How AP Human Geography Started

AP Human Geography was introduced in the early 2000s as part of the College Board's effort to expand the Advanced Placement (AP) program to include more social science disciplines. The goal was to offer students an opportunity to explore how human societies interact with and are shaped by the physical world. The course provides an introduction to key concepts in geography, culture, economics, politics, and urbanization, helping students understand patterns of human activity on a global scale.

Originally aimed at students with an interest in geography or social sciences, the course quickly grew in popularity as it became clear that the study of spatial relationships and global interconnections was crucial to understanding today’s world. Over the years, AP Human Geography has become one of the most widely taken AP courses, offering students a foundational understanding of how geography influences both local and global issues.