Niskayuna Central School District > Academics > Niskayuna High School Program of Studies 2024-25 > NHS Program of Studies: Graduation Requirements & Pathways to a Diploma

NHS Program of Studies: Graduation Requirements & Pathways to a Diploma

Graduation Requirements & Pathways to a Diploma

New York State has introduced new options in recent years for students to meet graduation requirements. The Regents exams  that have traditionally been used to satisfy the testing requirements for a Regents and Advanced Regents Diploma still remain. The state has also designated additional “pathways” for students to satisfy diploma requirements, generally through some variation in required exams. While these pathways are referenced below, parents who have any questions are strongly encouraged to view the New York State Graduation Requirements and contact their child’s counselor.

Regents Diploma

Course Requirementsdiploma requirement details

English – 4 Units
Social Studies – 4 Units
Science – 3 Units
Mathematics – 3 Units
World Languages – 1 Unit
The Arts – 1 Unit 
Physical education – 2 Units
Health – 1/2 Unit
Sequences/Electives – 3 ½ Units
Total: (22 Units of Credit)

Testing Requirements

English Language Arts Regents Exam
Mathematics Regents Exam
Science Regents Exam
Social Studies Regents Exam
AND one of the following:

  • A fifth Regents Exam in one of the Above Subjects (Traditionally students have taken two Social Studies Regents Exams)
  • A state-approved Career & Technical Education assessment and course sequence;
  • A state-approved Pathway Assessment in the Arts or a Language Other Than English*; OR
  • All CDOS Credential requirements (See below)

Advanced Regents Diploma

Course Requirements

All of the above Regents Diploma Requirements, plus the 22 units of credit must include one of the following:

  • A 5-unit sequence in The Arts OR
  • A 5-unit sequence in Career & Technical Education OR
  • 2 additional units in a Language Other Than English

Students who take the 2 additional units in a Language Other Than English must pass the Checkpoint B exam.

Testing Requirements

English Language Arts Regents Exam
Global History and Geography Regents Exam
US History and Government Regents Exam
3 Mathematics Regents Exams
2 Science Regents Exams (1 must be Life Science and 1 must be Physical Science)

Additional Pathways for an Advanced Regents Diploma

Pathway Combination Other than STEM: Students can replace one of the Social Studies Regents Exams with a NYS Pathway assessment* or meet the requirements for the CDOS Commencement Credential.

  • STEM Mathematics Pathway: Students can replace one of the Social Studies Regents Exams with a fourth, state-approved Math exam.
  • STEM Science Pathway: Students can replace one of the Social Studies Regents Exams with a third state-approved Science exam, including a Regents exam.

Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential

Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential

A CDOS Commencement Credential Can be used as a standalone high school exiting credential that shows students meet work-readiness criteria, a supplement to a high school diploma, or to help meet Regents diplomas requirements as outlined above. To successfully meet CDOS Commencement Credential requirements, students must complete a career plan and demonstrate attainment of career exploration and development learning standards. CDOS requirements integrate academic coursework and workplace readiness skills. Students must complete the equivalent of two units of study in Career and Technical Education coursework, including 54 hours of work-based learning, and at least one employability profile. Students, and their families, who are interested in more information about a CDOS Commencement Credential should contact the school counselor.