New IDOE credential helps faith-based HS students gain college credit

INDIANAPOLIS — A new credential through the Indiana Department of Education is expected to give students in faith-based high schools the chance to earn college credit in six faith-based higher education institutions while they are still in high school.

According to a news release from the department, the “professional pathway” credential was announced Tuesday by leaders from the Independent Colleges of Indiana as well as Katie Jenner, Indiana’s secretary of education.

Officials said this new pathway “expands early college opportunities and provides students additional options to complete their first year of college while still in high school.”

This comes after the Indiana State Board of Education implemented a plan of new high school diploma requirements throughout the state in December 2024. According to previous reports, the new requirements added honors and honors plus seals to the requirements and went through several drafts.

Through the new “professional pathway” credential, students can complete a minimum of 30 credits of specified general education courses. The credits will be fully transferable among six participating private institutions:

• Anderson University
• Bethel University
• Grace College
• Huntington University
• Taylor University
• Indiana Wesleyan University

Officials said that the credential is expected to be “primarily offered through Indiana’s faith-based high schools as they expand their existing partnerships with faith-based higher education institutions.”

“This announcement adds to our state’s growing list of partners who want to ensure Hoosier students have a more seamless path to their future, whether that includes continuing their education, going straight into the workforce, or serving in our Nation’s military,” Jenner said in the release. “As we seek to maximize the four years of high school, this is yet another option for students to earn guaranteed currency before ever leaving high school and get a jumpstart on their future.”

The release said the credits are designed to support students in building essential knowledge and skills, including communication and civic literacy.

“Indiana’s commitment to diverse and rigorous educational pathways reflects a shared conviction that education is key to our collective future,” Taylor University President Michael Lindsay said in the release. “The Professional Pathway credential ensures that students who desire faith-based options are well served while meeting the highest academic standards. It’s a wonderful example of preparing young people for meaningful futures in college, in career and in life.”

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