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) or JROTC Endorsement

• Earn 26.Credits

• Earn an overall GPA of 2.5

• Earn silver level on ACT WorkKeys

• Must successfully complete one (1) of the following:

  • One (1) dual credit

  • Work based Learning

  • Earn a State Board of Education approved national credential

  • One (1) Advance Placement (AP), Diploma Program-International Baccalaureate (IB), or Cambridge (AICE) course aligned to their career pathway. Students must earn a C or higher and take the appropriate exam.

  • NOCTI/JROTC Leadership and Employability Skills Credential

Traditional Diploma + Academic Endorsement

• Earn 26 credits

• Earn an overall GPA of 2.5

• Two (2) elective courses must meet MS IHL college preparatory curriculum (CPC) requirements

• Must successfully complete one (1) of the following:

  • ACT sub scores of 17 in English and 19 in Math

  • Essentials of College Math or Essentials of College Literacy (in senior year)

  • SAT equivalency subscore

• Must successfully complete one (1) of the following:

  • One (1) AP course with a C or higher and take the appropriate Advance Placement (AP) exam

  • One (1) Diploma Program-International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge (AICE) course with a C or higher and take the appropriate exam

  • One (1) dual credit course and earn a C or higher in the course

Traditional Diploma + Distinguished Academic Endorsement

• Earn 28 credits

• Earn an overall GPA of 3.0

• Two (2) elective courses must meet MS IHL CPC recommended requirements

• Must successfully complete one (1) of the following:

  • ACT sub scores of 18 in English and 22 in Math

  • SAT equivalency subscore

• Must successfully complete one ( 1) of the following:

  • One (1) Advanced Placement (AP) course with a B or higher and take the appropriate AP exam

  • One (1) Diploma Program- International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge (AICE) course with a B or higher and take the appropriate exam

  • One (1) dual credit course earning a B or higher in the course