Detail on mathematics graduation requirements from public high schools, by state as of June 5, 2013 State Year in Effect Algebra II required Years of Math Alignment Comments/Explanations Alabama 2011-12 4 partial - 4 credits The Alabama High School Diploma requires four credits that include: Algebra I, Geometry, and two additional math credits. The Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement requires four credits that include: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with Trigonometry, and one or more Mathematics Electives. Alaska 2011-12 2 not alignednot CCSS state Alaska does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least two credits. Arizona 2012-13 X 4 aligned Arizona requires four credits that include: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an additional course with significant mathematical content as determined by the school district or charter governing board. Arkansas 2013-14 X 4 (default) aligned - opt out is not The Arkansas Smart Core requires four credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one of the following courses: Transitions to College Math, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics, Computer Math, Algebra III or Advanced Placement Math. The Arkansas Core requires four credits that include Algebra I and Geometry. All students automatically participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless the student s parents waive the student s right to participate. If a parent signs the waiver, the student is required to complete the Core curriculum in order to graduate. California 2011-12 2 not California does not specify course requirements for math, but indicates that students must complete at least two credits one of which must meet or exceed Algebra I. Colorado Unknown not Colorado does not specify course or credit requirements for math. High school graduation requirements are independently developed by each local school district s board of education, in compliance with the minimum standards, basic core competencies, and skills outlined by the Colorado State Board of Education. Connecticut 2017-18 X 4 aligned Beginning with the graduating class of 2018, Connecticut will require four credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II or Probability and Statistics.
Delaware 2014-15 X 4 aligned Beginning with the graduating class of 2015, Delaware will require four credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. District of Columbia 2011-12 X 4 aligned The District of Columbia requires four credits that include: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an upper level math course. Florida 2016-17 4 partially aligned All students are required to take Algebra I, Geometry (or the course equivalents of such courses), and two additional mathematics courses Georgia 2011-12 X 4 aligned Georgia requires four credits that include: Mathematics I or Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) Algebra, Mathematics II or GPS Geometry, Mathematics III or GPS Advanced Algebra, and an additional core course chosen from the list of GPS/Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS)/AP/IB. Hawaii 2015-16 3 not Hawaii requires three credits that include: Algebra I, Geometry, or newly developed proficiency based equivalents. Algebra II is required for Academic Honors and STEM Honors graduates Idaho 2012-13 3 not Idaho requires six semester credits that include two semester credits of Algebra I, two semester credits of Geometry, and two semester credits of mathematics of the student s choice. Illinois 2012-13 3 not Illinois requires three years that include Algebra I and a course with Geometry content. Indiana 2015-16 X 3 (default) partially aligned - opt out is not Beginning with the graduating class of 2016, Indiana s Core 40 High School Graduation Diploma (and its Core 40 with Technical Honors) will require six semester credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Indiana s Core 40 High School Graduation Diploma with Academic Honors requires eight semester credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an additional math course. Students who opt-out and choose to complete the requirements for the General High School Diploma are required to complete four semester credits that include Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I and any other math course. Iowa 2011-12 3 not Iowa does not specify course requirements for math, but indicates that students must complete at least three credits. Kansas 2011-12 3 not Kansas rquires three credits that include courses with algebraic and geometric concepts.
Kentucky 2011-12 X 3 partially aligned Kentucky requires three credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. An applied, interdisciplinary math course can be substituted for one of these math courses, on an individual basis, if it meets the Kentucky Core Academic Standards content requirements. Louisiana 2011-12 4 partially aligned Louisiana s Basic Core Curriculum requires four credits that include: Algebra I, Applied Algebra I or Algebra I-Pt. 1 and Algebra I-Pt. 2, and Geometry or Applied Geometry. The remaining credit(s) shall come from the following: Algebra II, Financial Mathematics, Math Essentials, Advanced Math-Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math-Functions and Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, or a locally initiated elective approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) as a math substitute. Louisiana s Core 4 Curriculum has the same math requirements as the Basic Core Curriculum, except that Algebra II is required. Maine 2011-12 2 not Maine does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least two credits. Maryland 2011-12 3 not Maryland requires three credits that include one course with instruction in Algebra or one or more credits in subsequent mathematics courses for which Algebra I is a prerequisite, and one course with instruction in Geometry. Massachusetts Unknown not Massachusetts does not specify course or credit requirements for math, because there is no statewide graduation requirement. The state encourages students to complete the MassCore curriculum, which recommends that students take four credits that include: Algebra II or the completion of the Integrated Math equivalent. Michigan 2010-11 X 4 aligned Michigan requires four credits that include: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an additiomal math course taken during a student s senior year. Michigan allows students to complete Algebra II over two years with two credits awarded or over one and a half years with one and a half credits awarded. A student also may partially or fully fulfill the Algebra II requirement by completing a department-approved formal career and technical education program or curriculum that has appropriate embedded mathematics content, such as a program or curriculum in electronics, machining, construction, welding, engineering, or renewable energy. Also, Michigan allows for the creation of a personal curriculum under which students may graduate even if students do not meet the graduation requirements outlined above. At this writing, the Michigan legislature is considering no longer requiring Algebra II if students take a CTE program that has at least some Algebra II content.
Minnesota 2014-15 X 3 partially aligned Beginning with the graduating class of 2015, Minnesota will require three credits that include Geometry, Statistics and Probability, and Algebra II (while assuming completion of Algebra I in 8th grade). Those who enter high school without Algebra I credit will complete four math credits, including Algebra II. Mississippi 2011-12 4 partially aligned Mississippi requires four credits that include Algebra I. State policymakers passed legislation in 2010 to create multiple pathways to a standard diploma. The 2010 legislative actions created a career pathway to a standard diploma, and requires that students complete the three credits of math that include Algebra I. Missouri 2011-12 3 not Missouri does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least three credits. Montana 2011-12 2 not Montana does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least two credits. Nebraska 2014-15 3 not - not CCSS state Nebraska requires three credits (30 hours) that include courses with algebraic, geometric, data analysis, and probability concepts. Nevada 2011-12 3 not Nevada does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least three credits for a Standard Diploma and four credits for an Advanced Diploma. New Hampshire 2011-12 3 not New Hampshire requires three credits that include an algebra credit that can be earned through a sequential, integrated, or applied program. New Jersey 2016-17 3 not Fifteen credits (3 years) that include: Algebra I, Geometry, and a math course that builds on the concepts and skills of algebra and geometry. New Mexico 2012-13 X 4 aligned with opt out New Mexico requires four credits that include Algebra II, unless the parent or guardian submits written, signed permission for the student to complete a lesser mathematics course. New York 2011-12 3 not State does not specify course requirements for math, but indicates that students must complete at least three credits for a Regents Diploma or Advanced Regents Diploma.
North Carolina 2015-16 X 4 (default) aligned - opt out is not Beginning with the graduating class of 2016, North Carolina s Future-Ready Core will require four credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (or Integrated Math I, II, III), and a fourth mathematics course to be aligned with the student s post-high-school plans. North Carolina s Future Ready Occupational (opt out) diploma requires three credits that include the Occupational Course of Study (OCS) Introduction to Mathematics, OCS Algebra I, and OCS Financial Management. North Dakota 2012-13 3 not North Dakota does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least three credits. If parents and the school agree, students may complete the Optional High School Curriculum. The state does not specify course requirements for math for the Optional Curriculum but it requires that students complete at least two credits. Ohio 2013-14 X 4 aligned Ohio requires four credits that include one credit of Algebra II. Oklahoma 2011-12 X 3 partially aligned Oklahoma requires three credits that include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Calculus, Advanced Placement Statistics, or any mathematics course with content and/or rigor above Algebra I and approved for college admission requirements. Oregon 2013-14 3 not Oregon requires three credits that include Algebra I, and two credits that are at a level higher than Algebra I. Pennsylvania 2016-17 Unknown not Pennsylvania requires one credit that includes Algebra I. Beginning in 2016-17, students must also be tested for proficiency in two of the following three mathematics courses: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II. Rhode Island 2014-15 4 partially aligned Rhode Island does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least four credits. South Carolina 2011-12 4 partially aligned South Carolina does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least four credits. South Dakota 2011-12 X 3 partially aligned South Dakota requires three credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. A student may be excused from taking the required units of Algebra II or Geometry if the student s parent or legal guardian and school counselor or administrator agree and the excuse is documented. A student may be excused from Algebra II or geometry but not from both requirements. The student must still complete three units of mathematics Tennessee 2012-13 X 4 aligned Tennessee requires four credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a fourth higher level math course.
Texas 2015-16 X 4 aligned - not CCSS state Utah 2011-12 X 3 partially aligned Beginning with the graduating class of 2016, the Texas Recommended High School Program and the Distinguished Achievement High School Program each require four credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an additional credit from a selected list of courses provided by the state. The Minimum High School Program has the following math requirements: three credits that include Algebra I, Geometry, and a third credit from a selected list of courses provided by the state (which includes Algebra II). Utah requires three credits that include one credit of Algebra I, one credit of Geometry, and one credit of Algebra II or with written permission from a parent or guardian, students may replace Algebra II with one credit from a selected list of courses provided by the state. The implementation of the Common Core in Utah schools will affect graduation requirements for students who take courses in the new system. Over the next five years, courses titled Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 will be replaced with courses titled Secondary I, Secondary II, and Secondary III. Because these courses do not align exactly with existing courses, the Board of Education will deliberate and write a new rule outlining mathematics credits in high school. Vermont 2011-12 3 not Vermont does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least three credits. Virginia 2014-15 3 not - not CCSS state Washington 2012-13 X 3 partially aligned West Virginia 2014-15 4 no state req - recommended is aligned Virginia s Standard Diploma requires three credits that include two different course selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra Functions and Data Analysis, Algebra II, or other math courses above the level of Algebra II. The state s Advanced Studies Diploma requires four credits that include three of the following: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II. Beginning with the graduating class of 2015-16, students will have the option of graduating under the Standard Technical Diploma. Under the Standard Technical Diploma, students must complete three math credits that include three different course selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra Functions and Data Analysis, or Algebra II or other math courses above the level of Algebra II. Washington State requires three credits that include Algebra I or Integrated I, Geometry or Integrated 2, and Algebra 2 or Integrated 3. A student may elect to pursue a third credit of math other than Algebra 2 or Integrated 3 if the elective choice is based on a career-oriented plan for high school and beyond, and if the student, parent/guardian, and school representative meet and sign a form. West Virginia does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least four credits. Additionally, the state has recommended math sequences for the Professional and Skilled Pathways. Recommended courses for both pathways include Alg 2.
Wisconsin 2011-12 2 not Wisconsin requires two credits that include courses that incorporate instruction in the properties, processes, and symbols of arithmetic and elements of algebra, geometry, and statistics. Wyoming 2011-12 3 not Wyoming does not specify course requirements for math but indicates that students must complete at least three credits (3 school years ). NOTE: States use different language to refer to course credits; California uses courses ; Illinois, Maine, Wyoming and Vermont use years ; Arkansa, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahama, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Itah use units ; Idaho, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York use semester credits ; and, Nebraska uses credit hours. SOURCES: The large majority of sources came from States Department of Education websites (state administration and education codes, state legislative documents, and state statutes). When information was unavailable online, information was confirmed with State Department of Education personnel and via personal communication with Jennifer Dounay, Education Commission of the States (ECS). The most recent data available as of January 2012 was included.