Pennsylvania High School Diploma Program Requirements
In order to graduate from high school, students in Pennsylvania must accumulate a set number of credits in subjects like English, math, science and physical education. Additionally, they must complete a state-required project and take exit examinations.
What is Required to Obtain a High School Diploma in Pennsylvania?
Credit hours
Students in Pennsylvania must accumulate at least 120 credit hours in English, science, social studies, mathematics, health and physical education, arts and humanities to earn a high school diploma. They also must choose at least five approved courses in music, art, computer science, home economics, industrial arts, foreign language, or business, consumer or vocational education.
Culminating project
Pennsylvania secondary students must complete a state-required culminating project by the end of their senior year. Students can usually begin working on the project in their sophomore year and typically collaborate with a mentor from the project's initial development to its completion.
Before work on the project can begin, students must submit a written proposal to their faculty mentor, who must approve the project before the student can move on. The project serves as an opportunity for students to showcase their talents and interests. It also tests their abilities to go beyond what is taught in a conventional high school curriculum.
Exit exams
Starting in the 2010-11 school year, Pennsylvania high school students will be required to pass exit examinations. These exams aim to ensure that students are prepared for life beyond high school, including entering the job market or pursuing postsecondary education.
Initial tests will cover English literature, biology and algebra. Other subject areas will be phased in each academic year through 2016-17, for a total of ten exams. Each school district will have the option of using state-developed exams or administering its own.
Exit exams will count for 30% of a student's final course grade. Those who fail will have the opportunity to retake an exam twice. Those who fail the second retake will be able to seek alternative options, such as taking AP exams or completing a project that meets the approval of district officials. Some students with disabilities will be exempt from taking exit examinations.
Related to Pennsylvania Become a High School Graduate
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
High School Diploma: Requirements & Coursework
If you're an adult who doesn't have a high school diploma, you may earn one by enrolling in an adult high school or...
High School Coursework: An Overview of Coursework Needed for a High School Diploma
Adults who haven't finished their high school education have several options that can allow them to earn their...
High School Diplomas: Summary of Required Diploma Coursework
While there is no single national standard of courses required for adults seeking to earn a high school diploma or...
Earning Your South Dakota High School Diploma!
A high school diploma is required for many careers and postsecondary education paths. Read on to find out more...
Earning Your South Carolina High School Diploma!
- Earning Your Rhode Island High School Diploma!
- Earning Your Pennsylvania High School Diploma!
- Earning Your North Dakota High School Diploma!
- Best University for a Network Systems Administration Degree - Columbus, OH
- Top Graphic Design School - Anaheim, CA
- Top Degree Programs in Educational Leadership and School Administration - Arlington, VA
- Top Ranked University with CAD Drafting and Design Technology Degrees - Kansas City, MO
Other Popular Schools:
-
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
-
- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Virginia Commonwealth University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
