time?

Students can work on multiple StraighterLine courses simultaneously, depending on their preferences and workload. Because the platform uses a monthly membership model, planning course pacing carefully can help manage time and costs effectively.

Explore Flexible Options for Earning College Credit

StraighterLine offers a flexible way to complete college-level courses that can support cost-conscious and transfer-focused degree planning. Learn.org provides tools and guidance to help you compare course options, understand transfer policies, and make informed decisions about earning college credit.