Engineering, Math & Science Academy

Students interested in engineering, physics, chemistry, or computer science.

Earn up to 23 transferable credits in advanced STEM courses.

Course Plan:

• Fall: Physics I, Calculus II
• Spring: Physics II, Calculus III
• Optional Summer: Differential Equations

Students planning careers in health sciences—medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, PT, vet science.

Earn 18 transferable credits in core biology and chemistry.

Course Plan:

• Fall: General Chemistry I, Biology Principles I
• Spring: General Chemistry II, Biology Principles II
• Optional Summer: Basic Chemistry

Students pursuing nursing and planning to start at Kish.

Completing this track + meeting other requirements grants provisional admittance to Kish Nursing.

Earn up to 29 transferable credits.

Course Plan:

• Summer 1: General Biology, Oral Communication
• Fall: Basic Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology I
• Spring: Anatomy & Physiology II, Microbiology
• Summer 2: Composition I, Intro to Psychology

• High school chemistry with a grade of "B" or better completed by the start of the program. 
• High school pre-calculus with a grade of "B" or better completed by the start of the program. 
• High school counselor letter of recommendation. 

1. Express interest in the program to a high school counselor.
2. Complete the Kishwaukee College online application as a high school student.
3. Submit the Early College/EMSA Program application to your high school counselor.
4. Place into college-level math and English.
   1. Placement testing
   2. SAT/PSAT scores
   3. ACT/Pre-ACT scores
   4. GPA 3.5+ over five semesters or 3.0+ over six semesters (English only)
5. Complete Welcome Packet materials.
   1. Participation agreement,
   2. Consent agreement (for students under age 16 at the start of the program)
   3. Media release form
   4. Transcript release form
6. Attend program orientation.
7. Create course plan with your Kish and high school advisors.
8. Complete registration for the upcoming semester.

• Engineering — $3,680
• Pre-Professional — $3,680
• Pre-Nursing — $4,160

EMSA is open to high school juniors and seniors who meet placement requirements and receive approval from their school counselor. Some tracks may have additional academic expectations.

Depending on your track, EMSA students earn between 18 and 29 transferable college credits before graduating high school.

Many EMSA classes also count toward high school requirements, but each district decides how credits apply. Your school counselor will confirm how courses fit your graduation plan.

Yes. EMSA courses are part of Kish’s transferable general education and STEM curriculum. Credits typically transfer to Illinois community colleges and to many universities, although requirements vary by institution.

EMSA is a structured STEM academy with a planned sequence of college-level math and science courses. Dual Credit or Dual Enrollment describes how courses are taken; EMSA is a full program pathway, not just single classes.

EMSA courses follow college-level expectations, including lab work, regular homework, and study time outside of class. Students should be prepared to balance these commitments with their high school schedule.

Most EMSA classes are offered at Kishwaukee College or online, though a few courses may be available at partner high schools depending on the track.

Costs depend on your school district’s agreement with Kish. Some districts cover tuition; others require students to pay a portion or full tuition. Your counselor can provide exact details.

EMSA students have access to Kish advising, tutoring, library services, disability services, and campus resources—just like any Kish student.