One Year Equals One Credit Hour

• The successful completion of one academic class (math, language, science, history) results in one credit hour. Electives or narrowly focused academic classes (like constitutional law) may be taught over only one semester, resulting in a half credit.
  
  

Hours Required

• The number of credit hours required of students enrolled in public high schools is determined by the state and/or the local school system. Requirements are further broken down by subject area, with a requisite number of hours for core subjects like math, history, English and science.
  
  

Non-Academic Credits

• High school students are also awarded credit hours for the successful completion of elective courses. Classes in non-academic subjects such as athletics and fine arts carry one-half to one full credit hour and count toward graduation requirements.
  
  

Number of Hours

• The number of credit hours required depends on the state school system and the school, but the total ranges from about 19 to 24. Colleges and universities set minimum credit hours for admission, so college-bound students should look toward the university requirements, which may be higher than the high school's standard.
  
  

Credit Source Options

• Home-schooled students and traditional students requiring additional credit hours may find opportunities through online and distance-learning schools. Many schools and school systems accept these credit hours as transfer hours, which may count toward graduation requirements.