High School Diploma Requirements
Understand common high school diploma requirements, including coursework, credits, assessments, and graduation standards used in most states.
Earning a high school diploma is an important milestone that opens doors to college, career training, and entry-level jobs. While requirements vary from one state to another, most students follow a similar structure that includes core subjects, elective options, and essential skills.
Knowing what’s typically expected can help you stay organized as you work toward graduation. If you're planning ahead or returning to complete your diploma, understanding these requirements can make the path clearer and help you set realistic goals.
Core Academic Requirements
Most states require students to earn a specific number of credits in subjects that form the foundation of a high school education. These core requirements usually include:
- English
- mathematics
- science
- social studies
- additional courses such as physical education or world languages, depending on local standards
Credits are earned by completing yearlong or semester-long classes, and each subject area has its own minimum expectations. For example, students often need four credits of English, three or four credits of math, and a combination of lab sciences and history courses. Schools may also offer advanced or honors-level classes for students who want a more challenging academic pathway.
Electives and Specialized Options
Elective courses allow students to explore personal interests and prepare for future goals. These classes cover areas such as the arts, technology, career and technical education, health sciences, and world languages. Electives help students build a well-rounded academic record and discover areas they may want to pursue after graduation.
Some high schools offer specialized pathways or academies that focus on particular fields. These options may include engineering, digital media, culinary arts, business, or healthcare programs. Completing electives in a chosen pathway can strengthen college applications or build practical skills for workforce programs.
Assessments and Additional Requirements
Graduation often includes more than just earning credits. Many states require students to complete standardized exams or demonstrate proficiency in core subjects through performance-based assessments. These tests are designed to ensure that graduates have essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Schools may also include additional graduation components, such as community service hours, senior projects, or participation in career planning activities. These experiences help students develop responsibility, communication skills, and real-world understanding before they transition into college or the workforce.
Explore High School Diploma Requirements
Browse the articles below to learn more about graduation standards, coursework expectations, and alternative pathways available in different states. These resources can help you understand what’s required and plan the steps needed to complete your high school diploma.
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Learn about the requirements to graduate and receive your high school diploma in the state of North Carolina. Find out the courses that must be taken, the electives required, and more.
Find out what it takes to get your high school diploma in Utah. Learn about the credit requirements, course options, and what may vary locally by reading below.
Learn about the requirements to earn a high school diploma in Louisiana. Explore the different pathways that exist, the credits needed, and the options available for filling those credits.
Find out about the requirements to graduate from high school in Florida. Learn about the different pathways available, the special designations offered, and more by reading below.
Learn about what is required to receive your high school diploma in the state of Oklahoma. Find out course requirements, minimum credits needed, and additional graduation requirements by reading below.
Find out what's needed to earn your high school diploma in the state of Arizona. Learn what credits are required, the courses that must be taken, how local districts can differ, and what special honors are available.
Learn what requirements the state of California has to receive a high school diploma. Find out about the course requirements, the specific classes that must be taken, recommended courses for college, and the special awards available.
Learn what requirements must be met to obtain a high school diploma in Connecticut. Find out the credits required, the courses that must be taken, and more by reading below.
Find out what the state of Colorado requires to graduate from high school. Learn about the ten content areas, the four categories of essential skills, and the options available to demonstrate competence.
Find out what is required to graduate high school with a diploma in the state of Oregon. Learn about credit requirements, essential skills that must be demonstrated, and more.
Learn about the requirements to earn a high school diploma in the state of Tennessee. Find out what credits are required, the exams that must be taken, and the special awards available.
Learn about Mississippi's high school graduation requirements. Find out the credits required, the courses available, and the optional endorsements that can be earned by reading below.
Learn what requirements the state of Washington has to graduate from high school. Find out the credits needed, the particular courses required, what state assessments must be taken, and the special honors you could earn.
Find out about the different kinds of high school diplomas available in Nevada. Learn about the credit requirements, the specific courses needed, the tests that must be taken, and the other requirements that must be met.
Find out about the types of diplomas available in Alabama and the requirements to earn them. Learn about the credits needed, the courses required, and how to obtain a nontraditional diploma by reading below.
Discover the path to a high school diploma in Michigan. Learn about the credits required, the courses that you'll have to take, and the other requirements that exist by reading below.
Learn the requirements to graduate from high school in Georgia. Find out about the credentials available upon graduation, credit requirements, and mandatory courses.
Find out what's required to earn a high school diploma in Massachusetts. Learn about the units needed to graduate, the specific courses required, and more.
Find out what's required to graduate from high school in the state of Ohio. Learn about graduation requirements, credit requirements, the particular courses needed, and the special honors available.
Find out what the requirements are to earn a high school diploma in New Jersey upon graduation. Learn what credits are needed, the particular courses required, and the special awards available.
Find out about the different options that exist to earn your high school diploma in Virginia. Learn about different graduation tracks, what courses are needed to be eligible, and what other requirements must be met.
Learn what is expected of high school students in Illinois to earn a diploma. Find out about the units of study needed, particular courses required, the exams that must be taken, and the special awards that can be earned.
Find out what is required to receive a high school diploma in the state of Missouri. Learn about the credits required, exams that must be passed, and the special endorsements that you could earn.
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