College Credit in High School (Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment)

Gain an edge by earning college credit while still enrolled in high school!

Get a head start on college at Missouri State-West Plains

Missouri State-West Plains offers several different options for high-school students to get a head start on earning college credit while still finishing up high-school classes and graduation.

• Studies show that earning college credit during high school increases the likelihood that a student will complete high school and enroll in and persist in college
• Decreases the cost of tuition and fees for students by accelerating time of degree
• New graduates enter the workforce sooner and begin to earn wages, benefiting themselves and the economy
• Earn credit hours that are applicable toward a degree at Missouri State and generally transferable to other accredited colleges and Universities

Programs for High School Students

Missouri State University-West Plains offers several options for high school students to earn college credit while still attending high school.

• Dual credit classes are offered in your high school and taught by high school teachers.
• Dual enrollment classes are offered on the West Plains campus and at Shannon Hall in Mountain Grove and taught by Missouri State University-West Plains faculty.
• High school only online classes are courses offered to local high schools that are taught by a faculty member at Missouri State University-West Plains and facilitated by a high school employee.

Dual Credit

Dual-credit classes earn high school and college credit. Students who take dual-credit courses do so at their high school with high school instructors who meet required qualifications for teaching college level courses and who have been approved by the University to teach those courses.

The fee for students for dual-credit classes is half of the regular tuition for courses offered by Missouri State University-West Plains. If applicable, supplemental course fees will be charged in full.

Placement tests are required for some college courses. The tests will be arranged for each school through the counselor.

Dual Enrollment

Students who take dual-enrollment courses earn college credit and take courses either on one of the Missouri State University-West Plains' campuses or online from University instructors. High-school students must meet any class prerequisites. Students wishing to earn high-school credit for these classes should consult with their high-school counselor.

The fee for students for dual-enrollment classes is half of the regular tuition for courses offered by Missouri State University-West Plains. Students are not charged any other service fees other than the student technology fee. Supplemental course fees will be charged in full.

Placement tests are required for some college courses. The tests should be arranged through the testing center.

High-School-Only Online Classes

Students who take online classes for high-school students earn college credit and take the courses at their high school during the school day. High-school students must meet any class prerequisites. Students wishing to earn high school credit for these classes should consult with their high school counselor.

The fee for students for high-school-only online classes is half of the regular tuition for courses offered by Missouri State University-West Plains. Students are not charged any other service fees other than the student technology fee. Supplemental course fees will be charged in full.

Placement tests are required for some college courses. The tests will be arranged for each school through the counselor.

Dual-Credit/Dual-Enrollment Student Qualifications

Students may be considered for admission into a dual-credit/dual-enrollment program who have met the following qualifications:

Students in an accredited high school:

• Students in the 11th and 12 grades have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; students in the 10th grade have at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; students in the 9th grade have a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and an ACT or SAT score at the 90th percentile or above
• Have been recommended for admission by the high-school counselor, principal or superintendent of their school and
• Have permission from their parents or guardians.

Students completing high school by alternative means (home school or non-accredited high school):

• Have an official transcript from the high-school or correspondence program vendor or documents from the parent required by Missouri State Statute 167.031 including courses/credits completed and date of completion with an overall GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher or
• Supply ACT scores with a composite score of 18 or higher
• Have parental or guardian permission and
• Student is 16 years of age.

If a student believes extenuating circumstances exist, the above eligibility requirements may be appealed to the assistant dean of academic affairs.

Dual-Credit/Dual-Enrollment Contacts