In Georgia, high school students must earn a minimum number of credits in order to graduate and receive their high school diploma. The specific graduation requirements vary slightly depending on when a student first entered high school, but in general, Georgia students must complete 23 credit units across various subject areas.
Overview of Georgia High School Graduation Requirements
The 23 credit units required for graduation from a Georgia high school are broken down into several categories:
- 4 credits in English Language Arts
- 4 credits in Mathematics
- 4 credits in Science
- 3 credits in Social Studies
- 1 credit in Health and Physical Education
- 3 credits in Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) and/or Modern Language/Latin and/or Fine Arts
- 4 credits in additional electives
In addition to earning the 23 credits, Georgia students must receive passing scores on required end-of-course exams in order to graduate. There are a total of 8 end-of-course exams students must take, covering the following subjects:
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- U.S. History
- Economics
- Biology
- Physical Science
- 9th Grade Literature and Composition
- American Literature and Composition
Students must receive a minimum passing score on each exam in order to earn credit for the associated course. The exams are administered as students complete the relevant courses.
English Language Arts Credits
All Georgia students must earn 4 credits in English Language Arts in order to meet graduation requirements. This includes 1 credit in 9th grade Literature and Composition and 1 credit in American Literature and Composition. Additionally, students must earn credits in 2 other English Language Arts courses. These may include courses like British Literature, Journalism, Speech and Debate, Advanced Composition, and AP or IB English courses.
9th Grade Literature and Composition
9th grade Literature and Composition provides an overview of different genres of literature, with a focus on building reading comprehension and writing skills. Students read and analyze works of fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction prose. This course also emphasizes the writing process and developing effective rhetorical strategies in writing.
American Literature and Composition
This course traces the development of American literature from colonial times to the present, emphasizing major authors, works, themes, and literary movements. Students read and analyze influential texts and discuss their relevance to American history and culture. Writing assignments focus on persuasive writing, literary analysis, research skills, and responding to literature.
Mathematics Credits
Georgia students must earn 4 mathematics credits in order to graduate. Required courses include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. The 4th mathematics credit can be earned through any other math course including Pre-Calculus, Statistics, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, AP Calculus, and more.
Algebra I
Algebra I provides a foundational understanding of basic algebraic concepts including working with expressions and equations, linear and quadratic functions, inequalities, systems of equations, exponents, polynomials, and more. Students learn to analyze and graph functions and equations.
Geometry
This course focuses on plane, solid, and coordinate geometry. Students learn about Euclidean proofs, theorems, and postulates related to lines, angles, triangles, and other polygons. It emphasizes applying algebraic concepts to geometry and developing logical reasoning skills.
Algebra II
Algebra II builds on Algebra I skills, going deeper into algebraic concepts. Topics covered include linear equations, inequalities and functions, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, rational and radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and conic sections. The course emphasizes symbolic reasoning and calculations to prepare students for advanced math.
Science Credits
To meet graduation requirements in Georgia, students must earn 4 science credits. This includes 1 credit of Biology, 1 credit of Physical Science or Physics, and 2 additional science credits. These may include courses like Chemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Systems, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, and AP or IB science electives.
Biology
This course provides an introductory overview of major topics in biology including the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, and ecology and interdependence of life. Relevant laboratory experiments are performed to complement classroom instruction.
Physical Science
Physical Science provides an introduction to key concepts in physics and chemistry. Topics covered may include energy, motion, electricity, magnetism, properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonds, solutions, and reactions. This course emphasizes real-world application of science through labs.
Other Science Options
In addition to Biology and Physical Science, students choose 2 additional science credits to earn. These are commonly courses like Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Forensics, Zoology, Earth Systems, and Oceanography. There are also numerous AP and IB science electives to fulfill these credits.
Social Studies Credits
Students in Georgia must earn 3 credits in social studies coursework in order to graduate. This includes 1 credit in World History, 1 credit in U.S. History, and 1 credit in Economics.
World History
This course provides an overview of the history of human civilization from early times to the present. Topics covered include major cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the modern world.
U.S. History
United States History examines major events, individuals, developments, and processes in the history of the United States from the colonial period through the present. Students learn about the establishment of political institutions and ideals, as well as social, economic, and cultural changes over time.
Economics
Economics courses provide students with an overview of economics with an emphasis on the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, the American economic system, principles of personal finance, comparative economic systems, and more. Students learn key models and concepts to understand economic decision making.
Health and Physical Education Credit
Georgia students must earn 1 credit in Health and Physical Education in order to graduate. This credit is typically earned through a course that provides students with knowledge, skills, and values they need to become healthy and physically active for a lifetime.
Coursework may include both classroom-based health education as well as activity-based physical education. Health topics cover nutrition, disease prevention, first aid, safety, substance abuse prevention, human sexuality, and more. Physical activities develop motor skills, movement forms, and health-related fitness.
CTAE, Modern Language, Fine Arts Credits
Students must earn 3 credits in Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) courses, Modern Language/Latin courses, and/or Fine Arts courses in order to meet Georgia graduation requirements.
CTAE courses help provide students with technical skills and professional competencies related to specific career pathways. These courses integrate academic and technical preparation and focus on hands-on skills application.
Studying Modern Languages allows students to communicate effectively in other languages while also learning about other cultures and perspectives. Fine Arts courses in disciplines like music, visual art, dance, and theater enhance creative thinking and artistic expression.
Students can mix and match courses from these departments, earning for instance 2 CTAE credits and 1 Fine Arts credit, to earn the 3 total credits required.
Elective Credits
In addition to the credit requirements in specific subject areas, Georgia students must earn 4 credits in elective courses. Electives provide students with the opportunity to take additional courses in subject areas of interest, potentially exploring career pathways or gaining skills for college majors.
Some common electives include journalism, creative writing, film studies, computer science, psychology, sociology, accounting, marketing, graphic design, photography, additional foreign languages, and a wide range of AP and IB courses.
End-of-Course Exams
Georgia requires students to take statewide End-of-Course exams in 8 subject areas: Algebra I, Geometry, U.S. History, Economics, Biology, Physical Science, 9th Grade Literature and Composition, and American Literature and Composition.
In order to earn credit for a course, students must receive a passing score on the associated End-of-Course exam. These standardized tests assess how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state standards for each course.
Exam Subject Areas
- Algebra I – Tests Algebra I skills and knowledge
- Geometry – Tests Geometry skills and knowledge
- U.S. History – Tests U.S. History skills and knowledge
- Economics – Tests Economics skills and knowledge
- Biology – Tests Biology skills and knowledge
- Physical Science – Tests Physical Science skills and knowledge
- 9th Grade Literature and Composition – Tests relevant ELA skills and knowledge
- American Literature and Composition – Tests relevant ELA skills and knowledge
Students have multiple opportunities to retake exams if needed. Accommodations are available for some students with disabilities or special needs.
Graduation Support Opportunities
Georgia provides several options to assist students who may need additional help meeting graduation requirements:
- Bridge courses – Reinforce skills to help students pass End-of-Course exams
- Credit recovery courses – Allow students to retake courses previously failed
- Extended learning time – Provides extra instructional time in core subjects
- Individual graduation plans – Custom plans to help at-risk students graduate
Utilizing these supports provides alternatives to help students get across the finish line and earn their high school diploma.
Conclusions
In summary, Georgia high school students must earn 23 credits across various subject areas and pass required End-of-Course exams in order to graduate. While the process can seem daunting, by understanding the requirements and taking advantage of available graduation supports, students can successfully navigate high school and cross the stage at graduation.
With hard work and dedication, Georgia students can earn their high school diploma and take the next steps in their academic or career journey, whether that involves college, technical training, the workforce, or military service. A high school diploma opens doors to bright futures and lifelong success.
