Dual Credit

What Is Dual Credit Program?

“Dual credit program” means a program that allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses offered by a college that may be academic or career technical but not remedial or developmental, and simultaneously to earn credit toward high school graduation and a postsecondary degree or certificate.

Dual Credit is supported and sanctioned by New Mexico Legislation 6.30.7 NMAC (PED) and Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 15-342 (13), § 15-701.01 (F), § 15-1444 (B) (4), and § 15-1821.01.

Purpose

The purposes of dual credit are to provide high school students the opportunity to enroll in college-level academic or career technical courses offered by a post-secondary educational institution, and to permit those enrolled students to simultaneously earn credit toward high school graduation and a post-secondary degree or certificate.

The programs may also encourage more students to consider higher education, especially students from underrepresented groups. Research indicates that dual credit programs can lead to better completion rates for both high school and college, reduce the need for remediation, shorten time to a diploma or degree completion, reduce the cost of higher education, reinforce the concept of life-long learning through an educational continuum, provide an alternative for students tempted to leave high school to enter the workforce, and provide equal access to higher education opportunities to students whether rural or urban. Especially when offered through distance learning.

Eligible Courses

College courses that are academic or career technical that simultaneously earn credit toward high school graduation and a postsecondary degree or certificate shall be eligible for dual credit. Remedial, developmental and physical education activity courses are not eligible for dual credit. Dual credit courses must meet the public education department standards and benchmarks.

College courses eligible for dual credit shall meet the rigor for postsecondary institution credit and be congruent with the postsecondary institution’s academic standards. Dual credit courses offered in high school settings shall conform to college academic standards. Course requirements for high school students enrolled in dual credit courses shall be equal to those of regular college students. Dual credit courses that are part of the general education common core for postsecondary institutions are eligible for transfer among New Mexico postsecondary institutions pursuant to Subsection D of 21-1B-3 NMSA 1978.

Course Requirements

The course requirements for high school students enrolled in dual credit courses shall be equal to those of regular college students. Course requirement information shall include the course prerequisites, course content, grading policy, attendance requirements, course completion requirements, performance standards, and other related course information.

NTU also has Early College High School Programs with Galup-McKinley County School – “McKinley Academy”, and Central Consolidated School District – “Bond Wilson Technical Center”.

Benefits

• Earn credits for both high school and college in courses that are only offered at the college.
• Learn what to expect from college while you’re still in high school.
• Discover or confirm what academic areas most interest you as possible career choices.
• Dual Credit courses are free to the student – all tuition, books, and general fees are waived for participating students.

How To Apply

• Meet with your high school counselor.
• Complete and submit the Dual Credit Student application and registration forms.
• Permission from Parents and High School.
• If you are Native American, submit copies of Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB).
• Submit copies of your high school transcripts.
• Provide ACT test scores or take the Accuplacer Placement Test.