Texas Tech University
Dual Credit

Dual credit allows eligible high school students to take a college-level Texas Tech University course while also earning applicable high school credit. Students earn transcripted college credit and are expected to meet the same college-level academic standards required of university students.

An 8-week course covers college-level material in a shorter period than a traditional 16-week semester. Because the pace is accelerated, students should expect regular assignments, readings, quizzes, discussions, exams and deadlines throughout the course.

No. Courses may be asynchronous, meaning students may not be required to attend class at a specific time, but they are not self-paced. Courses follow an established schedule with assignment and exam deadlines. Students should plan to work consistently throughout each week.

Students who are academically prepared, manage their time independently and are comfortable with a faster-paced college course may be good candidates.

Before enrolling, students should consider their current high school workload, extracurricular activities and other commitments.

Not necessarily. Course availability, eligibility requirements, prerequisites and the student's high school graduation plan must all be considered before enrollment.

Students and families should work with their Texas Tech K-12 counselor or school counselor to select courses that align with the student's academic goals and high school graduation requirements.

It depends on the approved course equivalency and the student's graduation plan. Students should confirm how a course will apply toward their high school requirements with their counselor before enrolling.

Because a full college-level course is completed in only eight weeks, students should expect a concentrated workload.

Staying on schedule is important. Falling behind in an accelerated course can make it difficult to catch up.

Students should not assume they can finish a course early. Assignment availability, deadlines and the overall course structure are determined by the instructor and course design.

Students are responsible for knowing and meeting course deadlines. Policies regarding late work are determined by the instructor and outlined in the course syllabus.

Missing assignments or exams can significantly affect a student's final grade.

Yes. Dual credit courses are Texas Tech University college courses taught and managed through the university's academic systems.

Students are responsible for following their instructor's syllabus, directions, communication expectations and course policies.

Students need reliable internet and regular access to a computer that meets university technical requirements.

Before the course begins, students should make sure they can access their required Texas Tech accounts and course platforms.

Address account or technology issues as soon as possible. Waiting until an assignment is due can create unnecessary problems, and technical difficulties do not automatically extend course deadlines.

Frequently. Students should plan to check their Texas Tech email and course site every day or according to their instructor's expectations.

Important announcements, assignments, deadlines and instructor communications will be shared through university systems.

Yes. Dual credit is college-level coursework, and the grade may become part of the student's college academic record.

Students should take their coursework seriously and ask for help early if they begin to struggle.

A low grade may affect both the student's high school requirements and college academic record. Students who are struggling should communicate with their instructor and counselor as early as possible rather than waiting until the end of the course.

Withdrawal options and deadlines are subject to university and program policies.

Students and families should contact the program director before making changes. Withdrawing from a college course may affect the student's high school schedule, graduation plan and college academic record.

Treat your course like a scheduled commitment. Successful students should:

• Create a weekly study routine.
• Read the syllabus carefully.
• Keep track of every assignment and exam deadline.
• Start assignments early.
• Check Texas Tech email and the course site frequently.
• Communicate with instructors when they have questions.
• Ask for help as soon as they begin to struggle.

Independence and responsibility.

College students are expected to manage their own time, communicate appropriately with instructors, follow the syllabus and take responsibility for completing their work.

Dual credit gives students the opportunity to begin developing those skills while still in high school.