Graduation Requirements

 

Requirements for BHS graduation, entry to Montana University System Institutions and NCAA/NAIA are different. If you plan to compete in athletics OR continue your education at the college level, it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the criteria required by ALL of the applicable institutions.

 

REQUIRED CURRICULUM

CREDITS

CLASSES SATISFYING REQUIRED CREDITS

English

4.0

One English course each year (I, II, III, IV)

 

Social Science

 

3.0

10th – World History, 11th – U.S. History,          12th - 0.5 Government & 0.5 of Economics

Math

2.0

Two math courses which includes Algebra I

Science

2.0

Earth Science and Biology

Fine Arts

1.0

Art or Music

 

Career & Technical Education

 

1.0

Building Trades, Business, Family & Consumer Science, Transportation

Health Enhancement

1.5

0.5 Health, 1.0 Physical Education

Computer Applications

0.5

Computer Business Applications or take challenge test

9th Transitions

0.5

No substitutions

General Electives

6.5

Additional classes from areas where requirements have been fulfilled

Total

22.0

 

 

 

TRACK YOUR CREDIT                                                                                                                                  

 

English I                    ____        ____        Science                     ____        ____                                                                                                                   

English II                   ____        ____        Science                     ____        ____                          College Athletes (see follwing page)

                                                                                                                                                                  16 core required for NCAA Div. 1

English IIII                 ____        ____        Fine Art                      ____        ____                          14 core required for NCAA Div. 2

                                                                                                                                                                  www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

English IV                  ____        ____        Career & Tech. Ed.                   ____        ____                          2 of 3 requirements for NAIA

                                                                                                                                                                  www.naia.org

World History           ____        ____        Health                        ____

                                                                                                                                                                  MT Univ. System Honor Scholarship

U.S. History               ____        ____        Physical Education                   ____        ____                          Must fulfill Rigorous Core requirements

                                                                                                                                                                  http://mus.edu/asa/hscp/index.asp

Government             ____                          Computer Apps.      ____       

                                                                                                                                                                  2 years of same International Language

Economics                ____                          9th Transitions          ____                                            Required for many out-of-state colleges/univ.

                 

Math                           ____        ____        General Electives   ____        ____        ____        ____

 

Math                           ____        ____                          ____        ____        ____        ____        ____

 

Each space represents one semester credit                         ____        ____        ____        ____

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

 

Montana University System Graduation Requirements

MSU-Bozeman & MSU-Billings

22 ACT or 1540 SAT or 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 Scale or rank in top ½ of graduating class and complete required college prep courses

UM-Missoula & Montana Tech of the University of Montana

22 ACT or 1540 SAT or 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 Scale or rank in top ½ of graduating class and complete required college prep courses

MSU-Northern

20 ACT or 1440 SAT (4 year programs) or 960 SAT (2 year programs) or 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 Scale or rank in top ½ of graduating class and complete required college prep courses

UM-Western Montana College

20 ACT or 1440 SAT (4 year programs) or 960 SAT (2 year programs) or 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 Scale or rank in top ½ of graduating class and complete required college prep courses

Montana Community Colleges: Dawson, Flathead, Miles City

High school transcript or GED certification

College placement scores (Compass, Asset or ACT scores for general placement)

Montana Colleges of Technology: Helena, Bozeman, Billings, Great Falls, Butte

Graduate from high school, present high school transcript, or GED certification. College placement scores (Compass, Asset or ACT scores for general placement)

 

Montana University System Core Requirements*

Course

Core

Years

 

English

 

Content of courses should have emphasis upon the development of written and oral communication skills and literature.

4

 

Social Studies

The courses shall include Global Studies (such as world history, world geography); American history; and Government, Economics, Indian History or other third year courses.

 

3

 

Mathematics

Courses shall include Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses). Students are encouraged to take a math course in their senior year.

 

3

Science

One year must be earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics; the other year can be one of those sciences or another approved college preparatory laboratory science.

2 of laboratory science

Electives

Two years chosen from the following: world language (preferably two years), computer science, visual and performing arts, or vocational education units which meet the Office of Public Instruction guidelines.

2

 

*Please Note: Admissions requirements vary from college to college, so be advised that the standards listed above are general admission guidelines. Please see the Montana University System website at http://mus.montana.edu/admissions.htm for college-specific admissions information.

 

Montana University System Rigorous Core Requirements

Course

Core

Years

 

English

 

Written and oral communication skills, literature, and a designated college-prep composition or research-writing course

4

 

Social Studies

Global Studies (such as world history, world geography); American history; and Government, Economics, Indian History or other third year course. Recommendation: ½ yr of other courses such as psychology, humanities

 

3

 

Mathematics

Algebra I, II, and Geometry (or the sequential content equivalent) and a course beyond Algebra II (such as Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Computer Math, or course equivalent)

 

4

Science

Full year each: General, physical or earth science; biology; chemistry or physics

3

Electives

Recommendation: Two years of second language, music, fine arts, speech/debate, career and technical education (such as information technology, computer science)

3

 

 

 

POST HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS

 

University/College

P     Bachelor’s Degree (4-5 years)

P     Advanced Degree (Master’s 1-3 years, or Doctorate 4-8 years beyond a Bachelor’s Degree)

 

Technical, Trade or Community College

P     Certificate Programs (six months to one year programs)

Training programs in areas such as cosmetology, welding, dental assistant, EMT/Paramedic, real estate, auto body technology, heavy equipment operation, bookkeeping, medical transcription, etc.

P     Associate of Arts or Science Degree (2 year program)

General studies degree that is transferrable to colleges or universities depending on entrance requirements.

P     Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 year program)

This degree includes education training programs for specific careers, such as welding technology, diesel mechanics, nursing, medical assisting, computer information systems, etc.

Military

Students with a high school diploma may enlist in a branch of the military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard), where training is available for many jobs. In addition, part-time activity in the military is available through the Reserves and National Guard. For more information, go to www.military.com.

 

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

This is a college-based, officer commissioning program designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning and professional ethics. Merit-based scholarships are available to ROTC students – often they cover a significant portion of college tuition.

 

Service Academies

These programs are considered to be among the best deals in higher education in that tuition, books, room and board, medical and dental expenses are paid in full for the four years a student is enrolled. Students graduate with a bachelor of science degree and a leadership job as a junior officer in the military. Competition for these programs is fierce, and graduates are obligated to serve in the military for a minimum of five years.

 

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a training program where you can “earn while you learn” – earning money while you learn a skilled trade or craft from a seasoned and skilled workers. See the Montana Department of Labor and Industry website at http://wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/default.asp for more information or call 406.444.3998.

 

AmeriCorps

This is a network of local, state and national service programs that serves more than 2,000 nonprofits, public agencies and faith-based organizations. Full-time members of AmeriCorps who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school or to pay back qualified student loans. Students may serve in a variety of areas including tutoring, improving health services, helping communities respond to disasters and more. To learn more about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.org.

 

Work Full Time

It is strongly suggested that employment be secured prior to graduation.