Career and Postsecondary Partnerships → Dual Enrollment → Dual Enrollment FAQs

FAQ's

What is Dual Enrollment?

Within MCPS, Dual Enrollment is the term used to described students who are dually enrolled in an MCPS high school and a postsecondary institution of higher learning.  

Do all students who complete a college course get high school credit?

Students who enroll in and successfully complete college courses approved for high school credit, will get credit for the course(s) on their high school and college transcript, unless they decide the high school credit is not wanted during the initial registration process.

What are some of the benefits of Dual Enrollment?

Dual Enrollment programs enable students to:

• Take a college course at no cost during specific semesters from the regular cost of courses after high school graduation (see the Financial Information section HERE for financials details of each dual enrollment program);
• Earn transferable college credits by taking college courses while still in high school;
• Learn good academic habits and new skills;
• Improve time management skills;
• Form accurate perspectives of what skills and education are needed to be successful at the college level, and
• Complete high school and/or college ahead of their peers.

Who can participate in Dual Enrollment?

There are some specific requirements associated with the Middle and Early College Dual Enrollment Programs; however, for Jumpstart to College (general Dual Enrollment options) students must:

• Be a current MCPS high school student (typically in grades 11 or 12)

• Meet a cumulative high school Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement of 2.5+ (for grade 12) or 2.75+ (before senior year)

• Assess as college-ready for MC (see below) and meet the state College and Career Readiness standard

• Meet the college’s assessment level (Math and/or English) and prerequisite(s) for any class requested

• Continue to progress successfully in the dual enrollment program

Students should speak to the high school counselor and Dual Enrollment Program Assistant (DEPA) regarding the GPA details and access options related to select high school courses.

Dual Enrollment Program Assistant (DEPA)

What is the process for taking advantage of a Dual Enrollment option?

Contact the high school DEPA to initiate the process. Click here for a list of DEPAs and school deadlines. Students applying for this opportunity at MC, should begin by accessing the Montgomery College's Dual Enrollment webpage for more specific information, procedures, and forms to begin the process. 

What are the deadlines to apply?

High School students should begin the process as soon as possible by talking to their counselor.  Dual Enrollment registration has additional steps required than tradiational college course registration. Students should begin the process in the semester prior to the one they are looking to enroll. For the fall semester, students should speak to their cousnelor and DEPA before leaving at the end of June.

Dual Enrollment Program Assistant (DEPA)

What high school graduation credit can be earned through the Dual Enrollment Program?

While not every college course is approved for high school credit, students may earn high school credit for hundreds of courses offered at Montgomery College (MC).  A list of MC courses approved for dual credit and the corresponding high school credit can be found here.    

What is the difference between an Advanced Placement (AP) course and a college course?

The Maryland State Department of Education identifies College Board AP courses as college-like courses taught by high school teachers. Dual Enrollment courses are college courses taught by college professors. Both college and AP courses offer rigorous options for students. Students will earn college credit with the successful completion of the college course. Students may earn college credit with the completion of the AP course and identified score on the AP exam. It is recommended that students research which colleges/universities accept AP and/or Dual Enrollment course credit.  

Do colleges and universities accept credits earned through dual enrollment?

Approved credits earned through dual enrollment transfer to universities within the University System of Maryland (USM).  If leaving USM, we encourage students to contact the university of interest and inquire directly.  Just like AP scores, some universities take them and some don’t.

Is transportation provided for students going to the college campus to take a course?

MCPS transportation is not provided for all college courses and programs available through Dual Enrollment. 

MCPS provides limited transportation from each MCPS high school to the nearest MC campus at specific times during the day. This shuttle only runs during the Fall and Spring semesters on days MCPS is in session. 

Students must speak directly to their high school counselor or Dual Enrollment Program Assistant (DEPA) to request this transportation option when registering for dual enrollment courses.

Dual Enrollment Program Assistant (DEPA)

Can a parent/guardian monitor their student's progress in the college course?

FERPA (Family Educational Rights Privacy Act) applies to all students enrolled in college courses, despite the age of the student. Therefore, communication is only between the student and the college. Students are responsible for monitoring their educational progress through their MC student account and communication with their professors.

Will parents/guardians be informed of a student's enrollment and performance in a college course?

Parents, counselors, and principals must approve the student's college course(s) through the enrollment process.  However, per FERPA, all communication from the college will be addressed to the student. It is the responsibility of the student to share all information regarding performance and college course progress with their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are encouraged to be actively involved in the application and registration process with their child.

What resources can a student access at the college if they are dually enrolled?

A high school student can access all resources available to an MC student (Library, free tutoring at the Tutoring Center, Writing Center, online data bases, on-line Writing Center, etc).

Who determines the college curriculum?

MC is solely responsible for determining the college curriculum and instructional materials. MCPS evaluates MC courses for relevant high school dual credit.  

Who do I contact and/or where do I go for more information about Dual Enrollment?

You may contact your child’s counselor or the high school’s Dual Enrollment Program Assistant (DEPA). You also may visit the Montgomery College Dual Enrollment webpage for more details about Dual Enrollment procedures and deadlines.

Dual Enrollment Program Assistant (DEPA)