The state of Michigan has specific graduation requirements that all public high school students must meet in order to receive a high school diploma. These requirements outline the minimum number of credits in various subject areas that students must earn through coursework and assessments. Understanding the Michigan high school graduation requirements is important for students, parents, counselors and administrators to ensure students are on track to graduate.
Overview of Michigan High School Graduation Requirements
In general, Michigan requires students to earn a minimum of 18 credits across various subject areas in order to graduate from high school. One credit is equivalent to a full academic year of study or mastering the subject area content expectations. Required credits include:
- 4 credits in English language arts
- 4 credits in mathematics
- 3 credits in science
- 3 credits in social studies
- 1 credit in physical education and health
- 1 credit in visual, performing, or applied arts
- 2 credits in a language other than English
In addition to earning credits, students must participate in the Michigan Merit Exam in 11th grade which consists of a standardized test covering English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Students must also complete an online course or learning experience.
Districts may have additional local graduation requirements beyond the state minimums. Students should check with their guidance counselor to ensure they are meeting all necessary requirements.
English Language Arts
Michigan requires high school students to earn 4 credits in English language arts coursework spanning 9th-12th grade. This includes courses in literature, composition, speech, applied English and other offerings that build skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Required English language arts credits must include:
- 1 credit in English language arts 9
- 1 credit in English language arts 10
- 1 credit in English language arts 11
- 1 credit in English language arts 12
English elective courses may include journalism, creative writing, oral interpretation, literacy classes and more. Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and dual enrollment courses may also count toward the 4 English language arts credits.
Mathematics
High school students in Michigan must earn 4 mathematics credits to meet graduation requirements. Required math courses are sequenced to build upon students’ skills and knowledge each year.
The required math credits must include:
- 1 credit of Algebra 1
- 1 credit of Geometry
- 1 credit of Algebra 2
- 1 credit of math or math-related course in final year of high school
Math-related courses that fulfill the fourth credit requirement may include trigonometry, statistics, precalculus, calculus, applied math, accounting, business math and more. At least one math or math-related course must be taken in the student’s final year of high school.
Science
High school students in Michigan must complete 3 science credits including the following:
- 1 credit of Biology
- 1 credit of Chemistry or Physics
- 1 credit of science elective
The required science elective may include additional lab-based science courses such as forensics, anatomy, botany, geology, computer science, environmental science, astronomy and more. At least one credit must be earned in Biology.
Social Studies
Michigan requires high school students to earn 3 credits in social studies coursework. Required credits include:
- .5 credit of Civics
- .5 credit of Economics
- 1 credit of U.S. History and Geography
- 1 credit of World History and Geography
In addition, students must receive instruction in health and physical education as part of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. This includes 1 credit total with the following breakdown:
- .5 credit in Health
- .5 credit in Physical Education
Health courses provide instruction in basic health concepts, safety, substance abuse prevention, disease prevention, first aid and more. Physical education courses provide students with regular physical activity and fitness.
Visual, Performing and Applied Arts
Michigan requires high school students to earn 1 credit in visual arts, performing arts or applied arts coursework. This may include courses in:
- Visual arts such as drawing, painting, sculpting, crafts, photography, design, film, media arts
- Performing arts such as music, choir, band, orchestra, dance, theater, acting
- Applied arts such as industrial design, journalism, fashion design, creative writing
Students explore their artistic interests and talents through specialized electives in the arts. Coursework in this subject area helps develop creative thinking and expression.
World Languages
The state of Michigan requires 2 credits of a world language earned anytime grades K-12. This helps students gain exposure to cultures outside of their own while building proficiency in a second language. Typical language offerings include:
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Latin
- Chinese
- Arabic
American Sign Language may also fulfill this requirement in certain districts. One credit equates to a one year course in a single language.
Online Learning Experience
In addition to course credits, Michigan requires high school students to have one online course or learning experience. This may be:
- An online or blended academic course
- Online CTE course
- Online dual enrollment course
- Approved online experience such as cybersecurity, computer science, coding
The online learning experience ensures students gain exposure to virtual learning and use of technology for academic growth.
Michigan Merit Exam
All 11th grade students in Michigan are required to take the Michigan Merit Exam (MME). This comprehensive standardized test assesses students in:
- English language arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
The MME is administered each spring and also consists of a college entrance exam component through the SAT or ACT. Students must participate in the MME as part of graduation requirements.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who need special education services have options for meeting graduation requirements:
- Personal Curriculum (PC) – An option to modify certain state and local graduation requirements based on the student’s needs and abilities.
- Certificate of Completion – An option for students with more significant disabilities unable to earn a diploma who still complete their individualized program and meet IEP goals.
The PC and certificate of completion allow appropriate flexibility while still upholding high standards.
Transfer Students
For students who transfer to a Michigan high school partway through their education, the number of credits required may be prorated based on their enrollment. There are also allowances for validating credits earned from nonpublic schools or through home schooling. Guidance counselors work with transfer students to review transcripts and ensure they are on track to graduate.
Credit Recovery Options
If a student fails a required course, there are credit recovery options to retake and pass the class such as:
- Repeating the course during the school day
- Attending summer school
- Taking an after school or online credit recovery class
Credit recovery allows students to get back on track for graduation without being penalized for stumbling initially. Students should work closely with their counselor if they need to utilize credit recovery.
Checking Graduation Progress
To keep students on pace for high school graduation, the following resources are recommended:
- Graduation plans – Developed with counselors to map out courses by year and monitor progress.
- Credit checks – Conducted each year to compare credits earned to state and district requirements.
- Parent/teacher conferences – Opportunities each year to connect with teachers and get feedback.
- Progress reports – Provided throughout each school term to note current grades and performance.
- Report cards – Summarize academic achievement and credits earned at end of each term.
Close monitoring ensures no gaps arise that could prevent a student from graduating. Students at risk of falling behind receive targeted interventions.
Conclusion
While graduating high school involves more than just earning credits, meeting Michigan’s course requirements is a significant benchmark for students. Completing required credits in English language arts, math, science, social studies, health/physical education, visual/performing arts, and world languages prepares students for college and career success. Coupled with assessments like the MME and regular progress monitoring, students can stay on target to reach this important milestone.
