Dual credit is an opportunity for eligible high school juniors and seniors to enroll in courses at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ and earn credits toward their post-secondary degree while completing their high school graduation requirements.
Dual credit coursework is available to qualified high school students in grades 11-12 at the rate of $50.85* per credit, plus any required textbooks or related course materials. That compares to about $300 per credit for non-high school students currently attending ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ.
*Subject to change
Admission Requirements and Application
High school juniors and seniors within South Dakota are eligible to participate in the dual credit program if they meet any of the following requirements:
- High school junior eligible to enroll in a high school in South Dakota who meets one of the following requirements:
- earn an ACT composite score of 24 reflective of the 70th percentile.
- rank in upper one-third of their graduating class.
- earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale.
OR
- High school senior eligible to enroll in a high school in South Dakota who meets one of the following requirements:
- earn an ACT composite score of 21 reflective of the 50th percentile.
- rank in the upper one-half of their graduating class.
- earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
OR
- High School junior or senior eligible to enroll in a high school in South Dakota meeting Undergraduate admissions requirements:
- ACT score of 18 (or 21 for USD and SDSMT); and
- Successful completion of coursework Requirements:
- Four Years of English
- Three years of advanced mathematics
- Three years of laboratory science
- Three years of social studies
- One year of fine arts
OR
- High School junior or senior eligible to enroll in a high school in South Dakota who meet the benchmark scores on one of the assessments listed below:
- Smarter Balanced – Score Level 3 or higher on the English Language Arts AND Mathematics 11th Grade Assessments.
- PreACT Exam Composite Score of 24 or higher
- ACCUPLACER Next Generation (QAS - Score 255 or higher AND Writing Score 263 or higher)
To apply, visit the .
Home School students will need to complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Dakota Department of Education. Complete the MOU.
Course Planning
General Education Requirements
General Education curriculum consists of System General Education Requirements. SDBOR Policy 2.3.7 and SDBOR Academic Affairs Guidelines 2.3.7.A identify (a) the purpose of the requirement, (b) the skills to be developed in each course that satisfies the requirement and (c) the approved courses.
Only System General Education courses qualify for the Reduced Tuition Dual Credit program.
Students wishing to take Math or English courses must meet the ACT requirements or successfully complete a placement exam. Refer to the links below for placement tables:
If a student has not taken the ACT, the College Board Accuplacer is then used to determine their placement into English 101 or Math 114. Please visit the Academic Testing Center for more information about the Accuplacer or to schedule an appointment to take the exam.
Students must meet major requirements in addition to general education requirements. Students should consult the dual credit coordinator and reference the Academic Advising Guide Sheets to determine the appropriate general education requirements for their specific major.
Students are able to choose from a number of on-campus and online general education courses.
Dual credit courses are offered by South Dakota State University’s world renowned faculty members and follow ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ’s processes for admissions, registration, billing and grade reporting.
What General Education courses should I take?
Based on the student’s desired area of study, ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ has identified five options that will guide them in choosing the courses that will help them get started on their chosen academic path.
Majors in this option offer a wide range of degree programs aimed at preparing graduates to meet the many challenges of feeding and sustaining a rapidly growing global population.
Examples of careers in this option include:
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The list of majors in this option can be viewed below. Find advising guide sheets.
Majors | |
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Suggested general education courses
If the student is considering a major in this option, the following general education courses are suggested.
Note that general education courses vary by academic program. Consult the advising guide regarding the program of interest, talk with a high school guidance counselor, or contact Continuing and Distance Education by email or at 605-688-4154 to determine which courses would be the best fit.
System General Education Requirements (SGRS) | Courses |
---|---|
SGR Goal 1 Written Communication | ENGL 101 Composition I**; and ENGL 201 Composition II |
SGR Goal 2 Oral Communication | CMST 101 Foundations of Communication |
SGR Goal 3 Social Sciences | Student Choice |
SGR Goal 4 Arts and Humanities | Student Choice |
SGR Goal 5 Mathematics | MATH 114 College Algebra** |
SGR Goal 6 Natural Sciences | BIOL 101/101L Biology Survey I and Lab; or BIOL 151/151L General Biology I and Lab; CHEM 106/106L Chemistry Survey and Lab; or CHEM 112/112L General Chemistry I and Lab; GEOG 131/131L Physical Geography: Weather and Climate and Lab; or GEOG 132/132L Physical Geography: Natural Landscapes and Lab; PHYS 101/101L Survey of Physics and Lab; or PHYS 111/111L Introduction to Physics I and Lab |
** Enrollment based on placement
Majors in this option offer a wide range of degree programs aimed at preparing graduates to meet the many challenges of feeding and sustaining a rapidly growing global population.
Examples of careers in this option include:
- soil conservationist
- wildlife biologist
- dairy product development specialist
- biotechnologist
- livestock nutritionist
- forensic scientist
- applied research and product development
- drug discovery
The list of majors in this option can be viewed below. Find advising guide sheets.
Majors | |
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Suggested general education courses
If the student is considering a major in this option, the following general education courses are suggested.
Note that general education courses vary by academic program. Consult the advising guide regarding the program of interest, talk with a high school guidance counselor, or contact Continuing and Distance Education by email or at 605-688-4154 to determine which courses would be the best fit.
System General Education Requirements (SGRS) | Courses |
---|---|
SGR Goal 1 Written Communication | ENGL 101 Composition I**; and ENGL 201 Composition II |
SGR Goal 2 Oral Communication | CMST 101 Foundations of Communication |
SGR Goal 3 Social Sciences Economics/Business Focus Teacher Education Focus Social Sciences Focus | ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics; or ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics HDFS 210 Lifespan Development PSYC 101 General Psychology; or SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology; or POLS 100 American Government; or GLST 201 Global Studies I |
SGR Goal 4 Arts and Humanities | Student Choice |
SGR Goal 5 Mathematics | MATH 114 College Algebra** |
SGR Goal 6 Natural Sciences | Student Choice |
** Enrollment based on placement
Ready for a rewarding career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM)? We prepare our students for the future through a rigorous, practical education focused on problem-solving in one of many STEM majors.
Students can also enhance their degree with many options for real-life work experience right here in Brookings or nearby. Most of our students complete part-time work in their major before graduation at nearby engineering and manufacturing companies who are eager to hire our students and graduates.
Examples of careers in this option include:
- Mechanical engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Civil engineer
- Agricultural and biosystems engineer
- Software engineer
- Computer programmer
- Data scientist
- Actuary
- Electronic engineering technician
- Operations manager
- Construction manager
- Precision agriculture technician
The list of majors in this option can be viewed below. Find advising guide sheets.
- Agricultural and biosystems engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer science
- Construction management
- Data science
- Electrical engineering
- Electronics engineering technology
- Operations Mm
- Mathematics
- Mechanical engineering
Suggested general education courses
If the student is considering a major in this option, the following general education courses are suggested.
Note that general education courses vary by academic program. Consult the advising guide regarding the program of interest, talk with a high school guidance counselor, or contact Continuing and Distance Education by email or at 605-688-4154 to determine which courses would be the best fit.
System General Education Requirements (SGRS) | Courses |
---|---|
SGR Goal 1 Written Communication | ENGL 101 Composition I*; and ENGL 201 Composition II; or ENGL 277 Technical Writing in Engineering |
SGR Goal 2 Oral Communication | CMST 101 Foundations of Communication |
SGR Goal 3 Social Sciences | ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics |
SGR Goal 4 Arts and Humanities | Student Choice |
SGR Goal 5 Mathematics | MATH* |
SGR Goal 6 Natural Sciences | CHEM 106/106L Chemistry Survey and Lab**; or CHEM 112/112L General Chemistry I and Lab**; PHYS 111/111L Introduction to Physics I and Lab**; or PHYS 211/211L University Physics I and Lab** |
* Enrollment based on placement
** Course selection depends on selection of major. Please contact Alaina Corgard for more information.
The Health Science option provides undergraduate programs in Athletic Training, Nutrition and Dietetics, Exercise Science, Health Education and Physical Education. The integration of academic programs, which focus on nutrition, health, recreation, exercise and human performance, provides students and faculty with unique opportunities to collaborate and to promote interaction among students in different majors with a common focus on promoting health through proper nutrition and physical activity.
Examples of careers in this option include:
- Athletic trainer
- Dietetic technician
- Medical lab technician
- Nurse
- Pharmacist
The list of majors in this option can be viewed below. Find advising guide sheets.
- Athletic training
- Exercise science
- Health education
- Medical laboratory science
- Nursing
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Pharmacy
- Pre-professional interest areas
Suggested general education courses
If the student is considering a major in this option, the following general education courses are suggested.
Note that general education courses vary by academic program. Consult the advising guide regarding the program of interest, talk with a high school guidance counselor, or contact Continuing and Distance Education by email or at 605-688-4154 to determine which courses would be the best fit.
System General Education Requirements (SGRS) | Courses |
---|---|
SGR Goal 1 Written Communication | ENGL 101 Composition I**; and ENGL 201 Composition II |
SGR Goal 2 Oral Communication | CMST 101 Foundations of Communication |
SGR Goal 3 Social Sciences | HDFS 210 Lifespan Development; or PSYC 101 General Psychology |
SGR Goal 4 Arts and Humanities | Student Choice |
SGR Goal 5 Mathematics | MATH 114 College Algebra |
SGR Goal 6 Natural Sciences | BIOL 151/151L General Biology I and Lab; CHEM 106/106L Chemistry Survey and Lab; or CHEM 112/112L General Chemistry I and Lab; |
** Enrollment based on placement
Students in the majors in this option will be provided the intellectual fabric and foundation for transforming student passion and creativity into a lifetime of discovery and opportunities for success. Students thrive in an atmosphere of engaged teaching and learning, interdisciplinary research and partnerships in meaningful service.
Examples of careers in this option include:
- Photographer
- Interior designer
- Publisher
- Graphic designer
- Architect
- Translator
- Broadcast journalist
- Museum curator
- Musician
- Stage Manager
The list of majors in this option can be viewed below. Find advising guide sheets.
Majors | |
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Suggested general education courses
If the student is considering a major in this option, the following general education courses are suggested.
Note that general education courses vary by academic program. Consult the advising guide regarding the program of interest, talk with a high school guidance counselor, or contact Continuing and Distance Education by email or at 605-688-4154 to determine which courses would be the best fit.
System General Education Requirements (SGRS) | Courses |
---|---|
SGR Goal 1 Written Communication | ENGL 101 Composition I; and ENGL 201 Composition II; or ENGL 283 Introduction to Creative Writing |
SGR Goal 2 Oral Communication | CMST 101 Foundations of Communication |
SGR Goal 3 Social Sciences | Student Choice |
SGR Goal 4 Arts and Humanities | ART 111 Drawing I; or ARTH 100 Art Appreciation; or HIST 111 World Civilizations I; or HIST 121 Western Civilization I; or MCOM 151 Introduction to Mass Communication; MUS 100 Music Appreciation; or THEA 100 Introduction to Theatre |
SGR Goal 5 Mathematics | MATH 114 College Algebra; or MATH 103 Mathematical Reasoning |
SGR Goal 6 Natural Sciences | Student Choice |
** Enrollment based on placement
Career and Major Planning
Participation in the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ dual credit program is a great way to kick off your post-secondary career and can allow you to earn a scholarship through the Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship program. Take some time to explore the 200+ areas of study ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ has to offer through our Majors and Careers Explorer.
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