Skip To Main Content

Mississippi High School Diploma and Endorsement Options Requirements

 

Traditional Diploma

  • Earn 24 credits (Carnegie Units) in a selection of required classes including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology or Computer Science, College and Career Readiness, Health, Art, Physical Education and electives
  • Local school districts may add graduation requirements to the state requirements
     

Traditional Diploma + Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement

  • Earn 26 credits
  • Earn four credits from the same CTE program
  • Achieve at least a 2.5 grade point average
  • Score at silver level on ACT WorkKeys
  • Must successfully complete one of the following:
    • One dual credit or earn articulated credit in the high school CTE course
    • Work-Based Learning experience
    • Earn a State Board of Education- approved national credential
    • One (1) AP, Diploma Program-IB, or Cambridge (AICE) course aligned to their career pathway. Students must earn a C or higher and take the appropriate exam
       

Traditional Diploma + Academic Endorsement

  • Earn 26 credits
  • Score at least 17 on ACT English section
  • Score at least 19 on ACT Math section
  • Achieve at least a 2.5 grade point average
  • Successfully complete one Advanced Placement course and AP exam, one International Baccalaureate course and exam, or one dual credit course
  • Earn at least a C in the advanced course
     

Traditional Diploma + Distinguished Academic Endorsement

  • Earn 28 credits
  • Score at least 18 on ACT English section
  • Score at least 22 on ACT Math section
  • Achieve at least a 3.0 grade point average
  • Successfully complete one Advanced Placement course and AP exam, one International Baccalaureate course and exam, or one dual credit course
  • Earn at least a B in the advanced course
     

Alternate Diploma

  • Students who have met the criteria of having a Significant Cognitive Disabilities (SCD) may participate in a program of study to earn the Alternate Diploma.
  • Earn 24 Carnegie Units in a selection of required classes including English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health, Career Readiness, Life Skills Development, the Arts, and Electives
  • Required to participate in the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program-Alternate (MAAP-A) and achieve a level of Passing or Proficient
  • The state defined Alternate Diploma is included in graduation rates in the same manner as a traditional diploma.