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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.

A Maryland High School diploma is awarded to students who fulfill minimum enrollment, credit and competency requirements, including four years of approved study beyond Grade 8.

Grade 9 in SY21-22 or Later Grade 9 Prior to SY21-22
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 MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program). 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. 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 Local, State & National Government;
1 credit in World History		 3 credits, including:
1 credit in U.S. History;
1 credit in Local, State & National 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 1/2 credit
Program Choice 2 credits in the same World Language OR
2 credits in an approved Advanced Technology Program** OR
3 or more credits in a Career Academy (State-approved Career and Technical Education Program)		 2 credits in the same World Language OR
2 credits in an approved Advanced Technology Program** OR
3 or more credits in a Career Academy (State-approved Career and Technical Education Program)
Electives 1-3 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.

** The Advanced Technology Program pathway will no longer be available after SY22-23.

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: High school credit courses offered in middle school include:

Additional Considerations

Four-year enrollment may be waived if a student is admitted to a college or another approved post-secondary program and has received prior approval from the principal.

In addition to the Maryland High School Diploma, a student may earn a Certificate of Merit by completing a specified core of credits. For more information, please consult the current Catalog of Approved High School Courses and Policy 8030. Students must also satisfy: