High School Level Courses

Hawkeye offers high school level courses that may be transferred back to your high school for credit. These independent study courses allow you to schedule and take courses at a pace that is convenient for you.

Course Length

Each course takes approximately 60–75 hours to complete.

Courses taken to be transferred to a high school must be completed in four months.

Courses for Transfer to Your High School

To transfer a course to your high school, you must:

  • Be referred by your high school counselor.
  • Be at least 16 years of age or older or a second semester high school sophomore.
  • Complete the Adult High School Course Permission form [pdf] and have it signed by an official at your high school.

Your high school will determine the number of Hawkeye courses that can be applied toward your diploma and the amount of high school credits you will receive.

To register for courses, please contact the Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center Assessment Center.

Cost

High School Courses: $150. These high school courses transfer to your high school.

Courses Offered

We offer courses in the subjects of English, Math, Science, Social Science, and 21st Century Skills.

English Courses

English I

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Plot, Setting, Conflict, and Irony
  • Characterization and Theme
  • Point of View, Narrator, and Voice
  • Cause and Effect
  • Autobiography, Memoirs, and Biography
  • Persuasive, Expository, and Descriptive Essays
  • Speech in Writing
  • Editorials
  • Elements of Poetry and Poetic Devices
  • Drama

Learn more about the English I course.

English II

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Elements of Short Story
  • Writing Science Fiction and Mystery
  • Writing Biography, Autobiography, and Memoirs
  • Grammar and Vocabulary
  • Writing Personal, Expository, and Persuasive Essays
  • Writing Persuasive Speeches
  • Form, Language, Imagery, and Sound Devices in Poetry
  • Drama — Comedy and Tragedy

Prerequisite: English I

Learn more about the English II course.

American Literature — English III

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Early America
  • Genres of Writing
  • American Romanticism (The Transcendentalists)
  • American Romanticism (Gothic Literature)
  • Regionalism and Realism
  • The Modernist Movement
  • Annotated Bibliography

Prerequisite: English II

Learn more about the English III course.

British Literature — English IV

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Epic poetry Anglo Saxon period
  • Beowulf
  • Non-epic Anglo Saxon Literature
  • Medieval Literature
  • Narrative Writing
  • The English Renaissance
  • Pastoral Poems and Sonnets
  • Renaissance — Humanism
  • The Cavalier and Metaphysical Poets
  • Poetic Analysis
  • Shakespeare
  • Neoclassicism
  • Persuasive Writing
  • Romanticism
  • Victorianism
  • Modernism

Learn more about the British Literature — English IV course.

College Prep — English IV

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Organizing and Writing a Resume
  • Reading for Comprehension
  • Overview of Types of Writing
  • Persuasive and Scholarly Essays
  • Research papers
  • Grammar and Vocabulary
  • Making Effective Presentation
  • Writing Opinions and Technical Papers
  • Writing Reports
  • Writing Effective Emails

Prerequisite: English III

Learn more about the College Prep — English IV course.

Math

Algebra I

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Algebraic Expressions and Equations
  • Proportions, Inequalities, and Absolute Values
  • Introduction to Functions
  • Linear Functions and Systems
  • Exponential Properties and Functions
  • Factoring
  • Quadratic, Inverse, and Square Root Functions
  • Statistical Analysis

Learn more about the Algebra I course.

Geometry

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Tools of Geometry
  • Reasoning and Proof
  • Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
  • Congruent Triangles
  • Relationships Within Triangles
  • Polygons
  • Similarity
  • Right Triangles and Trigonometry
  • Transformations
  • Area, Surface Area and Volume
  • Circles
  • Parabolas
  • Probability

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Learn more about the Geometry course.

Algebra II

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Algebraic Expressions
  • Functions
  • Linear Systems
  • Quadratic Functions
  • Polynomials
  • Radical Functions
  • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  • Rational Fractions
  • Sequences and Series
  • Conic Sections
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Matrices
  • Periodic Functions
  • Trig Identities and Equations

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Learn more about the Algebra II course.

Business Math

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Wages and salaries
  • Taxes, insurance, and budgeting
  • Banking
  • Stocks and bonds
  • Credit
  • Mortgages and real estate
  • Vehicle Costs
  • Health Insurance
  • Profits and Pricing
  • Manufacturing - break-even analysis and quality control
  • Employees — salary, benefits, and insurance
  • Profits, sticker price, and discounts
  • Inventory considerations and business expenses
  • Sales potential, market share, and sales projections
  • Balance sheet and analysis
  • Borrowing and inflation

Learn more about the Business Math course.

Science

Physical Science

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Matter
  • Elements
  • Energy
  • Magnetism
  • Electricity, Circuits, and Resistance
  • Waves
  • Sound
  • Electromagnetic Energy
  • Light, Color, and Lenses
  • Force
  • Motion
  • Machines
  • Resources

Learn more about the Physical Science course.

General Biology

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Ecology
  • Carbon Compounds
  • Cell Structure and Function
  • Cell Transport
  • Cellular Energy
  • Cell Division
  • Genetics
  • DNA
  • Evolution

Learn more about the General Biology course.

General Chemistry

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Introduction to Chemistry
  • Matter and The Periodic Table
  • Chemical Bonding
  • Naming Compounds & Lewis Structures
  • Molecular Shapes & Chemical Equations
  • The Mole
  • Stoichiometry
  • Solids, Liquids, and Gases
  • Gas Laws
  • Mixtures and Solutions
  • Acids and Bases
  • Organic Chemistry

Learn more about the General Chemistry course.

General Physics

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Introduction to Physics
  • Kinematics
  • Vectors and 2-D Kinematics
  • Forces and Newton's Laws
  • Circular Motion and Gravity
  • Energy
  • Momentum
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Oscillations and Waves
  • Sound
  • Light
  • Optics
  • Electric Forces
  • DC Electric Circuits
  • Magnetic Forces

Learn more about the General Physics course.

Environmental Science

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Introduction to Environmental Science
  • Earth systems
  • Patterns and processes of Earth
  • Ecosystems
  • Population ecology
  • Conservation
  • Energy
  • Pollution
  • Environmental problems

Learn more about the Environmental Science course.

Social Science

U.S. History 1877 – 1940

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • 1877 – 1940
  • Ideas Behind a New Nation
  • Federal versus State Authority
  • The Death of Lincoln Thru Reconstruction
  • The End of the Western Frontier
  • A New Industrial Age
  • The Immigration Boom
  • The Progressive Era
  • Spanish American War
  • The First World War
  • The Roaring Life of the 1920s
  • The Great Depression
  • The New Deal

Learn more about the U.S. History 1877–1940 course.

U.S. History 1940 – 21st Century

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • 1940 – 21st Century
  • World War II
  • The Cold War
  • Civil Rights
  • 1960 election
  • Vietnam War
  • An Era of Social Change
  • The Nixon Era and Watergate’s Lasting Impact
  • Turmoil of the 1970s
  • The Reagan and Bush Era
  • Building the Bridge to the 21st Century
  • The United States in Today’s World

Learn more about the U.S. History 1940 – 21st Century course.

World History

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • History of world civilizations.
  • Early civilizations
  • Geography and populations of different areas.
  • Major events that have shaped society
  • Cultures and conflicts

Learn more about the World History course.

U.S. Government

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Foundations of Government
  • Historical Foundations
  • Formation of the Constitution
  • Overview of the Constitution
  • Checks and Balances
  • Federalism
  • Bill of Rights and Amendments
  • Supreme Court Cases
  • Political Participation and Political Parties
  • Process of Elections and Influence of Mass Media
  • Public Policy and Interest Groups

Learn more about the U.S. Government course.

Economics

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Planet Earth
  • US and Canada
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Russia
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica
  • The Regional Atlas

Learn more about the Economics course.

World Geography

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Planet Earth
  • US and Canada
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Russia
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica
  • The Regional Atlas

Learn more about the World Geography course.

Health Literacy Electives

High School Health

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Physical Fitness
  • How your body works
  • Understanding Disease
  • Drugs and Medicines
  • Adolescence
  • First Aid
  • Hygiene and Healthcare

Learn more about the High School Health course.

Social and Emotional Learning

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Developing positive attitudes in daily living and positive responses in challenging situations
  • Physical activity and fitness, including healthy eating, healthy habits, and a long-term exercise program
  • Insights and perspectives that encourage and empower students to make physically and emotionally beneficial life-choices

Learn more about the Social and Emotional Learning course.

Medical Terminology

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Medical terminology
  • The human body in health and disease
  • Skeletal system
  • Muscular system
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Lymphatic and Immune systems
  • Respiratory system
  • Digestive system
  • Urinary system
  • Nervous system
  • Integumentary system
  • Endocrine system
  • Reproductive system
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Diagnostic procedures
  • Pharmacology and Abbreviations
  • Health care professionals / Alternative medicine
  • Pathological terms
  • Psychiatry

Learn more about the Medical Terminology course.

Technology Literacy Electives

Mastering Microsoft Excel

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Working with Data & Excel Tables
  • Performing Calculations on Data
  • Changing Workbook Appearance
  • Focusing on Specific Data by Using Filters
  • Reordering and Summarizing Data
  • Combining Data from Multiple Sources
  • Analyzing Alternative Data Sets
  • Creating Dynamic Worksheets by Using PivotTables
  • Creating Charts and Graphics
  • Printing
  • Automating Repetitive Tasks by Using Macros
  • Working with Other Microsoft Office Programs
  • Collaborating with Colleagues

Learn more about the Mastering Microsoft Excel course.

Introduction to Java

Number of semesters: 2

  • Course topics include:
  • Investigate concepts of programming
  • Programming languages and compilers
  • Java programming language
  • Understanding how a computer things
  • Data types
  • String format
  • Logic of programming, if statements and boolean data types
  • Looping to facilitate execution
  • String class method
  • Data structure
  • Methods

Learn more about the Introduction to Java course.

Information Management I

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Managing digital information
  • Communicating clearly
  • Analyzing table information
  • Using spreadsheets to make economic choices
  • Data mining and analyzing records
  • Building effective presentations
  • Creating effective reports
  • Using design to enhance communication
  • Managing communications and schedules
  • Creating website
  • Becoming a successful digital citizen
  • Introduction to PowerPoints - proper business use

Learn more about the Information Management I course.

Information Management II

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Managing written communication
  • Preparing and analyzing financial documents
  • Using design to create effective business documents
  • Analyzing information efficiently and effectively
  • Becoming an entrepreneur
  • Enhancing visuals to communicate effectively
  • Understanding our world
  • Preparing for the workplace
  • Being an effective employee
  • Real-world applications
  • Assessing advanced information management skills
  • Economic systems and the U.S. Economy
  • Understanding legalities of business
  • Personal financial ability
  • Understanding business communication
  • Using media and technology in the workplace
  • Oral business presentation skills
  • Personal communication skills

Prerequisite: Information Management I

Learn more about the Information Management II course.

Financial Literacy Electives

Personal Finance

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Fundamental economic principles
  • How to find a job, including resume preparation
  • Factors that affect income
  • Budgeting and spending
  • Planning for taxes
  • How to prepare a tax return and other tax forms
  • Income vs. net worth
  • Choosing a bank
  • Debit cards and ATMs
  • Insurance and risk management
  • Credit management
  • Interest rates
  • Credit card management
  • Loans and mortgages
  • Credit laws that protect consumers
  • Avoiding scams and identity theft
  • Saving and investing

Learn more about the Personal Finance course.

Intro to Accounting

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • The role of an accountant
  • Accounting fundamentals
  • Financial statements
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
  • Inventory
  • Payroll
  • Financial ratios
  • Cash controls
  • Special assets, communication, and taxes
  • Regulation and ethics

Learn more about the Intro to Accounting course.

Employability Skills Electives

Investigating Careers

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Architecture and Construction
  • Arts and Communication
  • Business and Administration
  • Education and Training
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Government and Public Administration
  • Health Science
  • Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
  • Human Service
  • Information Technology
  • Law and Public Safety
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail and Wholesale Sales and Service
  • Scientific Research, Engineering, and Mathematics
  • Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Learn more about the Investigating Careers course.

College and Career Readiness

Number of semesters: 1

Course topics include:

  • Preparing Your Path for Success
  • Discovering Career Choice Influences
  • Understanding Yourself
  • Looking into the Future
  • Planning Your Internal Career Design
  • Setting Goals
  • Understanding Finances
  • Going from Here to Your Career
  • Applying and Interviewing for a Job

Learn more about the College and Career Readiness course.

Business Management

Number of semesters: 2

Course topics include:

  • Management and Leadership
  • Planning and change
  • Economics and Ownership
  • Regulations and Communication
  • Business Metrics
  • Capitalization
  • The product
  • Supply chain management
  • Human Resources
  • Managing the manager

Learn more about the Business Management course.

Contact Information

Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center

120 Jefferson Street
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-296-4278
319-296-4271 (fax)
Email Adult Education

Print Parking Map [pdf]

Map and Directions

Find us on Facebook

Your Future Starts Here. Adult Education and Literacy.

A proud partner of the American Job Center network
Back to top