North Dakota High School Graduation Requirements
To earn a high school diploma in North Dakota, students must fulfill specific credit requirements set by the state legislature and the Department of Public Instruction. While local districts may require additional credits, the state mandate forms the baseline for academic readiness.
Core Credit Requirements
The state of North Dakota requires a minimum of twenty-two (22) units of credit for graduation. These units must be distributed across specific subject areas to ensure a comprehensive educational foundation.
English and Mathematics
- English Language Arts (4 credits): Must include literature, composition, and speech.
- Mathematics (3 credits): Often includes Algebra I, Geometry, and one additional math course.
Science and Social Studies
- Science (3 credits): Must include physical science, biology, and one other science unit (e.g., chemistry, physics, or earth science).
- Social Studies (3 credits): Must include U.S. History, Problems of Democracy or half-units in Government and Economics.
Health, Physical Education, and Electives
- Physical Education / Health (1 credit): A combination of physical education and health is required.
- Electives (3 credits): Must be selected from foreign languages, fine arts, or career and technical education courses.
- General Electives (5 credits): Additional courses chosen based on the student's interests or intended career pathway.
Additional Pathways and Scholarships
Students should consult with their school counselors regarding specific pathways, such as the North Dakota Academic Scholarship or the North Dakota Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship, which may impose more rigorous coursework requirements, GPA minimums, and standardized test score targets.