Eleanor Finch
In Texas, the number of credits required to graduate from high school varies depending on the graduation plan and endorsement a student chooses. The Foundation High School Program (FHSP), established in 2013, is the default route and requires students to earn a minimum of 22 credits in core subjects, physical education, languages, and electives. However, with endorsements, the credit requirement increases to 26. Endorsements are specialized areas of study that allow students to explore their interests and can be selected in five areas: STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. While not mandatory, endorsements provide a pathway for students to deepen their knowledge and skills in specific fields, similar to how college majors build upon core requirements. Texas also offers accelerated programs, such as the Texas First Early High School Completion Program, which allows high-achieving students to graduate early and enroll in public universities sooner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of credits required for graduation | 22-26 |
| Number of credits required for endorsements | 26 |
| Number of additional Math and Science credits required for each endorsement | 1 |
| Number of additional elective credits required for each endorsement | 2 |
| Minimum GPA required for the Texas First Early High School Completion Program | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale |
| Percentile score required on college readiness exams for the Texas First Early High School Completion Program | 80th percentile |
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What You'll Learn
Texas Foundation High School Program (FHSP)
In Texas, the Foundation High School Program (FHSP) is the default route for graduation for all public high school students. Introduced in the 2014-2015 school year, the FHSP sets the baseline for graduation, offering a basic educational track with options to specialize through endorsements in areas of interest.
The FHSP requires students to complete 22 credits in core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, as well as physical education, languages other than English (including computer programming languages), and electives. Students can also pursue endorsements, which are similar to college majors, in five areas: STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. While completing an endorsement is not mandatory for graduation, it allows students to specialize and explore a specific area of interest. Each endorsement has specific course sequences and credit requirements, including additional credits in Math, Science, and elective courses.
The FHSP replaced the previous three-track degree program, which allowed students to choose between a Minimum, Recommended, or Distinguished degree. The new program provides a consistent foundation for all students while offering flexibility through endorsements. Students must select an endorsement in their freshman year but can change it if their interests evolve. Additionally, students have the option to opt-out of an endorsement after their sophomore year with parental or guardian approval, although this may impact their readiness for post-high school education.
The FHSP is designed to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the next steps, whether it's continuing their education in college or entering the workforce. The program emphasizes a strong base of knowledge and skills, with the option to gain specialized knowledge through endorsements. This approach allows students to explore their interests and pursue a more personalized learning path while completing the necessary requirements for graduation.
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Credits needed to graduate
In Texas, the number of credits needed to graduate high school depends on the graduation plan that was in place when a student entered the ninth grade. There are currently four graduation plans in use, requiring students to earn anywhere from 22 to 26 course credits.
The Foundation High School Program (FHSP), which has been the default route for graduation for all Texas public high school students since the 2014-2015 school year, requires students to earn 22 credits in core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies), physical education, languages other than English (including computer programming languages), and electives.
Students can also earn endorsements in five areas: STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. Endorsements are similar to college majors and require a total of 26 credits. While completing an endorsement is not technically required to graduate, it allows students to specialize in an area of interest.
The Texas First Early High School Diploma Program, on the other hand, offers an alternate pathway for high-achieving students to graduate early and enroll in Texas public universities. This program requires students to meet specific criteria, including earning a minimum of 22 high school credits, achieving a final GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and scoring in the 80th percentile on college readiness exams or being in the top 10% of their class.
In addition to earning the required number of credits, students must also pass state standardized tests and five end-of-course assessments in subjects such as Algebra I, English I and II, Biology, and U.S. History to meet the testing requirements for graduation in Texas.
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Endorsements
In Texas, high school students can pursue endorsements, or specialized areas of study, to explore their interests and gain expertise in specific fields. Endorsements are not mandatory for graduation, but they offer a valuable opportunity for students to enhance their college applications and demonstrate readiness for future careers.
The Foundation High School Program (FHSP) serves as the baseline for graduation, providing a well-rounded education with 22 credits in core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, as well as credits in physical education, languages, and electives. Beyond this foundation, students have the option to pursue endorsements, which require a total of 26 credits.
There are five endorsement areas recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA): STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. Each high school within a district decides which of these five endorsements to offer, ensuring at least one is available to students.
To earn an endorsement, students must complete specific requirements. In addition to the standard FHSP credits, students need one additional credit each in Math and Science, two additional elective credits, and a "sequence of courses" tailored to their chosen endorsement. This sequence of courses is determined by each school district, allowing for localized curriculum design.
Students typically select their endorsement during their freshman year, providing a clear direction for their high school academic journey. However, recognizing that interests may evolve, students have the flexibility to change their endorsement later. While the initial selection is mandatory, students can opt out after their sophomore year with parental or guardian approval. Nonetheless, opting out may impact their preparedness for post-high school education and competitive college applications.
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Graduation requirements
In Texas, the number of hours that constitute a high school credit can vary depending on the specific requirements of the student's graduation program and chosen endorsements. Since the 2014-2015 school year, the Foundation High School Program (FHSP) has been the default graduation route for Texas public high school students. The FHSP requires students to earn a minimum of 22 credits in core subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, as well as physical education, languages other than English (including computer programming languages), and electives.
The FHSP offers students the opportunity to specialize through endorsements in areas of interest. These endorsements are similar to college majors and are offered in five areas: STEM, Business and Industry, Public Service, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. While completing an endorsement is not mandatory for graduation, it allows students to focus on their interests and guide them toward potential career paths. Each endorsement has specific course sequence requirements, and students must complete additional credits in Math, Science, and elective courses.
For students seeking an accelerated path to graduation and higher education, Texas introduced the Texas First Early High School Diploma Program (also known as the Texas First Early High School Completion Program). This program is designed for high-achieving students who meet specific criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, achieving in the 80th percentile on college readiness exams, and demonstrating mastery in various subjects. Students in this program must also earn 22 high school credits and complete specific assessment requirements.
It's important to note that Texas also has alternative graduation requirements for students who entered high school before the 2014-2015 school year. These requirements include the Minimum High School Program (MHSP), Recommended High School Program (RHSP), and Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP). Additionally, Texas provides opportunities for some veterans who dropped out of high school to serve in the U.S. Military to receive their high school diplomas.
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Texas First Early High School Completion Program
In Texas, high-achieving students have the option to graduate high school early through the Texas First Early High School Completion Program. This program was established by the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021 through Senate Bill 1888. It aims to facilitate early graduation and subsequent enrollment in Texas public universities for high-achieving students.
The program emphasizes accelerated academic achievement and requires students to meet specific criteria to qualify for early graduation. The criteria include achieving a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and scoring in the 80th percentile on college readiness exams or being in the top 10% of their class. Students must also demonstrate mastery in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Languages Other Than English (LOTE). The Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS) is an online test that students can use to demonstrate mastery in LOTE.
Students graduating through this program are considered to have earned a diploma with a distinguished level of achievement. They are also eligible for the Texas First Scholarship Program, which provides a scholarship equivalent to up to one year of the TEXAS Grant at eligible institutions. This scholarship can be used at any Texas public college or university that the student is admitted to.
To take advantage of the program, students must meet certain qualifications. In addition to the GPA and exam score requirements mentioned earlier, students must pass Algebra 1, Biology, and English I or II EOCs and demonstrate mastery in core subject areas and a world language. Interested students should contact their counselor to plan for early graduation and verify their eligibility. They are responsible for providing official copies of their assessment results and transcripts to their school counselor to receive credit for the required assessments and credits.
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Frequently asked questions
Students in Texas need to earn 22 to 26 course credits to graduate high school.
Students are required to complete one additional credit each in Math and Science, two additional elective credits, and a “sequence of courses” specific to the endorsement.
The graduation plans currently in use in Texas are the Foundation High School Program (FHSP) and the Texas First Early High School Diploma Program.
