Online High School Diploma Requirements
By: Katelyn Fahrenbruck Weston
High school diploma requirements, whether online or in-person, are created to help students get the best education possible. High school degree requirements include general education classes, like English and math. They also include electives. Electives allow students to explore their interests, helping them to decide what topics they might want to explore further and which type of career they might want. Whether you earn your diploma at a traditional high school or online, you should be able to gain the general knowledge that you will need in the future.
Typical High School Diploma Requirements
You'll find high school diploma requirements may be different from state to state. Most states follow** common core standards which require 24 credit hours for graduation. English, social studies, math, and science are all commonly required courses. Some programs have vocational courses that help you learn about certain jobs or careers. This helps you get ready for going to a career training school. Other high schools focus strongly on academics. In either case, the high school classes required to graduate are meant to provide the knowledge that career schools and colleges need incoming students to have. The required courses also ensure that students all across the country are on a more level playing field if they apply to career school or college.
High School Online Learning Expectations
Every online learning program is a bit different, but many of the expectations are similar to those in an in-person program. You need to read and study the course materials. You complete assignments to demonstrate that you understand the content of each course. But in-person programs also require you to show up to every class at the time it's scheduled for. Many programs, like USCI's online high school is asynchronous. This means the class is not held at a pre-set time. You study when it is best for you. This also means that when you enroll in high school online, you will be expected to have a computer, Internet access, and motivation. For some students, this can be challenging. Online schools require you to be more of a self-starter as you won't have the strict schedule set by traditional in-person learning. You are responsible for making sure you do your online course on a schedule you set.
What High School Classes Are Required for College?
Most colleges have similar high school degree requirements as part of their admission criteria, which include:
- four years of English classes
- three or four years of math
- at least three laboratory science classes
- two years of social studies
- at least two years of a foreign language
Math requirements will often include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Recommended science courses might include biology, chemistry, and physics. These requirements are not set in stone. There is some flexibility depending on the college and the specific academic program you're applying for. If you are an online student preparing for college than check out our College Planning for High School Students guide
Online high schools offer many benefits over in-person learning. If you feel that online school is a better fit for you then learn more about our online high school and enroll today!
Source:
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d14/tables/dt14_234.30.asp
**https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/common-core-states
https://www.nacacfairs.org/learn/prep/high-school-classes-required-for-college-admission/
