The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is dedicated to ensuring that all Oklahoma students engage in meaningful learning experiences during their K-12 years. With educators’ help, high school students can successfully navigate graduation requirements and progress beyond the high school setting to a successful future.
This guidance document on high school science graduation requirements in Oklahoma (as outlined by State Statute 70 O.S. § 11-103.6) is for both the College Preparatory/Work Ready and Core Diploma Pathways. Please review the Curriculum Checklists for all graduation requirements of each pathway.
In an effort to clarify information, the OSDE has compiled the following frequently asked questions and resources.
Students on this pathway must complete three units or sets of competencies in
laboratory science. This includes:
Students on this pathway must complete three units or sets of competencies in
science. This includes:
Science graduation requirements went into effect on July 1, 2018. All students
graduating in 2019 and after must meet these requirements.
To teach chemistry, a teacher must have a chemistry certification. To teach
physics, a teacher must have a physics certification. To teach physical science, a
teacher must have a physical science certification or a certification in chemistry
and physics. Visit the Office of Teacher Certification webpage for more
information.
Any course aligned to the High School Oklahoma Academic Standards for Physical
Science, Chemistry, or Physics meets the physical sciences graduation
requirement.
No, students can also take chemistry or physics to meet the physical sciences requirement. Students on the Core Curriculum Pathway are not required to take a physical sciences course.
Several course pathways prepare students for college and career readiness in STEM and non-STEM related careers. For example, some students take Biology 1 in 9th grade, then Chemistry 1 or Physics 1 in 10th or 11th grade. Others take Physical Science in 9th grade, then Biology 1 in 10th grade. Both course pathways would meet 2 of the 3 science unit requirements for high school graduation.
No, they do not. However, if students take Physical Science or Biology 1 in 8th grade, two things should happen:
Note that the 8th-grade standards contain concepts that serve as prior knowledge needed for high school Biology, the Physical Sciences, and Earth and space Science, and are not covered in any other grade level or course standards. If students do not receive instruction over the 8th-grade standards, they will miss concepts needed for high school courses and the 8th-grade statewide summative assessment.
Students can take any other science course under the domains of physical science,
life science, or Earth and space science. Review the most current subject code list
on the OSDE Accreditation webpage.
Yes, Environmental Science does count as one of the three laboratory science requirements, if the course is designed to meet the Environmental Science standards found in the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science and the course is not taken as a Pre-Biology course covering the Biology 1 standards.
It depends. Agriculture Sciences does not count as a laboratory science credit for students on the College Preparatory/Work Ready Pathways. This course would be counted as elective credit.
Agriculture Science counts as a science credit for students on the Core Curriculum Pathway. This subject code can be found on the CareerTech course options list and must be taught by an agricultural education certified teacher.
Aviation-based courses meet the Computer Technology graduation requirements. For more information on aviation-based courses, please review the Aviation-Based Course Credits Guidance and FAQ.
The STEM Endorsement prepares students for careers across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To earn a STEM Endorsement, students must earn 10 points across the engagement domains outlined in the STEM Endorsement Guide. Students who complete more than the three required science courses may apply any course with rigor beyond Biology I toward the “Additional Science Course” requirement for the STEM Endorsement.
