Dual Enrollment
Begin Your Journey
We’re excited you want to get a jump start on your educational journey with Great Falls College. There are several dual enrollment options available, so be sure to talk with your high school counselor.
Application & Registration
Step 1: Registration Form
Fill out and print the registration form that applies to your school. If you don’t see your school, you do not have a registration open at this time.
Once printed, collect the signatures required and scan or take a photo for the next step.
Step 2: Application
Review, fill out and electronically sign the application. Attach your registration forms and other required documents via the virtual paperclip on page 1. Save a copy when completed for your records.
Step 3: Next Steps
Watch your mail for a welcome letter and your class schedule.
Complete the online orientation that will be emailed to you.
Purchase your textbooks and course supplies.
Frequent Forms & Questions
Useful Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is the broad term that means high school students take college coursework while they are enrolled in high school. Within dual enrollment, there are two models for awarding college credit:
- DUAL CREDIT awards both high school credit and college credit for a college course taken by the high school student.
- COLLEGE-CREDIT-ONLY (sometimes referred to as EARLY COLLEGE) awards college credit, but not high school credit, for a college course taken by high school students.
How do I know if I qualify?
Dual enrolled students must:
- Be enrolled in a high school that has an active dual enrollment agreement/partnership with Great Falls College. Home school students may enroll through the school district in which they reside; be at least 16 years of age or a high school junior (OR fill out the age waiver);
- Have successfully completed required high school classes at grade level and be on track for high school graduation;
- Some dual enrollment classes may require qualifying placement test scores such as the ACT, SAT or Accuplacer test OR other prerequisites set by the college or high school.
- Have approval signatures of a parent/guardian (if under 18), high school official and designated college official.
In addition to the basic qualifications for dual enrollment, you need to be realistic about taking a college class while you are still in high school. You’ll have one foot in high school and one in college, and that can be a lot to manage.
Dual credit courses are college courses open to high school students. They move at a faster pace, contain more depth of content and may contain adult subject matter. Successful dual enrollment students are those who exhibit:
- Self-discipline
- Motivation
- Maturity
- Time Management Skills
What courses can I take for dual credit?
Dual credit students have access to online, on-campus, hybrid and concurrent (in the high school) courses. You should choose the format that is best for you, and you should aim to make smart use of those credits and be purposeful when selecting classes instead of just taking courses that seem fun or your friends are taking. For online and on-campus classes, you can check the Class Schedule to see what options are available by semester.
We recommend you take classes that help you satisfy general education (core) requirements. See a list of those here.
How many dual credits can I take?
Great Falls College wants students to be successful, so although there is no limit, we recommend students start with 2 courses per semester and build up to 4-6 depending on high school schedule and activities. Some high schools do limit the number of dual enrollment courses students can apply toward graduation. Students should check with their high school on their policies.
How much does this cost?
Dual enrollment courses are offered to students at a reduced rate (half the cost of regular tuition) after One-Two-Free has been applied. Dual enrollment students also don’t pay mandatory student fees. To see the current dual enrollment tuition rate, please see the fee schedule.
What is One-Two-Free?
One-Two-Free is the dual enrollment funding model that began in Fall 2018. It allows free tuition for the first two dual enrollment courses, up to six credits. After the first two free courses (up to six credits), dual enrollment students pay the discounted tuition rate of 50% (see above explanation and link below).
Click here for a link to all tuition schedules. Choose Dual Enrollment Tuition for the appropriate term. finaid.www.gfcmsu.edu/tuition.html
Do I qualify for Federal Financial Aid or scholarships as a dual enrollment student?
Dual enrollment students are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, we encourage students to check with their local school district, foundation or businesses. Many school districts have scholarship funds available for dual enrollment students.
We also offer a Hardship Scholarship open to students who meet the eligibility criteria. The criteria include those on free or reduced school lunch, households who participate in SNAP/WIC, TANF, Head Start, Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids just to name a few.
Will dual enrollment course(s) transfer to other colleges?
Often. The answer depends on multiple factors:
Is the intended transfer college part of the Montana University System (MUS)?
Is the dual credit course part of the MUS Common Course Numbering (CCN) system?
If the transfer college is part of the MUS System AND the dual enrollment course is part of the CCN system, it is designed to transfer. How the dual credit course fits into the degree program of choice is decided by the transfer college. It is best to start a dialogue (in writing) with the transfer college about your academic goals to determine the best course of action.
Another tip: Keep all course syllabi. A syllabus provides information specific to course content, outcomes and assessments. This tool can help a transfer institution understand what a student learned in a class.Is it true that Advanced Placement is a better option than concurrent enrollment?
Contrary to popular belief, concurrent enrollment classes are equally as rigorous and transfer just as well to other colleges*. To understand the differences, consider the following:
Concurrent dual credit course: By participating in a concurrent dual credit course, you receive college credit upon completion of the course. Your final grade is recorded on a Great Falls College transcript.
Advanced Placement: The Advanced Placement program offered by the College Board may provide college credit or waive a course based on performance on a cumulative exam administered in May. For exam scores of 3, 4, or 5, some universities may allow you to gain course credit or to waive a specific course. Exam score and course equivalencies vary by college. Test scores are sent to the college you plan to attend, and once you are admitted and attending that college (generally there is a waiting period) the college will transcript the course with a grade of “pass”. If you don’t take the final AP exam, no impact is made on your transcript.
*Students should always communicate with their intended colleges (and keep written documentation) about transferability of credits.
When do I register for classes?
Students register for classes at the beginning of each semester. See the Academic Calendar at our website for specific dates.
More Information
For Parents / Guardians
Why should my child consider dual enrollment?
Dual enrollment gives students an idea of what full-time college coursework will be like. By trying out college classes while still in high school, your child can get used to the academic environment and expectations before leaving the comfort and support of home.
- Your child may be able to take classes that aren’t offered at high school.
- College courses are a great way to explore a specific area of interest.
- Your child can begin accumulating college credits.
- Dual enrollment saves you money!
- Now with One-Two-Free, all dual enrollment students get their first two courses, up to six credits tuition free!
- Even after the student uses the free six credits, dual enrollment students pay half of regular tuition.
Example: A three-credit college writing class taken after a student graduates high school costs $552.14 (with mandatory fees that are required of students). The same three-credit college writing class taken as dual enrollment while a student is in high school costs just $191.58 (no mandatory fees are required). That’s a savings of $360.56! (based off 2024/25 tuition).
The research shows positive benefits for students who participate in dual enrollment:
- Dual enrollment students are more likely to pursue college full time after high school.
- Dual enrollment students earn higher grade point averages in their first year of college.
- Dual enrollment students are more likely to stay in college from first to second year.
Are there any reasons my child shouldn’t participate?
Dual enrollment courses are real college courses for real college credit; the grades go on your student’s permanent academic record. Before enrolling, your student needs to understand the demanding work that college classes require and be prepared to take the commitment seriously.
If your child is considering dual enrollment for the purpose of earning college credits, be sure of the value of the credits. All campuses within the Montana University System use common course numbering. That means that the three-credit College Algebra (M121) course on our campus is the same three-credit course at Montana State University Bozeman or University of Montana Missoula. However, out-of-state colleges may not award the same credit value. Credit policies depend on the schools and students need to investigate prior to enrolling.
If a dual enrollment course interferes with your child’s regular high school coursework, extracurricular activities or work schedule, it may not be a good idea. Also, college and high school calendars are generally different. Holiday and break schedules at high school can cause conflicts with required classes or exams for the college course.
Carefully consider the academic value of any class your child is considering. Exploring different areas of interest are helpful for dual enrollment, but it’s best to get the most bang for your buck by choosing classes that will count toward general/core requirements.
How can I help my student navigate dual enrollment and be successful?
Your support is one of your student’s most important resources. Whether you attended college yourself or not, your encouragement that college is important will help them succeed.
Prepare your student for what to expect: College gives students a tremendous amount of freedom and expects students to communicate and advocate for themselves.
College faculty members don’t necessarily monitor their daily progress or attendance. Colleges do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. There are no attendance reports given to students or parents.
Expect conflicts with extracurricular high school activities. Seriously discuss priorities with your child before enrolling in a dual enrollment course.
If your student is having difficulty in a course, they need to communicate with their instructor either face-to-face, by phone or by e-mail. Encourage your student to use professional communication that is not accusatory or negative. Faculty members are willing to work with students when they are polite, respectful and timely.
Students should be self-motivated and disciplined to complete work on time according to the standards of the course syllabus.
- A course syllabus contains information on instructor’s grading, policy, assignments and so much more. It’s important for students to read it and understand it!
- Honesty is important! Students should understand that plagiarism (including use of AI) on assignments may result in an “F” for the course and/or dismissal from the course. The instructor’s syllabus will address the consequences of academic dishonesty.
- Grades are important. They become a part of your student’s permanent college transcript.
- Prepare for class. A general guideline is that for every one hour spent in class, college students should spend two hours out of class reading, studying and completing assignments.
Let them do it on their own.
- Dual enrollment students are treated no differently than any other Great Falls College student.
- There are no parent/teacher conferences.
- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs dual enrollment students. The Student Release of Information that your student completes at registration allows them to choose what information, if any, parents are entitled to.
- Dual enrollment is a great time for parents to transition from being their child’s primary advocate to becoming a supporter. Remind your student that their academic success depends on their taking responsibility for their own education and behavior.
- Encourage them to use all of the resources available to them.
For another perspective on how to help your student, see this letter written by a faculty member: A letter from a caring faculty member to adult supporters
Other Student Resources:
- Academic Success Center – free tutoring and study skills
- Advising & Career Center – get help with planning your courses and making short- and long-term goals
- Academic Success and Accessibility – making programs, services and activities accessible to those with disabilities
- eLearning Resources -helping students access the online learning portal
- Library – help with research and library resources
For High School Teachers
Why consider teaching dual enrollment courses?
- Teaching dual credit courses can be rewarding and challenging and provide both intangible and tangible benefits:
- You can enhance the educational experience of high school students by introducing college-level coursework.
- You may help your high school offer more variety and breadth of courses.
- You can challenge yourself to learn and teach more advanced content and gain new skills.
- You can provide support to many types of students, including those who were already college-going as well as those who had never before considered post-secondary education.
- You can earn a little extra money*.
*Dual credit faculty members are considered employees of their school districts and Affiliate Faculty of Great Falls College. To that end, faculty are compensated by the district for their instruction, but the college pays a stipend to compensate for administrative paperwork and processes.
We pay $500 for the first course, $275 per additional course. Affiliate faculty are paid for each course they teach, not each section. So, if a faculty member teaches three sections of WRIT 101, they are only paid once per semester.
How do I know if I qualify to teach dual enrollment?
As a dual credit teacher, your students get both high school credit and college credit. Both institutions are overseen by different accrediting bodies with different requirements for their instructors. To teach dual credit, whether it’s in a high school or in a college, instructors must satisfy both accrediting bodies.
College professors that have high school students in their classes seeking dual credit must maintain Montana secondary educator licensure. Great Falls College requires all college faculty to maintain this licensure.
High school instructors who have high school students seeking college credit for their classes must fulfill the minimum hiring requirements for adjunct instructors.
The minimum requirements are set by the Montana Board of Regents Policy 730. www.mus.edu/borpol/bor700/730.pdf
The qualifications for teaching dual enrollment are based on what kind of class you plan to teach.
Faculty teaching General Studies/Core/Transfer Program courses must have:
- a master’s degree in the teaching field (or closely related discipline)
AND at least nine (9) graduate-level semester credits in the content area they wish to teach
Faculty teaching Career & Technical (CTE) courses must have:
- at least three years’ experience in the occupation to be taught or an equivalent number of years of postsecondary education in the career/technical discipline AND work experience in the career/technical discipline.
What are General Studies/Core/Transfer program courses?
These are courses that are designed to apply to a wide variety of degrees and commonly make up the non-major, non-elective parts of a four-year degree. These courses are foundational components of a university education (4-year), and part of building academically well-rounded students. They are also found in AA and AS degrees. The somewhat generic applicability of the courses allows students to complete general coursework anywhere in the MUS and take it with them to be applied toward their core graduation requirements at the college where they complete their degree.
Common examples of General Studies/Core/Transfer courses are:
- WRIT 101: College Writing
- M 121: College Algebra
- COMX 115: Interpersonal Communications
- PSYX 100: Intro to Psychology
What are CTE courses?
These are courses designed largely for use within a specific program at a college, usually in a one- or two-year program. The courses generally have an emphasis on preparing students to enter the workforce with relevant and immediately applicable workplace skills. These courses also transfer widely throughout the MUS, however one- and two-year programs tend to be more individualized to campuses due to alignment with regional workforce needs, so some courses may not be part of a degree program at all campuses or in all programs. These courses are often, but not always, accepted as electives in four-year degree programs.
Common examples of CTE courses are:
- ACTG 101: Accounting Procedures
- AHMS 144: Medical Terminology
- CSCI 111: Programming with Java
- WLDG 111: Welding Theory 1
How is teaching dual enrollment different from my high school courses?
Teaching a dual enrollment class means you’re teaching a college course, even though it’s located in a high school. We call those classes “concurrent” dual enrollment courses, as opposed to classes students are taking for dual credit on the college campus or online through the college.
Purpose
When teaching a concurrent course, instructors should do their best to run the class like a college class. In addition to earning college credits, dual enrollment courses are meant to help students see themselves as college students. Having authentic college experience helps students develop the confidence to go to and succeed in college.
Classroom Practices
Because students are receiving college credit for the dual enrollment course, college behaviors should be followed. Such practices include submitting work on time, demonstrating college-level thinking and writing, and not expecting extra credit or attendance points to pass a class. For teachers, college behaviors include providing more autonomy for students, such as not requiring a seating chart or permission to use the restroom. College departmental practices should be followed.
Aligning with the College
Dual enrollment students do receive a college transcript listing the classes they receive college credit for and their grade. Therefore, dual enrollment courses must follow the campus syllabus and meet the college outcomes for the course. Some departments require common exams or common assignments.
To align the dual enrollment class with the college class, concurrent instructors should work closely with the college department chair for their areas to find out about departmental policies, align outcomes and the course content, and select an appropriate textbook and other learning materials.
Communication and Training
Concurrent instructors need to communicate with both the high school administrator, the school district, and the college. They also need to attend additional trainings related to teaching dual enrollment courses.
Additional Responsibilities
As the instructor of a college course, there are additional expectations beyond your full-time high school responsibilities. These duties are outlined in a contract with the college, called a “Letter of Appointment” or “LOA” and include the following:
Submit attendance reporting and grades by the established deadlines
Participate in an evaluation process that includes a course observation by the college and collecting feedback through electronic student course evaluations (provided by GFC MSU)
Help maintain course alignment by submitting a sample assignment and accompanying grading rubric as well as a summative assessment (i.e. final project, exam, essay, etc.)
Compensation
Teaching a dual enrollment course is part of an instructor’s normal workload and the cost of instruction is paid for by the school district. However, the college does provide a small stipend for the additional paperwork and training required to teach a dual enrollment course.
What are my steps to start teaching dual enrollment? (click HERE)
For High School Administrators
How can our high school offer dual enrollment options?
Offering Dual Enrollment at your school: Great
Falls College is dedicated to serving dual enrollment partners and their
students. In order to have your students participate in dual enrollment
concurrently (taught in the high school), your school/district must enter into
a contract with Great Falls College. We do not need this if your students are
taking on-campus or online courses.
Schools will receive a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) [Sample
Partner School Agreement ] in early April of each year. A designated
school official must sign the MOU and return it to the college. The college
CEO/Dean will then sign the MOU and a fully executed contract will be returned
to you for your files.
High School/District Facilitator (typically a high
school counselor): Schools with students taking courses need to
designate an individual who will serve as the primary point of contact for all
dual enrollment activities at the high school. That contact person is
responsible for:
- Assuring
that the high school is in compliance with all Great Falls College dual
enrollment policies and procedures. - Assuring
that the students meet all necessary course prerequisites and deadlines. - Facilitating
communication with the college and distributing information to high school
teachers, counselors, students and parents as needed.
Can our school pay for students to take dual enrollment
courses?
If your school would like to pay for a student’ courses, the
student either needs to list you on the cost/billing section of the
registration paperwork OR fill out a Third Party Payee form.
How can we help our students register for classes?
Application and Registration form: Dual
enrollment students need to complete an abbreviated application and
registration for admission each semester. Help your students complete the
application correctly. Remind them to:
- Fill
out the complete application. - Include
all applicable signatures (including the high school counselor and parent
signatures) - Encourage
them to start a home file for dual enrollment paperwork and keep copies of
all documents
Great Falls College manually registers dual enrollment
students for classes. This means, the student lists the classes they want to
take on the registration form and our staff programs them into those classes.
Students must meet pre-requisites before they can register.
Each semester, there are three different registration
deadlines, two for on-campus/online classes taught at Great Falls College and
one for participating schools with concurrent courses.
For on-campus/online courses
Application and registration/release forms usually are DUE
one week prior to the start of term, but consult the Academic
Calendar for all deadlines. Great Falls College has two 8-week blocks
each fall and spring semester, so there is the opportunity to register for the
second block if the first is missed.
For Concurrent dual enrollment (college
classes offered in the high school)
There is a different timeline, but the dual enrollment coordinator
will reach out to your teachers and counseling staff to let them know when
those are due. They are typically due in the first few weeks of class. Our dual
enrollment coordinator will contact the school to arrange a registration
session or for larger schools, registration nights.
Common Problems with Applications and Registrations
You can help minimize problems with applications and registrations
by:
Checking forms for all required signatures. Students who are
18 years of age or emancipated minors do not require a parent or guardian
signature but everyone else needs them.
Auditing the classes that require placement and either: a)
including the transcript and standardized test scores or b) helping direct the
student to placement testing by arranging the accuplacer in your high school
(if you’re a testing site) or helping them take it at the college testing
center.
What are placement assessments/ pre-requisites and how
can we help our students find those?
Pre-requisites help ensure students are prepared to be
successful in certain college classes, as they rely on previous knowledge. A
student couldn’t take SPNS 102 Elementary Spanish II without having taken SPNS
101 Elementary Spanish I. If a course has a pre-requisite, it is listed in
the Course Description in the Course Catalog.
It is important that students have foundational skills in
math and writing to succeed in all other courses. Readiness for writing and
math is important because it helps ensure placement into appropriate courses
and dual enrollment students are held to the same standards as traditional
students.
For more information about placement requirements: Placement Assessment
Information
Is there a screening process for students?
Although dual enrollment is a relatively low-risk way of
trying college, not all students should participate. Students should
demonstrate maturity, self-direction and time-management skills. Students who
have many extracurricular or co-curricular activities or demanding work or
family schedules should also consider whether they can add a faster-paced,
serious college class to their semester.
Your high school knows these students and their habits. If
you feel a student may not be up to the rigor of dual enrollment, please have
an honest conversation with them. We require the school to sign off on
registration, partially so you know their school load will increase but also so
you can screen them.
We want students to look forward to college and a bad dual
enrollment experience can hamper that desire.
How do we know if GFC’s faculty are OPI Certified?
Guidelines & Policies
- Great Falls College MSU Policy on Dual Enrollment
- Montana University System Operational Guidelines for Dual Enrollment
- Montana University System Dual Enrollment
- Directive on Early College Student Tuition & Eligibility for Board Designated Waivers
- Montana Legislation for Class 8 Instructors
- Running Start Legislation
Why Dual enrollment?
More than 500 high school students participate each semester and save more than $300 per course. Dual enrolled students excel in college as they are prepared for college rigor.
Save Money
Save Time
Ease In
Dual Enrollment Department
Call
Call: (406) 771-4390
Email or Fax
Email: [email protected] | Fax: (406) 771-2267
Business Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
