Mississippi High School Diploma Endorsements
Overview:
- Starting in 2018-19, all 9th graders will choose whether they want to work toward a Traditional Diploma or take additional classes to earn an academic, distinguished academic, or career and technical education endorsement.
- Each diploma option will prepare students to be successful after graduation, whether that be in the workforce, the military, a career and technical training program, or college.
- Beginning with the class of 2022, students who earn an academic or distinguished academic diploma endorsement from a public high school will automatically qualify for admission into any of the state’s public universities.
Mississippi High School Diploma and Endorsement Options Requirements
Traditional Diploma (opens in a new window)
- 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 (opens in a new window)
- Earn 26 credits
- Earn four credits from the same CTE program
- Achieve at least a 2.5 grade point average
- Score at the silver level on ACT WorkKeys
- Successfully complete a dual credit course, a work-based learning experience or earn a national credential
Traditional Diploma + Academic Endorsement (opens in a new window)
- Earn 26 credits
- Score at least 17 on ACT English section
- Score at least 19 on the 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 (opens in a new window)
- Earn 28 credits
- Score at least 18 on ACT English section
- Score at least 22 on the 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 (opens in a new window)
Mississippi public schools offer an alternate course of study for students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities. This course of study leads to the Alternate Diploma, which recognizes that a student has completed high school. The Alternate Diploma is not equivalent to a Traditional Diploma and is not recognized by postsecondary entities that require a standard high school diploma.