| SDUSD High School Graduation Requirements | CSU College Entrance Requirements | UC College Entrance Requirements |
| English | 4 years | 4 years college preparatory (including Grade 9) | 4 years college preparatory (including Grade 9) |
| Mathematics | 3 years | 3 years algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra | 3 years algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra, 4th year recommended |
| History- Social Science | 1 year U.S. History | 1 year U.S. History | 1 year U.S. History |
| World Cultures and Geography | 1 year World History | 1 year world history cultures and geography | 1 year world history cultures and geography |
| Science | 3 years, at least 2 with wet lab | 2 years with lab | 2 years with lab, 3 recommended |
| Government and Economics | 1 year | | |
| World Language | (needed for UC but not for SDUSD dilploma) | 2 years | 2 years, 3 recommended |
| Fine or Practical Arts | 3 semesters (2 fine arts + 1 practical art or 2 world language + 1 fine/practical art) | 1 year visual or performing arts | 1 year visual or performing arts |
| Physical Education | 2 years (add'l. PE is req. until Fitnessgram is passed) | | |
| Electives | up to 13 semesters to equal at least 44 total credits | 1 year (2 continuous semesters) | 1 year (2 continuous semesters) |
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