Dual Credit (DC) Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dual Credit?
Dual Credit courses are college level courses that are taken for high school AND college credit concurrently. They are designed to meet university requirements and are often developed in collaboration with university faculty members. Dual credit courses meet the standards set by the local university and prepare students for the rigor of college course work.
Am I eligible to take a dual credit course?
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible to take a dual credit course:
- Be at least 16 years old or have successfully completed at least half of their high school requirements.
- Have a 3.0 GPA or instructor approval.
- Secure the approval of your high school representative and parent/guardian.
Are dual credit courses really at the level of a college course?
Yes, the dual credit courses are designed to meet university requirements, are often developed in collaboration with university faculty members, and must be approved by the university. These courses meet the standards set by the local university and prepare students for the rigor of college coursework.
Are IDLA teachers qualified to teach Dual Credit?
All Idaho Digital Learning teachers are Idaho-certified and most have additional degrees including master’s degrees, doctorates, and educational specialist’s certifications. Faculty who teach dual credit courses have additional training and/or meet the requirements by the universities for advanced coursework in their content area.
What colleges and universities offer dual credit courses through IDLA?
We currently partner with BSU, NNU, CSI, CWI, and U of I to offer Dual Credit courses. For a complete list of our Dual Credit course offerings, please visit: IDLA Dual Credit Courses
How much does a dual credit course cost?
Idaho colleges and universities charge $65 per credit for a dual credit course, but no application or registration fees will be assessed. There is also an IDLA fee of $75 for Fall 2012 and $100 for Spring 2013 dual credit courses.
What about textbooks?
You will almost certainly need to purchase a textbook for a dual credit course, and you can purchase the textbook from a distributor or retailer of your choice. Costs will vary. Textbooks will need to be purchased prior to the first day of class to allow for delivery time.
How do I register for a dual credit course?
Registering for a dual credit course is a two-step process. Please understand, registering with IDLA is not enough; you must also register for the course with the college or university. You are a dual enrolled student.
1. Register with IDLA
- Speak with your high school counselor and/or IDLA site coordinator to determine if you are eligible and to register for the IDLA dual credit course
2. Register/apply for admission with the college or university
- Most of our university partners have online registration sites, so once you know what class you are taking, and through which college or university, visit their Website.
- At the university Website, you will find registration forms that must be completed, signed (by you, your school’s counselor/IDLA Site Coordinator, and your parents), and submitted to the university.
- If two semesters must be taken in order to receive college credit, you will register with the university at the beginning of the second semester. Speak to your school’s IDLA Site Coordinator for clarification.
- For specific directions on registering with College of Southern Idaho, view this document: Step-by-step CSI Registration Process
- You can link to the colleges or universities here: IDLA Dual Credit Courses
Can I drop or withdraw from a dual credit course?
Yes, but keep in mind that withdrawing from a dual credit course, like registering for a dual credit course, is a two-step process; you must drop with IDLA and the university. Each semester will have a specific deadline date for dropping the course, so please be aware of that date, otherwise you may be obligated to accept the grade earned and the cost of the course.
What are the advantages of Dual Credit?
Dual Credit courses allow your child to earn college credits while still in high school, thereby reducing the number of courses needed once they are actually enrolled in a college or university. All IDLA Dual Credit courses are accepted at Idaho colleges and universities as transfer credits. For out-of-state schools, please check with that specific college or university for transferability.
What are the disadvantages of Dual Credit?
If your child changes their mind about registering for Dual Credit, they must withdraw from the course by each college’s or university’s drop deadline. Failure to withdraw from the course in time will mean a failing grade will be posted to your child’s transcript and they will still be responsible for paying the cost of the course.
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress(SAP)?
In order for your child to qualify for financial aid at the college or university of their choosing, they must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in their courses and field of study. Because Dual Credit courses fall under college level coursework, their credit hours are subject to SAP as well. There are several categories which fall under Satisfactory Academic Progress, but an excellent summary can be found at:
http://www.csi.edu/prospectiveStudents_/studentServices/financialAid/sap.asp
What happens when IDLA and the university have conflicting policies?
Because Dual Credit courses are taken for college credit, the university’s or college’s policies regarding late work, resubmissions, and extensions will override IDLA’s policies. Please see the specific course syllabus for university policies, as they vary.
University Contacts
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College of Western Idaho
Shannon Pape
Dual Credit Coordinator
shannonpape@cwidaho.cc
208.562.3224
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College of Southern Idaho
Larrianne Rodriquez
Dual Credit Coordinator
lrodriguez@csi.edu
208.732.6219
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University of Idaho
Linda Strong Gollberg
Dual Credit Coordinator
lstrong@uidaho.edu
208.885.4074
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Northwest Nazarene University
Joanna Vanderpool
Concurrent Credit Coordinator
jovanderpool@nnu.edu
208.467.8109
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Boise State University
Kristi Lakatos
Concurrent Credit Coordinator
klakatos@boisestate.edu
208.426.3750
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