Graduation Requirements

Students who successfully complete the high school program are awarded the University of North Carolina School of the Arts High School Diploma. Graduation requirements at UNCSA are similar to requirements at traditional public and private high schools.

All 20 required units must be earned in grades 9 through 12; one unit represents study of a subject for a full school year — a minimum of 120 instructional hours. Additionally, the Citizen Artist graduation requirement is part of the 20 units and is completed through existing coursework.

English	4 units
Social Studies (U.S. History; Civics and Economics; World History)	3 units
Mathematics (including Algebra I – which, if taken before grade 9, does not count as one of the three required units)	3 units
Science (including Biology and a physical science)	3 units
Wellness/Physical Education (Dance and Drama students meet the physical education requirement through regularly scheduled arts classes.)	1 unit
Electives (including arts courses)	6 units
TOTAL UNITS	20 units
Although not required for graduation, foreign language study is strongly recommended to meet college admissions requirements.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

College Board Advanced Placement course options are available in art history, calculus AB, statistics, English language and composition, English literature and composition, European history, human geography, psychology, United States government and politics, and United States history.