ByIn the state of Missouri, students have to earn enough credits to be eligible for high school graduation. You may proceed to college or pursue professional training when you attain the minimum course credits for different disciplines, including English language and mathematics. A free high school diploma program can help adults meet the required credits to help them access job opportunities and increase their earning potential. Here are the minimum high school diploma requirements in the state of Missouri:
Minimum Overall Credits
Students in Missouri are required to have completed at least 24 credits to receive their high school diploma. Of the 24 credits, four are required for English, three are required for math, three for science, three for social studies, and one credit for fine arts. Students must also complete one credit each for physical education and practical arts.
Earning half a credit in the areas of health and finances adds to your total credits. This gets you closer to attaining the total credits needed for graduation. In free high school diploma programs, students can attain up to seven credits from electives such as foreign language and personal finance courses. Successfully completing the additional credits helps students reach the minimum number of credits quickly.
The state of Missouri offers special endorsements that program beneficiaries can gain alongside a high school degree. These endorsements include various career certification programs. The programs enable learners to enhance their expertise in particular disciplines, like healthcare or information technology. This professional training can be complete at the same time as a high school diploma.
Minimum Requirements for Social Studies and English
In Missouri, learners gain at least two credits by completing English I and English II. English I entails mastering essay writing, grammar, and style. English II focuses on the use of rhetorical and persuasive strategies for effective writing. Students are required to complete the English II exam when concluding the course.
English III and English IV courses that focus on composition writing and thematic analysis of texts help students get the remaining two English credits. Participation in speech and debate courses as part of English language arts can also help learners meet the credit threshold for high school graduation. Some schools offer mass media programs, such as public relations courses, that contribute to more credits and media literacy.
In social studies, one credit comes from the U.S. history course. Government units help learners comprehend their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This information is helpful for students entering the workforce. These units can earn you half a credit to fulfill minimum requirements for graduation.
Minimum Requirements for Math and Science
While students must complete a minimum of three credits in math to graduate high school, taking a fourth credit and keeping a math course every year helps boost your total credits. You may opt to take an Algebra course every year. This could help you pass the Algebra I end-of-course examination that contributes to your total credits. If you completed Algebra I before attending the free high school program, taking Algebra II will help you meet the graduation requirements.
In science courses, you may focus on getting a single credit from Biology I to add to your credits. Completing courses in chemistry and physics disciplines that have additional lab work may help boost your credits. High schools may offer a single credit each for lab classes in sciences like chemistry and physics. The additional lab credits may count toward science requirements or electives.
Additional Requirements
The state of Missouri asks students to earn one credit in fine art by taking classes like media, visual arts, theater, dance, or music. Critiquing and assessing the theory that explains fine art disciplines could help students explore new ideas while building their credits. A credit from a practical arts class like sewing, woodworking, or animation is necessary for students who want to graduate high school. Physical education and health education help you earn one credit and a half credit, respectively.
Get a Free High School Diploma
Gaining high school credits and industry-accredited certification increases individuals’ employability. You may find online or in-person diploma programs with favorable schedules. Many of these programs are flexible enough for people with job and family responsibilities. Contact a free high school program today to learn more about the minimum requirements for high school graduation in Missouri.
