High school diploma
Certificate granted to students who complete secondary school requirements; serves as a basic credential for employment, further study, and civic expectations in many countries.
Overview
A high school diploma is a formal document awarded to students who have fulfilled the academic and administrative requirements of secondary education, often called high school. It signals completion of the secondary-school program and is commonly obtained in the late teenage years. In the United States and elsewhere, the diploma functions as a basic credential for entry-level positions and for application to many forms of further study.
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Requirements and curriculum
Diploma requirements vary by jurisdiction and school district but generally include a set number of credits across broad subject areas. Typical subject areas include:
- Language arts (reading and writing)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies or history
- Electives such as arts, foreign languages, or vocational courses
Some systems also require passing standardized exams, completing a capstone project, or meeting attendance and behavioral standards. Schools issue both the diploma and an accompanying academic transcript that details course work and grades.
Uses, importance and distinctions
Employers, public agencies and universities often treat a high school diploma as the basic threshold of education; for example many government roles list it as a minimum qualification for applicants to civil service positions or training programs (education, government). Higher education institutions may require a diploma or comparable credential for admission (higher education).
Alternatives and historical notes
Alternatives to a traditional diploma include trade certificates, equivalency credentials such as the GED or adult high school diplomas, and vocational qualifications. The modern concept of a formal secondary credential developed over the 19th and 20th centuries as public education systems expanded and standardized graduation expectations.
Notable points: a diploma differs from a transcript (which records grades), may carry distinctions (honors, technical endorsements), and is issued by local education authorities or schools once all requirements are satisfied.
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AlegsaOnline.com High school diploma Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/44117