 For a regular English program diploma, they must earn 5 credits in English Language Arts, 3 credits in Social Studies, 2 credits in mathematics, 2 credits in science, 1 credit in Physical Education/Health Education, 2 credits in Arts Education/Practical and Applied Arts, and 9 elective credits.A United States high school diploma usually refers to the satisfactory completion of grade schooling including Kindergarten through the 12th grade and is then issued by the school district and the high school after a student's graduation.In Alabama, all students are required to earn 24 credits.