Parkland Dual Credit

Get a head start on college!

You could earn credit toward both your high school diploma and a college degree at the same time!

We are offering Parkland College classes at The High School of Saint Thomas More during the 2011-12 school year.  They will count as dual credit, which means students may earn high school credit and college credit for colleges that accept the credit. Students will have to qualify for these classes by taking Parkland College’s placement tests.  These courses will be taught by St. Thomas More teachers on the STM campus.

Why take dual credit?

There are plenty of reasons to consider Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment through Parkland College, but here are just three. First, you get a head start on college and your career; you save time by taking classes while you’re in high school that can be applied toward your college degree. Second, you may not have to pay much to take the courses, depending on your high school (We offer dual credit taught at STM for FREE!), and Parkland’s tuition is already pretty affordable. (Your high school may even offer additional tuition assistance. See your guidance counselor for details.) Third, you gain experience as a college student, so you learn early what to expect from post-secondary courses.

Dual Credit allows eligible high school juniors and seniors, ages 16+, to take Parkland College courses to earn credit simultaneously toward both a high school diploma and a college degree. You fulfill your high school graduation requirements, and at the same time, earn college credits toward your specialized certification, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree. Courses are offered at Parkland, online, and even at your high school. The college credits you earn may be transferable to other colleges and universities as well; talk to your high school counselor.

Dual Enrollment is almost the same as Dual Credit, except that in the Dual Enrollment program no high school credit is given. All other procedures and requirements are the same for both programs.

Take Courses that Move You Toward Your Goals

Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment courses can help you reach career and academic goals in several ways. You can enroll in specific technical courses that apply toward a Parkland certificate or two-year degree in a wide variety of career fields. You can even complete general education requirements that will apply toward a four-year bachelor’s degree.

NOTE: The college or university you plan to attend after high school may or may not accept the Dual Credit/Enrollment course credits you have earned. To make sure they are accepted, check with your high school counselor or contact your chosen college for specific information. This is important to do if the college or university you plan to attend is outside the state of Illinois.