University and College

If you’re in high school and you’re thinking about college — and you should be — you should know that the courses you take now matter. That’s because college admission officers want to see a solid foundation of learning that you can build on in college. To create that foundation, take at least five solid academic classes every semester. Start with the basics, and then move on to challenging yourself in advanced courses.

Courses offered for dual credit stem from agreements between high schools, universities and community colleges whereby a high school junior or senior enrolls in a college course and simultaneously earns college credit and high school credit for the course. Partnerships between secondary schools and colleges and universities have enabled high school students to earn college credits before graduating from high school, making their transition to the collegiate campus smoother and their likelihood of graduating from college greater. Courses are offered by accredited colleges and include both academic and career/technical courses. While most students take basic core courses such as English, history, math and social science, coursework may include areas such as culinary arts or criminal justice, depending on the various degree plans offered by each community college. College courses offered for dual credit may be taught at the college campus or the high school campus by credentialed instructors. Courses offered for dual credit include the same content and rigor as courses taught to other college students, utilizing the same instructors, curriculum, and policies. Additionally, community colleges can assist with agreements with universities.

Student Qualifications

A high school student who qualifies to enroll in a college course offered for dual credit must be a junior or a senior and must meet the college’s prerequisite requirements for enrollment for the college course.