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Graduation Requirements

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
  • 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 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

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.

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
  • 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 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

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.