Learn more about Dual Credits with the following link: https://ourdakotadreams.com/k12-students/dual-credit/
Utilize Degree Works - Degree Audit Tool - helps you to understand what courses work together to form a specific degree or major.
South Dakota Board of Regents: SDBOR Dual Credit Landing Page
NEW DEADLINES FOR 2026-2027!!!
Summer 2026 Dual Enrollment Application opens on March 1st.
Fall of 2026 Dual Enrollment Application opens April 1st.
Dual Credits are for Junior and Senior students only. If you are interested in Dual Credit classes, come see me!
PARENTS AND STUDENT MUST SIGN THE HIGHMORE-HARROLD DUAL CREDIT CONTRACT AGREEMENT BEFORE TAKING CLASSES!
Dual Credit Cost: $78.48/credit
The average class is 3 credits.
Application Instruction Videos
Videos showing how to complete the application from the perspective of the student, parent, and school official are now available! These are available on the HSDE webpage near the top of the page, as well as in the Application Resources section along the right-hand column. I’ve provided direct links below:
· HSDE Student Application Video
Deadlines/Start Dates for the 2025 Fall Semester:
All Public Universities:
Application opens: April 1, 2025
Application deadline: August 25, 2025 (1st day of class)
Please note that all efforts should be made to submit applications early to ensure students are enrolled prior to classes starting.
Last day to drop with full refund: September 4, 2025
Tuition due: September 5, 2025
Last day to withdraw and receive a W grade: November 7, 2025
Technical Colleges:
Lake Area Technical College
Application opens: April 1, 2025
Application deadline: August 25, 2025 (5th day of class with instructor approval)
Last day to drop with full refund: September 8, 2025
Tuition due: September 22, 2025
Last day to withdraw and receive a W grade: October 20, 2025
Please Note: There are varying technical college that have different dates on them, I only listed Lake Area. Please see me if you are interested in another technical college.
Deadlines/Start Dates for the 2026 Spring Semester:
All Public Universities:
Application opens: November 1, 2025
Application deadline: January 12, 2026 (1st day of class) (1 week prior to start of class preferred)
Last day to drop with full refund: January 22, 2026
Tuition due: January 22, 2026
Last day to withdraw and receive a W grade: April 7, 2026
Technical Colleges:
Lake Area Technical College
Application opens: November 1, 2025
Application deadline: January 12, 2026
Last day to drop with full refund: January 26, 2026
Tuition due: February 12, 2026
Last day to withdraw and receive a W grade: March 13, 2026
Please Note: There are varying technical colleges that have different dates on them, I only listed Lake Area. Please see me if you are interested in another technical college.
Benefits of Dual Credit
Jumpstart students' post-secondary journey
Experience college-level coursework and expectations
Potentially reduce time to college graduation
Lower the cost of earning a degree
Earn a university certificate while in high school
Admissions Requirements
Summer Eligibility Note: The dual credit rate for the summer semester is open only to students between their junior and senior year. Students enrolling in the HSDC program during the summer semester must meet the senior eligibility criteria listed below.
Seniors:
ACT composite score of 21
Top half of class ranking
GPA ≥ 3.25
Seniors meet undergraduate admissions requirements:
ACT score of 18 (USD & SDSMT require 21)
Completion of required coursework (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts)
Four years of English.
Three years of advanced mathematics.
Three years of laboratory science.
Three years of social studies.
One year of fine arts.
Seniors meet benchmark scores:
Smarter Balanced: Level 3+ on English language arts and mathematics 11th grade assessments.
PreACT: Composite score ≥ 24
ACCUPLACER Next Gen: QAS ≥ 255, Writing ≥ 263
Non-Degree Seeking High School Enrollment
Students may take university courses at full tuition through non‑degree seeking high school enrollment. High school approval is required, and courses may count toward high school credit.
Students may use this option if:
• The course is not eligible for High School Dual Credit
• They do not meet HSDC or Concurrent Credit requirements
• They are in grades 9–10
• They do not live in or attend school in South Dakota
Dashboard Login Instructions
First-Time Students: First time students will need to select "Create New Account" and create an account with a personal email address.
Continuing Students: Continuing students will log in with their university-provided email address and password
Parents & High School Officials: Parents will log in with their personal email. High school officials will log in with their K-12 email.
Application Links
Application Tips
Encourage students to have the following ready:
Course details (subject, course number, section number).
Student, parent/guardian, and high school official email addresses.
Screenshots of the application process are attached.
Course Selection Resources
Review your expected school's course recommendations based on your field of interest under the "Course Planning" section. (SDSU's linked for example).
Review your expected school's course offerings. (SDSU's for example: SDSU dual credit offerings for Summer 2026).
Placement Information (FOR SDSU - please contact me for help with another school) - https://www.sdstate.edu/testing-center/placement-exams
Add/Drop/Withdraw Forms
All SDBOR universities now utilize a new add/drop/withdraw form. Please note that we will no longer be accepting paper forms.
First-Time Students who have not activated their university email complete the first-time Add/Drop/Withdraw Form.
Students who have a university email address will log into this Add/Drop/Withdraw form using those credentials.
Additional Resources
SDSU Dual Credit Course Suggestions: https://www.sdstate.edu/continuing-distance-education/high-school-dual-credit
Jackrabbit ACE Scholarship
The Jackrabbit ACE Scholarship provides opportunities for economically disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors to enroll in reduced‑tuition dual credit courses at SDSU.
The scholarship:
Funds one reduced‑tuition dual credit course (up to five credits)
Covers the cost of textbooks for that course
Can be applied to a course taken during the summer between a student’s junior and senior year
Encourage students to review the scholarship details early so they can take full advantage of this opportunity.
Northern State University Dual Credit Course Suggestions: https://northern.edu/academics/high-school-programs/dual-credit/dual-credit-general-education-courses
Lake Area Tech Dual Credit Course Suggestions: https://www.lakeareatech.edu/academics/
1. Find your career interest/field of study
2. Click on it, scroll down to Course Info
3. Click on Semester Course Outline
4. Any class such as Intro to Psychology, communications, econ, etc. would be good dual credit classes, I recommend staying away from hands-on classes related to the field of study.
Transferable vs. Technical Courses
LATC offers transferable courses that are the same as those offered at SDSU, USD, NSU, etc. These courses are marked with a “T” (e.g., MATH114T, PSYC101T, CMST101T), meaning they are guaranteed to transfer to Board of Regents (BOR) colleges in South Dakota. Admission standards for these courses follow BOR guidelines (GPA, class rank, etc.).
We also offer technical courses (courses without a “T”) (e.g., MATH100, PSYC100, COMM101). These are not guaranteed to transfer to BOR institutions but typically transfer to other technical colleges. It is always best to check with the receiving college. Admission standards for technical courses differ, and these courses require your approval confirming that the student is mature, motivated, and likely to succeed in an online class.
Students may take general education courses or explore program-specific courses such as business, computers, agriculture, and we are working on offering many more program options for next year. These hands-on courses are often highly beneficial for students’ futures. If you are unsure about approving a student, they may take the Accuplacer exam (free of charge) to help determine readiness.
We understand that some students may have struggled earlier in high school but have since matured and become motivated. In many cases, it is better to ease them into college coursework rather than placing them full-time immediately. Many technical courses are designed for hands-on learners. For example, MATH 100 (Applied General Math) allows students to redo assignments multiple times in MyMathLab to improve mastery before exams. This format works well for many students, including those with math IEPs who receive support through their resource room. If it also fulfills high school math credit, that is an added benefit.
Some students choose to take courses in areas where they struggle while they still have high school support. Others choose courses aligned with their strengths or interests. Motivation and time management is often the most important factors.
If students are unsure of their career direction, I encourage them to tour campuses and programs and complete career interest inventories. One resource is available at: https://www.mynextmove.org/
Course descriptions can be found in our catalog (pages 100–104):
https://www.lakeareatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-2025-Catalog-f.pdf
Some general education options available to students who may not meet BOR requirements include:
COMM 101 CONTEMPORARY COMMUNICATIONS Emphasis on the essentials of written and oral communication; also covers effective communication during the job search process. 3 credits
CSC 100 COMPUTER CONCEPTS Using a Windows-based microcomputer and related software, you will gain an understanding and basic operational knowledge about the Windows 10 operating system, Microsoft Office 2016 word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Student will demonstrate knowledge of these units by scoring at least 80% on assignments, related objective and performance tests. 1 credit
CSC 102 WINDOWS APPLICATIONS FOR TECHNICIANS Using a Windows-based computer and related software, students will gain a basic operational knowledge of the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office 2021 word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. 3 credits
ECON 105 LEADERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL WORKPLACE The study of traditional theories of leadership, as well as the most recently developed leadership philosophies. This course will focus on the application of leadership concepts through critical thinking and the development of critical leadership skills needed in the global workplace. Leadership traits, ethics, changing demographics, workforce diversity, and financial planning are also included. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to relate to the importance of leadership both personal and professional. 3 credits
MA 115 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY This course presents a study of basic medical terminology which will be helpful as the students’ progress in their course of study. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. A programmed learning word building systems approach is used to learn word parts for constructing or analyzing new terms. This provides students the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms and check their spelling. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation. Abbreviations are introduced as related terms and presented with each unit. 3 credits
MATH 100 APPLIED GENERAL MATH This course will provide emphasis on the ability to understand and apply math skills to solve problems in the world of work. 3 credits
PSYC 100 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS Human relations is a practical course that presents the interpersonal “people skills” that are important in the modern workplace. Topics include communicating effectively, assertive behavior, teamwork, conflict resolution, and work ethics. Students will gain awareness of their individual work styles and how to work effectively with people with different styles in a diverse workplace. Specific techniques for coping with job stress and managing anger will also be emphasized. Class activities and assignments will stress practical application of skills. Course is also applicable in personal settings, such as family, social, and school. 3 credits
Please reach out with questions, Dual Credits can be difficult to navigate, especially with out-of-state colleges! It is imortant to ensure credit transfer is available!