What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is an arrangement between a high school guidance department and a college that allows a student to take a college course and apply college credits toward the completion of high school graduation requirements.
Where are Dual Enrollment courses taught?
Dual enrolled courses are offered on the college campus or, in some cases, at area high schools – classes taught in the daytime, evenings, Saturdays or online/hybrid.
Are all of the students in a dual enrollment section high schoolers?
In some cases dual enrolled classes will be cohorts of high school students only; in others, high school students are assimilated into existing college sections with the general college population.
How is a student eligible?
To be eligible to participate in the Dual Enrollment Program, a student must:
- Be currently enrolled in a Massachusetts public or private secondary school or participating in an approved homeschool program.
- Not have earned a high school diploma or GED.
- Take NSCC's Computerized Placement Test.
- Provide an up-to-date copy of high school transcripts (or the equivalent for a home-school program).
- Complete the appropriate Dual Enrollment application, including authorization from your high school guidance counselor (this form should be renewed by the guidance counselor each semester).
All students must meet course prerequisites, as any other NSCC student taking the same course. Pre-requisites are determined by course.
Is this a high school class or a college class?
Dual enrollment courses are college courses for which high school students may earn
credit toward their high school diploma. Dual enrolled courses fall within the College’s
Academic Calendar and students are subject to all college policies as noted in the
Student Handbook.
Students who participate in Early College have status as North Shore Community College
students and therefore receive college ID’s and are eligible to receive all of the
academic and student support services the College offers such as Library, Tutoring,
Disabilities Services, Advising and Counseling, etc.
Can a student complete a college certificate or degree while in high school?
Students who are pursuing a degree or certificate from North Shore Community College must attain a minimum of 25% of credits in their program of study through courses taught by faculty of NSCC.
What are the benefits of Dual Enrollment?
Early College dual enrollment is a natural extension of the national focus on getting students better prepared for college. Aimed at providing high school students with an early start and exposure to college course-taking, the dual enrollment program creates opportunities for
- Transferrable college credits.
- Both high school and college credit for a single course, potentially reducing the time needed to earn a college degree.
- Exposure to college courses while in high school, and thus, a better understanding of what is expected in college.
- Improved skills in time management and handling responsibility as well as improved study habits.
- Increased confidence in their ability to handle college.
- Gain an understanding of college culture.
What college privileges come with dual enrollment?
Students who participate in Early College have status as North Shore Community College students and therefore receive college ID’s and are eligible to receive all of the academic and student support services the College offers such as Library, Tutoring, Disabilities Services, Advising and Counseling, etc.