Are you a high school student? Are you looking for a way to get a jump start on your college education? Consider enrolling in dual credit courses while still in high school. WSU Tech offers dual credit courses in Wichita to USD 259 schools and many surrounding school districts such as Maize, Valley Center, Derby, Goddard and Haysville.

College options for high school students

High school students get a jump on a college degree or a career with tuition-free or reduced-cost classes from WSU Tech. Through the JumpStart program, WSU Tech offers college options for high school students to take transferable general education courses and career and technical education classes during high school. Whether taken directly through WSU Tech or in cooperation with a participating high school, eligible students pay a special tuition rate of just $83 per credit hour to take Jumpstart college courses.

What are dual-credit courses?

Dual credit courses in high school allow students to earn high school and college credit at the same time. High school students are eligible to participate in dual-credit courses the summer following their freshman year through the summer following their senior year. WSU Tech offers general education college classes for high school students. Transfer them to another Kansas college. WSU Tech’s college-level transfer classes fulfill core requirements for most college degrees.

Students are benefiting from taking college courses during high school. Advantages of dual credit course include:

  • Greater likelihood of earning a high school diploma and a college degree
  • Easy transition from high school to college
  • Greater likelihood of success in later collegiate work
  • Save money
  • Opportunity to access college facilities and resources.
  • Students have the ability to start accumulating college credits to help them graduate on time or early.
  • Taking a college class in high school can help your child find his or her area of interest before the pressure is on to declare a major.

Are Dual-credit Courses Right for me?

Now that you know what dual credit courses are you may be thinking, “Are dual-credit courses right for me?” These are a few things that you may want to consider before jumping in.

  • Courses are college-level so expectations may be higher. This includes a greater amount of work outside of the classroom. As a general rule, college level courses require 2-3 hours of outside work for every hour in lecture. If you have trouble organizing your time or working on your own, you may want to consult with your school counselor about whether or not it is the right time for you to take a dual-credit class.
  • If you fail a dual credit course, it’s possible that you might not be able to enroll in future dual-credit courses while in high school. It is important to review your school’s policies regarding dual credit.
  • Attendance is critical. Many classes have strict attendance policies. If you are involved in extra-curricular activities that will keep you from attending class you may want to consider the time and energy of doing both. You must be realistic about the time you have available as well as the time required for the course.

What courses can I take in high school?

Through the JumpStart program, WSU Tech offers college options for high school students to take transferable general education courses and career and technical education classes during high school. Students can work towards earning a certificate of completion, a technical certificate or an associates of applied science. Students at WSU Tech may also participate in the Shocker Pathway program where they take 50 credit hours of general education courses at WSU Tech and 15 credit hours from WSU and then are awarded an Associate of Arts from WSU.

A complete list of general education courses are found on the jumpstart page at wsutech.edu/jumpstart

How to get started:

To take classes at a WSU Tech campus:

  • Submit a free application for admission at wsutech.edu/apply
  • Take required placement assessment
    • ACT/SAT scores can be submitted by your counselor
    • Or, the Compass test may be take at one of WSU Tech’s testing centers
    • Information for locations, hours and practice tests are available at wsutech.edu/testing
  • Register for courses
    • Schedule a meeting with your high school admissions specialist by calling 316.677.9400

To take WSU Tech classes at your high school:

  • Submit a free application for admission at wsutech.edu/apply
  • Take required placement assessment
    • ACT/SAT scores can be submitted by your counselor
    • Or, the Compass test may be take at one of WSU Tech’s testing centers
    • Information for locations, hours and practice tests are available at wsutech.edu/testing
  • Meet with your counselor to complete enrollment process