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.