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College Credit in High School - Fast Track | Bismarck State College

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College Credit in High School - Fast Track

High School students in grades 10, 11, and 12 have the opportunity to earn college credit in high school by enrolling in Fast Track college courses at Bismarck State College. This also may be referred to as dual credit/early entry programs at the high school.

Why Fast Track?
  • Expands academic options for college-bound high school students.
  • Provides a transitional stage for students to ease into more rigorous academic expectations while remaining in small class sizes and while still living at home.
  • Shortens the time required to complete a certificate, associates, or bachelor degree program.
  • Delivers a substantial savings for both parents and students through reduced tuition costs in addition to other college expenses.
  • Enables students of various learning styles to take courses taught either on BSC campus, his/her high school campus, on-line, or through the State ITV/IVN communication system.
What is Dual Credit?
The college only issues college course credit and sends copies of course grades to the student's requested high school. Area high schools work collaboratively with Bismarck State College to provide college courses for students at their schools. When high school administrators also count these courses for high school credit, students may additionally earn high school graduation credit. All courses are college courses; however, they may be located at the high school with an approved BSC instructor, taught via distance education, or on the BSC campus.

Contact
Jessie Meckle
Program Coordinator, Fast Track
701-224-2573
Students
As a Bismarck State College student, it is important that you understand the student policies that apply to your college enrollment.

The student handbook is more than just a policy manual. It includes information about campus resources, safety information, extracurricular activities, and more. The handbook lists offices, how to contact them and which offices you may need to go to for particular information.

Student Handbook

Qualifications
  • Must be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior
  • Must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA
  • Must meet any course placement score and/or prerequisites to enroll
  • Permission from parent/legal guardian and high school designee
Course Offerings

Bismarck State College offers a wide range of courses that cover general education requirements for a broad range of degree programs.

Spring 2021 courses offered in Bismarck Public Schools

Spring 2021 courses offered in all High Schools

Transferability of Credits

Bismarck State College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools. Students considering taking any college courses are strongly encouraged to consult with the institution they plan on attending after high school graduation to discuss how their courses will fit within their intended degree program.

Cost

Tuition, fees, books, and other costs are the student's responsibility. Classes are charged on a per credit basis. Certain courses taught within the high school may qualify for a tuition reduction.

Dual Credit Tuition Assistance

The Bank of North Dakota provides tuition assistance for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch within their high schools. For more information please contact the Bank of North Dakota at 800-554-2717 or cpcgrp@nd.gov

Application Process

High School students taking classes through Bismarck State College follow the same application process a traditional college student follows. Students will apply as Early Entry Non-Degree seeking students. It is important to fill out the admissions application and complete the necessary steps to be accepted to BSC. It is highly encouraged that students who wish to take early entry courses at BSC to apply for admissions as soon as possible.

Registration Process

Once a high school student has completed the admissions process and has been accepted to Bismarck State College, the student will be eligible to register for courses using CampusConnection. Students will be notified by the Academic Records office when they are able to register for courses.

FERPA

FERPA is a federal law that governs the rights of students and institutional responsibilities with respect to student records. When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending post-secondary institution regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer to the student. Parents may obtain non-directory information when their student has provided a signed consent to the institution.
Parents
As a parent of a college bound high school junior or senior, preparing for the ever rising cost of a college education can be challenging to say the least. More than half of all undergraduate college students attending two-year or four-year public colleges state the average cost for tuition and fees ranges from $4,000 to $9,000 per year. In addition the students are paying an average of $5,000 for living expenses.

The College Credit in High School program provides an opportunity for your child to earn college credit in high school and at reduced cost. While enrolled in the College Credit in High School program, your son or daughter not only saves thousands of dollars on tuition but also develops the skills and understanding of college curriculum necessary for future college and life success.

For questions relating to Bismarck State College's College Credit in High School program, please feel free to contact us.

Jessie Meckle
Program Coordinator, Fast Track
701-224-2573
Instructors
Teach a college-level course, set higher standards for students, and help to prepare students for higher education. The high school teacher must submit the following documents for review:            Documents must be submitted no later than June 1 to be considered for the start of the next academic year to the Alternative Learning office. The Alternative Learning office will communicate the outcome of the application process to the applicant, high school administrator, and BSC human resources office via email.

BSC Faculty Qualifications

HS Adjunct Handbook

BSC Catalog

Contact
Jessie Meckle
Program Coordinator, Fast Track
701-224-2573