Indiana offers several types of diplomas, each with a particular set of course requirements. You can download PDFs of each diploma’s requirements here.
5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS IN INDIANA
There are five different types of high school diplomas that you can earn in Indiana. Read below to discover which one is best for you.
CORE 40
The Core 40 diploma has been required for high school graduation in Indiana since 2007.
To graduate with less than Core 40, a student must complete a formal opt-out process involving parental consent. The Core 40 diploma prepares you for many college programs and careers.
There are 40 total state credits required. However, some schools may have additional local graduation requirements for all students.
CORE 40 WITH TECHNICAL HOURS
High school schedules provide time for many more electives during the high school years. All students are strongly encouraged to complete a College and Career Pathway by intentionally selecting electives.
Some technical programs and apprenticeships might require the Core 40 with Technical Honors. For the Core 40 with Technical Honors diploma, students must complete the requirements below.
CORE 40 WITH ACADEMIC HONORS
Some four-year Indiana colleges now require the Core 40 with Academic Honors. For the Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma, students must complete the requirements below.
Some four-year Indiana colleges now require the Core 40 with Academic Honors. For the Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma, students must:
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
Some Indiana high schools offer the International Baccalaureate diploma. This diploma prepares you intellectually, personally, emotionally and socially to live in a rapidly globalizing world. You can choose courses in languages, business and more.
GENERAL DIPLOMA
Some students may graduate with a General Diploma, rather than the state’s Core 40 Diploma. To graduate with a General Diploma, the following formal opt-out process must be completed:
- The student, the student’s parent/guardian and the student’s counselor (or another staff member who assists students in course selection) must meet to discuss the student’s progress.
- The student’s Graduation Plan (including four year course plan) is reviewed.
- The student’s parent/guardian determines whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by completing the general curriculum or the Core 40 curriculum.
- If the decision is made to opt-out of Core 40, the student is required to complete the course and credit requirements for a general diploma and the career/academic sequence the student will pursue is determined. Learn More about the General Diploma here.
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY EXAM
Indiana has a new high school equivalency exam that replaces the traditional GED® tests.
There are special programs for adults, set up to teach math, reading and writing skills for free. These are designed to help you earn a high school equivalency degree, or enter an entry-level occupational certification program.
The test still assesses math, reading, writing, science and social studies. Test-takers will still need to demonstrate proficiency in these subjects–but the test will be a better indicator of a student’s readiness for college or a career.
Sign up for a high school equivalency exam here.
If you have any questions, contact the Department of Workforce Development at adulted@dwd.in.gov or call 317-233-6480. Once you’ve got your high school diploma or equivalency, you can look into taking classes that fit your lifestyle.
GRADUATION PATHWAYS
Starting with the Class of 2023, students will need to show they are ready for college or a career to get their high school diploma.
Indiana’s Graduation Pathways are designed to help students meet state graduation requirements while giving them the flexibility to pursue their education interests.
Here’s what you will need to do to meet the new requirements:
1. Earn a high school diploma.
2. Show you’re ready for the world of work by:
- Completing a project-based learning experience, such as conducting a long-term research assignment
- Completing a service-based learning experience, such as volunteering or being involved in school activities
- Completing a work-based learning experience, such as doing an internship or working outside of the school day
3. Show you’re ready for education beyond high school by:
- Getting a Core 40 Academic or Technical Honors diploma;
- Earning a “C” or higher in college-level classes like AP, IB or dual credit
- Getting a recognized credential, certification or apprenticeship
- Earning placement info one of the branches of the military by taking the ASVAB
- Earning college-ready scores on the ACT or SAT
- Earning a “C” or higher in at least six career and technical education (CTE) requirements.
For more information and detailed requirements, visit the Indiana Department of Education’s website.
Wondering what next steps to take? Regardless of your grade, we have success checklists for students and families to help you prepare for college.
FAQS
This depends on what a student plans to do after high school. The standard diploma in Indiana is the Core 40 diploma, which is recommended for students who plan to pursue education beyond high school. The honors diplomas offer more rigorous classes.
Many employers do require a high school diploma to get a job, but there are some jobs that will hire people without a diploma.
The Indiana HSE (High School Equivalency) is an alternative for earning a high school diploma. The HSE Diploma can be earned after completing a test based on five subject areas (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). The skills you are taught and eventually tested on are at the same level as those of graduating high school seniors.
The HSE takes several hours to complete the test.
Most colleges and universities require at least a Core 40 diploma. However, colleges that offer open enrollment will accept students with an HSE.