"To ensure Michigan's students have the skills and knowledge needed for the jobs of the 21st Century global economy, on April 20, 2006, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed into law a rigorous new set of statewide graduation requirements that are among the best in the nation...

As a result, a high school diploma in Michigan will soon say a lot more about the graduate whose name it bears. It will tell employers that our students have mastered the reading, writing, and math skills required for success in the workplace. It will tell college and university admissions officers and career and technical schools the student is ready for the rigors of post-secondary education. It will tell the world -- Michigan is committed to having the best-educated workforce. The Michigan Merit Curriculum defines a common set of required credits for graduation and provides educators with a common understanding of what student's should know and be able to do for credit. It also provides students the learning opportunity, knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college or the workplace." www.michigan.gov/mde

• Four credits in English language arts (ELA)

• Four credits in math, including Geometry, Algebra I and Algebra II. At least one math course must be taken during the student’s senior year

• Three credits in science, with the use of labs, including biology and chemistry or physics

• Three credits in social sciences including US History, World History and Geography, Government and Economics

• One credit in visual, performing or applied arts

• One credit in physical education and health

• Two credits in a language other than English (for students graduating in 2016 or after)

• Eight electives

Check out the “What’s New” section on the Michigan Department of Education’s website. It is updated frequently. http://www.michigan.gov/mde