Diploma Types & Graduation Planner

To graduate, CCS students must earn at least 22 specific credits and a graduation pathway that aligns with their class year. Please see graduation pathways here.  Required course credits are outlined below for the Classes of 2022 & Beyond.  

CCS Basic Diploma

Columbus City Schools credit requirements exceed those set by the Ohio Department of Education. At minimum, students must earn 22 credits in the following subjects:

English- 4 credits

Math- 4 credits (including Algebra 2 or Integrated Math III)

Science: 3 credits (including a physical, life and advanced science)

Social Studies- 3 credits (including World Studies, American History and American Government)

Academic Elective- 1 credit (may be satisfied with any additional/4th advanced science or social studies)

Health- .5 credit

Physical Education- .5 credit (.25 of PE I and .25 of PE II, unless student earns a PE Waiver) 

Fine Arts- 1 credit (in any visual or performing arts)

Technology- 1 credit

Internship- 1 credit (student must earn 120 documented hours in community service and work experience activities)

Electives: To achieve the total 22 credits required for graduation, students must select at least 1 additional elective from any subject area except Physical Education/Health.

CCS Diploma Distinctions

CCS students may earn the following special CCS diploma distinctions by exceeding our basic graduation requirements:

Diploma of Distinction

A student must earn at least 24 credits, meet the CCS Diploma of Graduation requirements, and have four (4.0) credits in Science & Social Studies, and three (3) credits in the same word language which replaces the three (3.0) general electives.

Certification of College Preparation

Awarded to students who meet the CCS Diploma of graduation requirements and have two (2.0) credits in the same World Language

Certification of Specialization

Awarded to students who meet CCS Diploma of Graduation requirements and earn five or more credits in any one specific subject area - academic or elective. 

Students may earn multiple distinctions in addition to State Honors.


CCS students who earn CCS diploma distinctions will be recognized at graduation. Their diploma will also reflect these distinctions.


State Honors Diplomas

State Honors Diplomas

High school students also may earn state recognition for exceeding Ohio’s & CCS's graduation requirements through an Honors Diploma. Students challenge themselves by taking and succeeding at high-level coursework and in real-world experiences.

Ohio students have the opportunity to choose to pursue one of six honors diplomas:

Academic Honors Diploma (2026 & Beyond)

*includes dance, drama/theatre, music, and visual art

+ requires the completion of a field experience, portfolio, or both

If you are interested in earning one of the above Honors diplomas, or believe you are on track to earn one of these diplomas, please see your school counselor for further information. 

CCS students who earn a State Honors Diploma(s) will be recognized at graduation and the distinction will be displayed on their final transcript.  Their diploma will also reflect these honors.


MORE changes for the State Honors Diploma for the Classes of 2026 & Beyond!