Double the Opportunity
Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 37-15-38, authorizes dual enrollment and dual credit programs that allow qualified high school students to earn college credit while still in high school. Through partnerships between school districts, Mississippi public universities, and Mississippi community and junior colleges, students can begin working toward academic or career and technical credentials earlier.
The purpose of the Dual Enrollment and Dual Credit Program is to provide structured opportunities for high school students to take college-level courses that count toward certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees. In some cases, these courses also count toward high school graduation requirements.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
A dual-enrolled student is a high school student who is enrolled in a Mississippi community or junior college or a state institution of higher learning while still enrolled in high school. The student receives postsecondary (college) credit for the coursework completed.
What Is Dual Credit?
A dual credit student is a high school student who is enrolled in a Mississippi community or junior college or a state institution of higher learning while still enrolled in high school and who receives both high-school and college credit for the same coursework.
Dual credit courses may be taught on the high-school campus, on the college campus, or online. Regardless of location, the course must meet college-level standards and be offered through an approved postsecondary institution.
Benefits for Students
- Experience college-level coursework while still in high school.
- Earn college credits that may shorten the time and cost to complete a degree.
- Explore academic and career pathways before graduating from high school.
- Build confidence and readiness for full-time college enrollment.
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility and participation requirements are defined by state law and outlined in the Dual Enrollment & Accelerated Programs Procedures Manual (Fall 2024). Below are a few key highlights:
- Academic dual enrollment: juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and a counselor or principal recommendation.
- Career & Technical Education dual credit: sophomores or above with at least a 2.0 GPA and school approval.
- Students must maintain at least a 2.0 college GPA to continue participating in future semesters.
- One three-hour college course = one high-school Carnegie unit; four-hour lab sciences also count as one unit.
- Developmental or remediation courses are not eligible for dual credit.