All typical public high school students must complete what is called “the prescribed course of study.” The prescribed course of study is the list of 13 courses required by the state for receipt of a diploma. Those are the following: 

1. three courses of English 
2. two courses of math (including Algebra I) 
3. three courses of social science (U.S. History and geography; world history, culture and geography; and one semester each of American government and economics) 
4. two courses of science (biological and physical) 
5. two courses of physical education unless the student has been exempted pursuant to Cal. Ed. Code sec. 51241
6. one course of foreign language or visual and performing arts or technical education. For the purpose of satisfying the minimum course requirement, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in foreign language^[1]

School districts must ensure that students complete the prescribed course of study before awarding diplomas, but local school districts can add to these requirements.^[2] You should contact your local school district to find out whether any additional courses or other requirements, such as a Senior Project, apply in your district. 

1. Cal. Ed. Code sections 51224.5 and 51225.3.[↩]
2. Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 51225.3(a)(1)&(2).[↩]