Credit Requirements & Diploma Options #
In alignment with new Indiana Department of Education diploma requirements, IUHS is implementing two new accredited diploma options for diploma seeking students as of July 1, 2025. Students in the Diploma program previous to this date can continue pursuing their original diplomas.
IU High School's previous diplomas were based on the Indiana Core 40 standards. You can compare Indiana's Core 40 requirements to the New Diploma requirements here.
To earn an Indiana University High School diploma, you now must successfully complete at least 42 credits in various subject areas. At least 10 credits must be earned through IUHS courses.
Students joining the IUHS Diploma Program after July 1, 2025 can choose either Diploma option below:
No matter which degree you choose, you should know that IU High School graduates have gone on to dozens of prestigious colleges and universities and have excelled in multiple careers and occupations.
Students planning to graduate with the Honors Diploma cannot have a final course grade lower than a C and must have a final cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0.
This is a rigorous, advanced course of study. It is recommended for students planning to job-search after graduating who want their resume to stand out, and for those planning to attend college and seeking to enhance their application chances.
Use the Honors planning list below to help decide what courses to take and when.
Honors Diploma Requirements #
Language Arts
8 credits in literature, speech, and composition, including the required:
- 2 credits: English 9
- 1 credit: Communications-focused course (Speech or Interpersonal Relationships)
- 5 additional English credits
Mathematics
8 credits:
- 2 credits: Algebra I
- 2 credits: Algebra II
- 2 credits: Geometry I
- 2 credits: Precalculus
Science
6 credits:
- 2 credits: Biology I
- 2 credits: Physics I or Chemistry I
- 2 credits: Physics I or Chemistry I , or any advanced lab science credits aligned to your course of study
Social Studies
6 credits:
- 2 credits: U.S. History
- 1 credit: U.S. Government
- 3 credits: World Perspectives (Flexible options, including advanced world language or world-focused social studies courses)
World Language
4 credits:
- 4 credits in any combination of World Language courses
Physical Education and Health Education
2 credits:
- 1 credit: Health and Wellness
- 1 credit: Physical Education
College and Careers
1 credit:
- Personal & Professional Development
Personalized Electives
The number of Personalized Electives needed will depend upon the total number of Optional Credits a student has earned (see below). The minimum number of final credits a student will have to earn is 42.
Students are encouraged to utilize the new readiness seals to align these personalized electives with their unique goals. Personalized electives can include a variety of courses, such as CTE, Performing or Fine Arts, and World Languages.
Optional Credits
- Option 1: 4 credits AP courses
- Option 2: 2 credits Dual-credit/College courses
- Option 3: 3 credits (2 AP courses, 1 Dual credit/College course)
- Option 4: SAT score of 1250 or higher or ACT score of 26 or higher (No credits required)
Additional Requirements
- Earn a C or higher in all courses and earn a final cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher.
[Effective 07/01/2025]
Honors Planning #
Freshman
First Six Months
- English 9: First Semester
- Algebra I: First Semester
- Biology I: First Semester
- World History: First Semester or Geography: First Semester
- World Language or Elective
- Health and Wellness
Second Six Months
- English 9: Second Semester
- Algebra I: Second Semester
- Biology I: Second Semester
- World History: Second Semester or Geography: Second Semester
- World Language continued or Elective
- Physical Education First Semester
Sophomore
First Six Months
- Communication Elective
- Geometry I First Semester
- Computer Science
- U.S. History First Semester, World Language, or Elective
- Physical Education Second Semester
Second Six Months
- English Elective 1
- Geometry I Second Semester
- Science Elective 1
- U.S. History Second Semester, World Language, or Elective
- Personal/Professional Development
Junior
First Six Months
- English Elective 2
- Algebra II: First Semester
- Science Elective 2
- U.S. History First Semester
- Elective
- Elective
Second Six Months
- English Elective 3
- Algebra II: First Semester
- STEM Elective 1
- U.S. History Second Semester
- Elective
- Elective
Senior
First Six Months
- English Elective 4
- Precalculus First Semester
- STEM Elective 2
- U.S. Government, World Language, or Elective
- Elective
Second Six Months
- English Elective 5
- Precalculus Second Semester
- Personal Finance
- Economics
- Electives
- Elective