In Maryland, the number of credits required to graduate high school varies slightly by county school systems, but generally falls within these ranges:
- The Maryland State Board of Education requires a minimum of 21 credits beyond 8th grade.
- For example, Frederick County Public Schools require a minimum of 25 credits including specific courses in English (4 credits), Social Studies (3), Science (3), Math (4), Physical Education (0.5), Health, Fine Arts (1), Technology Education (1), and electives including career pathway credits to total 25 credits.
- Montgomery County requires earning 4 credits per year with specific requirements such as 4 credits in English, 4 in Math, 3 in Science, 3 in Social Studies, 1 in Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education.
- Anne Arundel County requires earning a minimum of 26 credits with specific core subject credits including English (4), Math (4), Science (3), Social Studies (3), Physical Education (1), Health (0.5), Fine Arts (1), and electives.
- Charles County requires a minimum of 23 credits with a variety of required subjects including English (4), Math (4), Science (3), Social Studies (3), Fine Arts (1), Physical Education (0.5), Health (1), Technology Education (1), and Financial Literacy (0.5).
So typically, students in Maryland high schools need to earn between 21 and 26 credits to graduate, depending on the specific county requirements, with core subjects and electives making up the total credits needed. The most common statewide core requirements include:
- English: 4 credits
- Mathematics: 3-4 credits (with Algebra and Geometry required)
- Science: 3 credits
- Social Studies: 3 credits
- Physical Education: 0.5 to 1 credit
- Health: 0.5 to 1 credit
- Fine Arts: 1 credit
- Technology Education: 1 credit
- Electives including career or world language pathways
This gives a full picture of the typical credit requirements for high school graduation in Maryland.
