Maryland Graduation Requirements
Graduation Policy
See Howard County Board of Education Policy 8030 Graduation Requirements and Policy 8020 Grading and Reporting: Middle and High School for more information.
Graduation Requirements
Full details on graduation requirements can be found in the current course catalog.
| Grade 9 in SY21-22 or Later Total Number of Credits 22 |
Grade 9 Prior to SY21-22 Total Number of Credits 21 |
|
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 credits, including: 1 credit each in English 9, 10, 11, and 12 |
4 credits, including: 1 credit each in English 9, 10, 11, and 12 |
| Mathematics | 4 credits and 4 years of participation*, including: 1 credit each in Algebra I and Geometry; 2 credits beyond Geometry |
3 credits and 4 years of participation*, including: 1 credit each in Algebra I and Geometry; 1 credit beyond Geometry |
| Science | 3 credits in laboratory-based science that align to the Maryland Science Standards and the Life Science Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). Students may follow a variety of possible course pathways that allow them to acquire a breadth of scientific knowledge in one of each science disciplines of Earth Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. For entering 9th graders, during the 2023-2024 and beyond, it is mandated by COMAR that students earn their Life Science credit by taking and passing Biology or Biology G/T. | 3 credits in laboratory-based science that align to the Maryland Science Standards and the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA). Students may follow a variety of possible course pathways that allow them to acquire a breadth of scientific knowledge in one of each science disciplines of Earth Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. |
| Social Studies | 3 credits, including: 1 credit in U.S. History; 1 credit in American Government; 1 credit in World History For entering 9th graders, during the 2023- 2024 and beyond, it is mandated by COMAR that students earn a social studies credit by taking and passing American Government. |
3 credits, including: 1 credit in U.S. History; 1 credit in American Government; 1 credit in World History |
| Fine Arts | 1 credit | 1 credit |
| Physical Education | 1/2 credit in Lifetime Fitness | 1/2 credit in Lifetime Fitness |
| Health | 1 credit in Health Education | 1/2 credit in Health Education |
| Computer Science, Engineering or Technology Education | 1 credit | 1 credit |
| Program Choice | 2 credits in the same World Language OR 3 or more credits in a Career Academy (State-approved Career and Technical Education Program) |
2 credits in World Language OR 3 or more credits in a Career Academy (State-approved Career and Technical Education Program) |
| Electives | 1-2.5 credit(s) to include courses beyond requirements | 1-3 credit(s) to include courses beyond requirements |
* Students are required to enroll in a mathematics course in each year of high school. The mathematics credits earned will consist of one credit in each of Algebra I and Geometry, and additional credit(s) in courses such as Algebra II and beyond that utilize algebra in a substantive way so that the students do not lose the algebraic and numerical skills achieved in earlier courses. Students who successfully complete high school level mathematics courses prior to high school still need to earn the required mathematics credits in high school and be enrolled in a mathematics course in each year of high school.
Credit for High School Courses Taken in Middle School
Any high school course listed in the Middle School Course Catalog, which is offered at the middle school is eligible for high school credit and will be treated as an equivalent. including mid-term and final assessments. For high school courses taught in middle school, the mid-term assessment will be included in the second quarter grades and the final assessment will be included in the fourth quarter grades. The student’s course grade will be recorded on the high school transcript. The student’s grade will not be calculated into the high school grade point average (GPA). If a student re-takes one of the high school courses taken in middle school for which credit was earned:- The high school grade(s) will be calculated into the GPA, and
- Only the first credit will be awarded, and
- A student needs to pass at least two quarters and at least one quarter in each semester or both quarters of Semester 2 of a full-year course in order to pass the course.
- ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) – English Language Development 1 & 2
- Mathematics – Algebra I, Algebra I GT, Geometry G/T, Algebra II G/T, and AP Statistics
- Computer Science, Engineering, or Technology Education – Exploring Computer Science & Foundations of Technology
- World Language – Spanish I & II, French I & II, and Chinese I & II
Additional Graduation Requirements
Career Preparation Requirements
The Howard County Public School System requires that all students participate in an approved program of career preparation. Refer to Policy 8030: Graduation Requirements. Students will complete the following three instructional activities in career preparation:- Develop and update an individual four-year plan.
- Participate in a job interview simulation.
- Complete a qualifications brief or résumé acceptable for seeking employment.
Career preparation activities in the junior year include an opportunity to participate in a junior interview clinic.
Note: Students who enroll in a HCPSS school their senior year shall be given the opportunity to complete the three instructional activities in career preparation, including participation in the junior interview clinic. See the school counselor for more information on how to fulfill the requirements.
Student Service Requirements
The Maryland State Board of Education stipulates that all students in Maryland public schools must complete student service requirements in order to earn a high school diploma. Most Howard County public school students or Maryland public school transfer students complete the service requirement at the middle school level. Those students who have not completed the requirement prior to entering high school, or who transfer into Howard County public schools from out-of-state or nonpublic schools, will be required to complete the following service learning:| Grade Level of First Enrollment into HCPSS Between Grades 6-12 | Maximum Number of Hours Required |
|---|---|
| 6th, 7th or 8th grade | 75 hours |
| 9th grade | 75 hours |
| 10th grade | 50 hours |
| 11th grade (first semester) | 40 hours |
| 11th grade (second semester) | 30 hours |
| 12th grade (first semester) | 15 hours |
| 12th grade (second semester) | 10 hours |
See the school counselor for more information on how to fulfill these requirements. The Social Studies course Leadership and Student Service Learning (SO-510-8) may be used to support meeting this requirement.
High School Assessments Requirements
Students enrolled in Algebra I, English 10, Biology, and American Government are required to participate in state mandated end-of-course assessments. Students must take the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments for each course to fulfill the requirements for a Maryland High School Diploma. These assessments ensure that graduates have mastered the basic skills needed to succeed after high school.
The skills and knowledge necessary to demonstrate understanding of each course’s content are embedded in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) curriculum. The courses associated with the English 10, Algebra I, Biology, and Government assessments are typically taken during freshman and sophomore years.
The State Board of Education approved changes that would require that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, students entering the 9th grade have the Maryland Comprehensive Assessments for life science and government comprise 20 percent of the final grade in the respective high school level biology and government courses.