To graduate high school in New York State, students are required to earn a minimum of 22 credits. The credits must be distributed across specific subject areas as follows:
- English: 4 credits
- Mathematics: 3 credits
- Science: 3 credits (including 1 Physical Science and 1 Life Science)
- Social Studies: 4 credits (Global History and Geography, U.S. History, Participation in Government, and Economics)
- World Language: 1 credit
- Physical Education: 2 credits
- Health: 0.5 credit
- Art/Music (The Arts): 1 credit
- Electives: 3.5 credits
In addition to the credit requirements, students must also pass required Regents Exams or meet pathway options to earn the diploma. However, in New York City specifically, students often must earn 44 credits to graduate, which is higher than the state minimum and includes more detailed credit requirements tailored to the city's education system. So, the general New York State requirement is 22 credits, but New York City schools typically require 44 credits for graduation.
