Mississippi Diploma and Endorsement Options
Mississippi students now have the opportunity to make their high school diploma more valuable. 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, a career and technical training program or college. Also, beginning with incoming 9th graders in 2018-19, students who earn an academic or distinguished academic diploma endorsement from a public high school will be accepted into any of the state’s public universities.
Students are encouraged to talk with their school counselor to learn more about Mississippi’s Traditional high school diploma and opportunities to earn endorsements.
Mississippi High School Diploma and Endorsement Options Requirements
- 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 a 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
- 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
- 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
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.
Resources
Mississippi State Board of Education Graduation Policies
Mississippi High School Diploma and Endorsement Options Communication Toolkit for Parents