ACADEMICS Focus: Requirements For A High School Diploma

A student in high school needs a minimum of 24 credits to graduate from high school.  The credits are divided into the following categories: 

• 4 credits of English/Language Arts
• 4 credits of Mathematics
• 3 credits of Science (see Statement 1 below)
• 3 credits of Social Studies, includes the following:
• 1 credit of U.S. History and Constitution 
• 0.5 credits of Economics
• 0.5 credits of U.S. Government 
• 1.0 credits of any other Social Studies course 
• 1 credit of Physical Education (or JROTC)
• 1 credit of Computer Science (including Keyboarding)
• 1 credits of Foreign Language or Career & Technology Education (see Statement 2 below)
• 0.5 credits of Health
• 6.5 credits of Elective courses 

1. Students entering South Carolina public high schools in the Fall of 2011 or thereafter must pass Biology to earn a diploma. 
2. To meet the state high school diploma requirements for students in a college preparatory program, one unit must be earned in a foreign language.  Most four-year colleges and universities require at least two units of the same foreign language; and many are now requiring three units of the same foreign language.  For students in a career and technology program, one unit must be earned in occupational education. 
3. Students must demonstrate proficiency in computer literacy before graduation. 

If you have any questions about high school graduation requirements, please contact the Guidance Office at 803.699.2999 ext. 298.