Indiana Core 40 Diploma

The purpose of this graduation pathway recommendation from the State Board of Education is to create an educated and talented workforce able not just to meet the needs of business and higher education, but able to succeed in all postsecondary endeavors. To account for the rapidly changing global economy, every K-12 student needs to be given the tools to succeed in some form of quality postsecondary education and training, including an industry-recognized certificate program, an associate's degree program, or a bachelor's degree program.

These recommendations seek to ensure that every Hoosier student graduates from high school with:

A broad awareness of and engagement with individual career interests and associated career options.
A strong foundation of academic and technical skills.
Demonstrable employability skills that lead directly to meaningful opportunities for postsecondary education, training, and gainful employment. Students must satisfy all three of the following Graduation Pathway Requirements by completing one of the associated Pathway Options.

Below you will find both the graduation requirements as well as the required courses necessary to fulfill the diploma requirements.

High School Diploma

Meet the statutorily defined diploma credit and curricular requirements listed below.

Learn & Demonstrate Employability Skills

(Students must complete at least one of the following)

Learn employability skills standards through locally developed programs. Employability skills are demonstrated by one of the following:

Project-Based Learning Experience
Service-Based Learning Experience
Work-Based Learning Experience

Postsecondary-Ready Competencies

(Students must complete at least one of the following)

Honors Diploma: Fulfill all requirements of either the Academic or Technical Honors diploma
ACT: College-ready benchmarks
SAT: College-ready benchmarks
ASVAB: Earn at least a minimum AFQT score to qualify for placement into one of the branches of the US military. Requires an Intent to Enlist Form
State–and Industry-recognized Credential or Certification
Federally-recognized Apprenticeship
Career-Technical Education Concentrator: Must earn a C average or higher in at least two non-duplicative advanced courses within a particular program.
AP/IB/Dual Credit/Cambridge International courses or CLEP Exams: Must earn a C average or higher in at least three courses. Locally Created Pathway: Must meet the framework and earn the approval of the State Board of Education.

Course & Credit Requirements

The Indiana Core 40 diploma is the standard high school diploma for students in Indiana graduating in the Class of 2023-2028. It is designed to provide a solid academic foundation that prepares students for a wide range of opportunities after graduation, whether that's pursuing higher education, joining the military, entering an apprenticeship, or starting a career.

This diploma is the minimum requirement for admission to Indiana's public four-year universities and is widely recognized by employers. To earn the diploma, students must complete a set number of credits in specific core subject areas. These include English, math (through Algebra II), science (including Biology), and social studies (including U.S. History, Government, and Economics). Additionally, students are required to complete courses in physical education, health and wellness, and a variety of directed and general electives. This information is further broken down in the adjacent table.

The Core 40 curriculum is structured to ensure graduates possess the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their next steps after high school.

There are two honors designations for the Indiana Core 40 Diploma: Academic Honors and Technical Honors. Academic Honors and Technical Honors are to be earned in addition to the Core 40 Diploma. Both honors options have their own benefits, and are further expanded on below!

Academic Honors

The Academic Honors diploma is a more rigorous option for students planning to attend a four-year college or university. It requires students to complete all the Core 40 requirements, plus additional credits in subjects like world languages, fine arts, and advanced math. Students must also maintain a higher GPA and complete one of several additional requirements, such as earning a high score on the SAT or ACT, or earning a specific number of dual college credits or AP/IB credits.

Benefits: Earning this diploma demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence. Many Indiana colleges and universities offer financial incentives, such as scholarships, to students who have earned the Academic Honors diploma. It can also give you a competitive edge when applying to selective schools and honors programs.

Technical Honors

The Technical Honors diploma is for students who want to focus on a specific career or technical field. It also requires students to complete all the Core 40 requirements, but with a greater emphasis on career and technical education (CTE) courses. Students must earn a certain number of credits in a state-approved College & Career Pathway, maintain a higher GPA, and complete one of several additional requirements, such as earning an industry-recognized certification or earning a specific number of dual credits in their pathway.

Benefits: This diploma signals to potential employers and colleges that you have a strong foundation in a specific, high-demand career field. It allows you to gain valuable, real-world experience and skills, often while still in high school. The certifications and college credits you can earn with this diploma can give you a head start in your chosen career or a smoother transition into a technical or two-year college program, saving you time and money.