Diplomas

Which diploma is right for you?

At IU High School, you can choose from three diploma tracks, each of which leads to an accredited IUHS diploma. The option you select determines the requirements you need to fulfill in order to graduate.

IU High School graduates have gone on to dozens fo prestigious colleges and universities. However, please note that earning an IU High School diploma doesn't guarantee admission to Indiana University or any other college or university.

Available diploma tracks

Please review the requirements for each track below. If you have questions about the diploma options, please contact askiuhs@indiana.edu.

The college prep diploma is recommended for students planning to attend college. 

Diploma Requirements

Language Arts [8 credits]

Courses in literature, speech, and composition. Must include required courses English 9 (2 cr) and English 10 (2 cr).

Mathematics [6 credits]

Students must take 6 credits of math in their high school years to earn a College Prep Diploma. Those math courses must be taken in sequence (e.g., Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II OR Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, etc.). Math courses may not be taken out of sequence. We strongly recommend 8 credits of mathematics.

  • Algebra I (2 cr)
  • Geometry (2 cr)
  • Algebra II (2 cr)
  • Precalculus (2 cr)
  • AP Calculus (2 cr)
Science [6 credits]
  • Biology I (2 cr)

Choose 4 credits from the following:

  • Chemistry I (2 cr)
  • Earth/Space Science (2 cr)
  • Introduction to Physics (1 cr)
  • Introduction to Chemistry (1 cr)
  • Physics I (2 cr)
Social Studies [6 credits]
  • World History OR Geography and History of the world (2 cr)
  • U.S. History (2 cr)
  • Economics (1 cr)
  • U.S. government (1 cr)
Health Education [1 credit]
  • Health Education: Basic Course (1 cr)

Directed Electives [5 credits]

Choose from the following. 4 foreign language credits are strongly recommended but not required.

  • World Languages
  • Fine Arts
  • Career and Technical Education

Free Electives [8 credits]

The general education diploma is recommended for students who do not plan to go to college. 

Degree Requirements

Language Arts [8 credits]

Courses in literature, speech, and composition. Must include required courses English 9 and English 10.

Mathematics [4 credits]

Students must take 4 credits of math in their high school years to earn a General Education Diploma. Those math courses must be taken in sequence.

Recommended:

  • Pre-Algebra (Basic Mathematics)
  • Algebra 1

OR

  • Algebra I
  • Geometry or Algebra II
Science [4 credits]

2 credits from life science AND 2 credits from physical science

Social Studies [6 credits]
  • World History OR Geography and History of the world (2 cr)
  • U.S. History (2 cr)
  • Economics (1 cr)
  • U.S. government (1 cr)
Health Education [1 credit]
  • Health Education: Basic Course (1 cr)

Electives [17 credits]

We encourage you to take courses that are related to your career interest.

The academic honors diploma is recommended for students wanting to pursue a rigorous, advanced course of study during their high school years. 

Degree Requirements

The academic honors diploma is based on the Indiana state requirement for honors diplomas. To complete an academic honors diploma, you must:

  • complete a minimum of 47 credits
  • have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above
  • earn a "C" or above in courses that will count toward the diploma
  • earn the required number of credits in specific academic areas

In addition to the course requirements, you need to complete one of the following options:

  • two advanced placement courses and corresponding AP exams
  • academic, transferable undergraduate courses resulting in 6 college credits
  • one advanced placement course and corresponding AP exam, as well as academic transferable undergraduate course(s) resulting in 3 college credits
  • earn a combined SAT math and critical reading score of 1200 or higher
  • earn a composite score on the ACT of 26 or higher

Course Requirements

Language Arts [8 credits]
  • English 9 (2 cr)
  • English 10 (2 cr)
  • 4 elective credits from the following list:
    • American Literature I and II
    • Creative Writing
    • English Literature I and II
    • Five Novels of Change
    • Five Novels of Conflict
    • Grammar
    • Speech
    • AP Language and Composition
Mathematics [8 credits]

Students must take 8 credits of math in their high school years to earn an Academic Honors Diploma. Those math courses must be taken in sequence (e.g., Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus OR Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, AP Calculus). Math courses may not be taken out of sequence. 

Choose an 8-credit sequence from the following courses:

  • Algebra I (2 cr)
  • Geometry (2 cr)
  • Algebra II (2 cr)
  • Precalculus (2 cr)
  • AP Calculus (2 cr)
Science [6 credits]
  • Biology I (2 cr)

Choose 4 credits from the following:

  • Chemistry I (2 cr)
  • Earth/Space Science (2 cr)
  • Introduction to Physics (1 cr)
  • Introduction to Chemistry (1 cr)
  • Physics I (2 cr)
Social Studies [6 credits]
  • World History OR Geography and History of the world (2 cr)
  • U.S. History (may substitute AP U.S. History) (2 cr)
  • Economics (1 cr)
  • U.S. government (1 cr)
Health Education [1 credit]
  • Health Education: Basic Course (1 cr)

Electives [8-10 credits]

You are encouraged to take academic courses in order to create a strong transcript. For suggestions, please talk to an advisor.

World Languages [6-8 credits]

Complete one of the following options:

  • 6 credits in a single language (IUHS offers 6 credits of French or Spanish)
  • 4 credits in each of two languages (IUHS offers 4 credits of French, Spanish, or German) for a total of 8 credits

Fine Arts [2 credits]

  • Introduction to Two-Dimensional Art (1 cr)
  • Art History and Appreciation (1 cr)

Diploma program

EARN YOUR DIPLOMA FROM IU HIGH SCHOOL

Diploma students choose one of our diploma tracks: General Education, College Prep, and Academic Honors. Diploma students may supplement their IU High School courses with additional courses from another high school. Our academic advisors will help you complete your requirements.

Learn more + apply

Supplemental program

APPLY IU HIGH SCHOOL COURSES TO YOUR SCHOOL'S GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Whether you're accommodating the need for a flexible schedule or taking AP courses not available through your school, you can get started with an IU High School course to supplement your graduation requirements in as little as 15 minutes.

Learn more + register