Maryland Higher Education Commission

After high school, then what?

What your child accomplishes in high school will unlock the door to his or her future careers and dreams.  These four years are key.  So now is the time to ask:  What is your child's long-term goal?  What interests your son or daughter?  What does your child want to be?  All these things are good to know to help your child plan for the future.  Many jobs today require training beyond high school.  It's never too early to plan.

Why should your child go to college?

College can help your child have more career choices, make more money, and have a better chance at a fulfilling career.  College opens doors in the world by offering opportunities that can help your child grow personally and intellectually.  College can help shape your child's dreams and offer ways to make those dreams a reality.

Examples of Career Opportunities Available to College Graduates

Two-Year College (Associate Degree)	Four-Year College (Bachelor's Degree)	More then Four Years (Various Grad Degrees)
Administrative Assistant	Accountant	Architect
Automotive Mechanic	Computer Systems Analyst	Economist
Computer Technician	Dietitian	Lawyer
Dental Hygienist	Engineer	Physician
Graphic Artist	FBI Agent	Priest or Rabbi
Hotel/Restaurant Manager	Journalist	Scientist
Medical Lab Technician	Teacher	University Professor

The graph below shows average yearly earnings increases based on level of education.  This data is from the US Census Bureau Earnings of 2005.

Your child's career goals determine the kind of additional education required.  For a professional career or more advanced studies, your child may choose a four-year college or transfer to a four-year college from a two-year college or community college.  In Maryland, almost every county has a community college that provides career training as well as academic transfer programs.  The next section shows the minimum graduation requirements and offers suggestions to make sure your child is on track for college.

Minimum Graduation Requirements

English - 4 credits

Math - 3 credits
(Colleges prefer Algebra I & II and Geometry).  Students should take rigorous math early and often (all four years).

Science - 3 credits
(Colleges prefer laboratory sciences, including biology, chemistry and physics.  Some may require four years of laboratory science).

Social Studies - 3 credits

Foreign Language, Advanced Technology, or Career and Technology Program - 2 credits
(Most colleges require at least two years of the same foreign language).

Fine Arts - 1 credit

Technology - 1 credit
(Basic computer literacy makes the transition to college easier).

Physical Education - 1/2 credit

Health - 1/2 credit

Electives - 3 credits

75 hours of approved service learning

Passing any required State tests

Note:  Local counties may require more than minimum listed.

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