Course Suggestions

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