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Dual Credit Resources for Counselors

Dual credit is an opportunity for high school juniors or seniors to earn college credit now while still in high school. Eligible students can take college courses to meet both college and high school requirements at a reduced rate.

Below is some information to help as you and your students discuss dual credit opportunities through South Dakota State University.

Considerations

  • Dual credit is a great fit for most students who show interest, maturity and academic readiness, but it may not be a perfect fit for every student. Consider your students' organizational, time management and study skills as well as their academic readiness. 
  • Your students will be required to participate in college-level courses requiring a greater degree of self-direction and motivation; the academic work required will be more demanding and professors will expect your students to perform at the level of any other college student.
  • Many dual credit courses are available and completed online which requires students to have good organization and time management skills, self-discipline and motivation, reading and writing skills and strong computer/technology experience. Have your students review “Are You Ready to be an Online Learner?” and complete the self-assessment and discuss the results.
  • Dual credit courses become part of your students' college transcripts. Grades earned become part of their permanent postsecondary GPA.
  • Poor performance in dual credit courses can impact the continued participation in the dual credit program as well as the students' postsecondary career. This may include college admissions, scholarship opportunities, academic standing and financial aid eligibility.
  • If your students are struggling, encourage them to communicate with the course instructor, seek out academic support services available through SDSU. Early action on your students' part can help them get on track and be successful.
  • Students taking on-campus or online courses may be exposed to discussions, readings and visual material of a mature nature and will be expected to adhere to the same performance standards as any other college student as set forth in course outlines and syllabi.
  • Students should be prepared to do most of their learning on their own.
  • Self-motivation and discipline are important.
  • The general rule is, for every hour spent in class, college students should spend two hours out of class reading, studying and completing assignments. Students enrolling in online courses should plan for 10-15 hours per week for each course.
  • Dual Credit students are treated no differently than any other SDSU student.
  • By participating in the HS Dual Credit program, students give consent for SDSU to disclose academic information, including, but not limited to, academic standing, progress and grades to their high school
  • Help your students learn by instilling the message that their academic success depends on their taking responsibility for their own education and behavior. 

Roles

  • Students should establish their SDSU Accounts as soon as possible after they receive their acceptance email. These accounts should be established by the student and the student only. They should not share their login credentials with anyone as unauthorized use of another individual’s identification or account may lead to censure and/or expulsion. (SDSU Student code, pg. 9-10)
  • Because it is used for many administrative and financial notices, students should check their University email regularly or forward to an email address they do check regularly.
  • Students who have taken previous High School Dual Credit courses will utilize their current login and email accounts. Students who have applied to another university will utilize their Home University’s login and email accounts.
  • Students should participate in the SDSU Orientation and Resources for Online Learners to better acquaint themselves with D2L, the course access system.
  • High school students enrolled is SDSU courses need to be familiar with the SDSU academic calendar as this may differ from their high school calendar/schedule.
  • Students should make payment by the designated due date of the semester.

Students should login to D2L regularly, be familiar with course requirements and deadlines, complete coursework on time, contact the course instructor with questions and adhere to the SDSU Student Conduct Code.

  • Parent/guardian support is your student’s most important resource. By encouraging them and assuring them that college is important and that they can succeed, you can help them far more than anyone else. Make an intentional effort to check in, talk about what they are learning and ask if they are seeking out support as needed.
  • Parents should not contact instructors regarding course related information or issues; per FERPA, instructors are not allowed to share information with parents. Instead, encourage your student to communicate with their course instructor when questions or concerns come up.
  • The high school counselor is the primary support for dual-enrolled students. It is the responsibility of the student to work with his/her school counselor each term to determine, first and foremost, that all requirements for high school graduation are met and which college courses are most appropriate.
  • Counselors should not contact instructors regarding course related information or issues; however, encourage your student to communicate with their course instructor when questions or concerns come up. If the instructor is nonresponsive or you feel their response is inadequate, contact SDSU dual credit for assistance

Course Planning

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 Engl 101 or Math 102. Please visit the Academic Testing Center’s website for more information about the Accuplacer or to schedule an appointment to take the exam.

Elective Credits are college credits applied to graduation and account for any courses 100-level and above that do not meet a specific (general education, major, college, etc.) graduation requirement.

Major or Program Credits are the college courses that are required of the particular major or program the student intends to complete. These courses typically fall within the major or field of study, with the number of credits required determined by that major or program.

System General Education Requirements (SGRs) are courses approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents (SD BOR) to impart common knowledge and intellectual concepts to students and to develop in them the skills and attitudes that an organization’s faculty believe every educated person should possess. All students completing an undergraduate degree through a SDBOR institution must successfully complete coursework to fulfill the identified general education goals in written communication, oral communication, social sciences, humanities and arts/diversity, mathematics and natural sciences. View the list of SGRs.


What typically fulfills the requirements for an undergraduate degree at South Dakota State University?

Most undergraduate programs require a student to complete a minimum of 120 credits at the 100 course level or above. Some programs (i.e., Engineering) require a minimum of 130 credits. Students will complete approximately 30 credits in system general education and institutional graduation requirements. Many academic programs require at least 63 credits in major or program requirements. Please note that this number varies by academic program; careful understanding and planning of major or program requirements is necessary. Programs vary greatly in the amount of elective coursework with an average of about 27 credits; this provides students an opportunity to explore other fields of study and interests and to add a minor or even a second major. The chart illustrates how credits are typically distributed within an undergraduate degree.

A large number of incoming credits does not in itself guarantee a shorter path to a degree!

The curricular requirements of many programs are linked to the requirements and standards of professional accreditation. How (and whether) a student’s credits apply to degree requirements will determine the student’s time to degree. Although credits from this dual credit program will count at SDSU (transfer of credits outside the SDBOR; including Technical Institutes are subject to established transfer polices), those credits may not help to fulfill the particular requirements for a specific degree. For example, though a student may earn a substantial number of credits in a foreign language by satisfactory completion of the language placement test (and though satisfactory testing and the resulting credits in a foreign language certainly represent an admirable level of academic achievement), those credits will not significantly advance progress toward a degree if the student’s program does not require 1) foreign language proficiency and/or 2) elective course work.

What General Education courses should I take?

Based on the student’s desired area of study, SDSU has identified five options that will guide them in choosing the courses that will help them get started on their chosen academic path.

  1. Option 1: Agricultural & Natural Science
  2. Option 2: Education, Social Sciences and Management
  3. Option 3: Engineering, Technology & Math
  4. Option 4: Health Sciences
  5. Option 5: Humanities, Fine Arts & Design

As the student begins choosing courses that will satisfy SGR Goal 3 and 4, they must remember to take two courses in each of these goals and they must be in different disciplines unless they are taking a foreign language.

Example: HIST 121 and HIST 122 satisfy SGR Goal 4 but the course disciplines are the same (HIST); therefore, the student cannot use both of these courses to meet SGR Goal 4. However, if they choose to satisfy this requirement by taking SPAN 101, they would be able to take SPAN 102 because it is a foreign language.

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:

Careers

•  Soil conservationist

•  Wildlife biologist

•  Dairy product development specialist

•  Biotechnologist

•  Livestock nutritionist

•  Forensic scientist

•  Applied research and product development

•  Drug discovery

•  Patient attorney

•  Medical doctor

•  Toxicology

•  Industrial chemist

•  Chemical information management specialist

•  Quality control/quality assurance

•  Pharmaceutical sales

•  Environmental health

The list of majors in this option can be viewed below. Find advising guide sheets.

Majors

  Agricultural Science

•  Agronomy

•  Animal Science

•  Biochemistry

•  Biology

•  Chemistry

•  Dairy Manufacturing

•  Dairy Production

•  Ecology and Environmental Science

•  Food Science

• Geographic Information Sciences

• Geography

• Horticulture

• Microbiology

• Natural Resource Law Enforcement

• Physics

• Pre-Veterinary Medicine

• Rangeland Ecology and Management

• Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

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 at 605-688-4154 or 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 CommunicationSPCM 101 Fundamentals of Speech
SGR Goal 3 Social SciencesStudent Choice
SGR Goal 4 Humanities and Arts/DiversityStudent Choice
SGR Goal 5 MathematicsMATH 102 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

• Agricultural and Resource Economics

• Agricultural Business

• Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership

• Apparel Merchandising

• Consumer Affairs

• Early Childhood Education

• Economics

• Entrepreneurial Studies

• Family and Consumer Sciences Education

• Global Studies

• Hospitality Management

• Human Development and Family Studies

• Interdisciplinary Studies

• Physical Education Teacher Education

• Political Science

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Sport, Recreation and Park Management

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 at 605-688-4154 or 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

SPCM 101 Fundamentals of Speech

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 Humanities and Arts/Diversity

Student Choice

SGR Goal 5 Mathematics

MATH 102 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:

  • Agricultural Technician
  • Civil Drafter
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Electronic Engineering Technician
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Mathematician
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Statistician
  • Surveyor
  • Transportation Engineer

The list of majors in this option can be viewed below. Find advising guide sheets.

Majors

• Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

• Agricultural Systems Technology

• Aviation

• Biotechnology

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Science

• Construction Management

• Electrical Engineering

• Electronics Engineering Technology

• Mathematics

• Mechanical Engineering

• Operations Management

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

SPCM 101 Fundamentals of Speech

SGR Goal 3 Social Sciences

ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics

SGR Goal 4 Humanities and Arts/Diversity

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

The Health Science option provides undergraduate programs in Athletic Training, Nutrition & 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

SPCM 101 Fundamentals of Speech

SGR Goal 3 Social Sciences

HDFS 210 Lifespan Development; or

PSYC 101 General Psychology

SGR Goal 4 Humanities and Arts/Diversity

Student Choice

SGR Goal 5 Mathematics

MATH 102 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:

Careers

• 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

•  Advertising

•  American Indian Studies

•  Architecture

•  English

•  French Studies

•  German

•  Graphic Design

•  History & History Education

•  Interdisciplinary Studies

• Interior Design

• Journalism

• Landscape Architecture

• Music & Music Education

• Spanish

• Speech Communication

• Studio Arts & Art Education

• Theatre

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

SPCM 101 Fundamentals of Speech

SGR Goal 3 Social Sciences

Student Choice

SGR Goal 4 Humanities and Arts/Diversity

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 102 College Algebra; or

MATH 103 Quantitative Literacy

SGR Goal 6 Natural Sciences

Student Choice

** Enrollment based on placement

NOTE:  If you know what major(s) you plan to pursue, check the Academic Advising Guide Sheets at catalog.sdstate.edu for specific SGR requirements for your intended program.


BOR System General Education Requirements (SGRs, 30 credits)

Students entering South Dakota State University must meet the 30 credit Board of Regents (BOR) SGRs as part of the total General Education Requirement. Only General Education courses qualify for the Reduced Tuition Dual Credit program.

A course that counts toward a General Education System Requirement at one of the Regental campuses will count toward the same General Education goal at another campus, regardless of whether or not the campus offers that course.

Eligibility and Application Process

  • High school juniors and seniors within South Dakota are eligible to participate in the dual credit program if they meet one of the eligibility requirements.
  • Qualified students must first meet with their school counselor to ensure eligibility and to select approved courses. 
  • Students can then complete the online application.
  • Once the application is finalized, students will be able to print their paperwork for signatures or go through the Docusign process which allows everyone to sign electronically. Paperwork must be signed by the student, parent/guardian and high school representative. Application will not be processed until SDSU receives the paperwork and high school transcript.
  • Continuing dual credit students may use the Docusign Continuing Registration form if they do not sit out a Fall or Spring semester.
  • For more information, review our Guide to Dual Credit Success.
  • SDSU offers two different scholarships for Dual Credit students:
    • Jackrabbit ACE First Bank & Trust Scholarship
    • Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship
  • Visit our scholarship page for more information

After Enrollment

  • Once a student is accepted and enrolled, they will receive a “Take Your Next Step with SDSU” email from our Admissions office which contains their student ID number, MyState username and Jacks email address. Note: if a student applies to a different institution, they will not receive this email and should use the information provided by that institution.
  • Students will also receive an enrollment confirmation from me which contains all the information they need to get ready for their class. This information can also be found in our Enrolled or Current Dual Credit Student Guide
  • Regular class attendance is important for success in college classes. Students who miss class for numerous high school activities may benefit from taking regular high school classes rather than college classes due to the higher level of academic rigor and expectations for college courses.
  • The attendance policy for students is set by the instructor and should be included on the course syllabus that is handed out on the first day of class.
  • Students should discuss any absence with their instructor in advance of the absence as this may affect their grade. Instructors do not have to excuse high school activities.
  • South Dakota State University (SDSU) reaffirms that it is committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability/impairment in the offering of all benefits, services, educational and employment opportunities. The Coordinator for Disability Services has been designated the SDSU “Responsible Employee” to coordinate institutional compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. In that capacity, the Coordinator is committed to ensuring that SDSU provides an inclusive learning environment.
  • The Coordinator will also be responsible for the effective integration of ADA procedures, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Coordinator serves as the personal contact for students seeking information concerning the provisions of the ADA and their respective duties and rights provided therein. Contact the Office of Disability Services at 605-688- 4504 or via email.
  • SDSU strives to create an academic community conducive to the proper functioning of the educational process and the development of each student. Students who are suspected of cheating or plagiarizing are subject to the disciplinary actions outlined in the SDSU Student Conduct Code which can include suspension or expulsion.
  • The last day to drop with a refund is usually 10 days after the course starts. Important dates can be found on the Academic Calendar. These dates vary for summer term courses depending on the course start and end date but are typically 3-6 days from the start date.
  • High School students have registration holds on their accounts that prevent them from changing their schedules. They must complete the add/drop form to add or drop a class. This Docusign form needs to be signed by the student, parent/guardian and school official. High School students can only add courses up to the 3rd day of class for the given semester.
  • If a student withdraws from the University, they will receive a refund for a prorated portion of their tuition.