US Curriculum: Core and Elective Courses

Courses offered at the high school level in the United States can be classified as either core courses or electives. Core courses are compulsory courses a student must study in order to meet the requirements of their program. Electives, on the other hand, are courses a student can choose, allowing them to study topics that pique their interest. Electives, when added to a students' core courses, make up the total number of units needed to complete their high school degree.

CORE

Many states in the US require that courses in the "core" areas of science, social studies, mathematics, and English be taken every year. Other states allow more flexibility after the 10th grade.
The majority of high schools require the four credits in English mandatorily in order to graduate.

Common types of core courses include-

1. Science Courses- Biology, Chemistry, Physics are compulsorily offered. Physical and Life Science serve as introductory alternatives to the three main science courses. Some of the other science studies offered by some school are Geology, Anatomy, Astronomy, Health Science, and Environmental Science.

2. Mathematics courses- Pre-algebra, algebra I, geometry, Algebra II w/ trigonometry classes. Advanced study options can include precalculus, calculus, statistics, and discrete math. This is usually paired with an opportunity to earn Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) accreditation. Usually, only three math credits are required for graduation.

3. English/Language courses- Compulsory for four years of high school. Some schools count journalism, public speaking/debate, foreign language, literature, drama, and writing (both technical and creative) classes as part of the English/Language course.

4. Social science courses- History, Political Science, Economics and Geography. Political science and Economics classes are often combined as two parts that are taught in two semesters of a year-long course.

5. Additional study courses- These include classes in Law (constitutional, Criminal, or international), Criminal justice, Sociology, and Psychology.

6. Health or wellness course- This in many states is mandatory in order to graduate. The class covers basic anatomy, nutrition, first aid, sexual education, and how to make responsible decisions regarding illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. In some states and schools, the health and physical education class are combined into one class or are offered in alternate semesters.

7. Physical education course- Two years of this course is commonly required, but some states and school districts require that all students take Physical Education every semester

ELECTIVES

Public high schools in the United States offer a variety of elective courses. The availability of these courses depends on each particular school's financial/funding situation. Some states and schools require students to earn a few credits of classes considered electives, this commonly applies to foreign language and physical education.

Common types of electives include:

1. Visual arts- drawing, sculpture, painting, photography, film studies, and art history

2. Performing arts- choir, drama, band, orchestra, dance, and instruments
   Vocational education- woodworking, metalworking, computer-aided drafting, automobile repair, and agriculture.

3. Computer science/information technology - word processing, computer programming, graphic design, computer club, web design and web programming, video game design, music production, and film production

4. Journalism/publishing- school newspaper, yearbook, television production
   Foreign languages - French, German, Italian, and Spanish are the most common. Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Latin, and Korean are less common.

5. Business Education- Accounting, Data Processing, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Business, Information and Communication Technology, Management, Marketing, and Secretarial

6. Family and consumer science/health- nutrition, nursing, culinary, child development, and additional physical education and weight training classes

7. Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and gun clubs and shooting teams
   Drivers' education- Some schools allow a student to take it during school as a regular course for credit and in other schools, they offer the classes after school.

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