To earn an Advanced Studies Diploma, students must earn at least 24 standard units of credit and at least nine verified units of credit. The table below displays the course and credit requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma.

NOTE 1: Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall be at or above the level of algebra and shall include at least three different course selections from among: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II. The Board may approve additional courses to satisfy this requirement.

NOTE 2: Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include course selections from at least three different science disciplines from among: earth sciences, biology, chemistry, or physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The Board may approve additional courses to satisfy this requirement.

NOTE 3: Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include U.S. and Virginia History, U.S. and Virginia Government, and two courses in either world history or geography or both. The Board may approve additional courses to satisfy this requirement.

NOTE 4: Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include three years of one language or two years of two languages.

NOTE 5: A student may utilize additional tests for earning verified credit in computer science, technology, career or technical education or other areas as prescribed by the Board in 8 VAC 20-131-110.

Approved Courses for the Standard and Advanced Studies Diplomas

Electives

Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education - The Advanced Studies Diploma contains a requirement for one standard unit of credit in a fine arts or career and technical education course. The Standards of Accreditation do not require that courses used to satisfy the requirement of a fine arts or career and technical education course be approved by the board. Therefore, local school officials should use their own judgment in determining which courses students take to satisfy the requirement of a unit of credit in fine arts or career and technical education for the Advanced Studies Diploma.

Foreign Language - The Advanced Studies Diploma contains a requirement for either three years of one foreign language or two years of two languages. In March 1998, the Board of Education approved the provision of three years of instruction in American Sign Language (ASL) for foreign language credit toward an Advanced Studies Diploma; other foreign languages will satisfy this requirement as well. See Superintendent’s Memorandum, Interpretive, No. 1, June 12, 1998.