MS Diploma Endorsement Options

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.

The owner of this website has made a committment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility. Skip to content