College of Saint Mary offers two means for high school students to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school. The first option is through a Dual Credit program in which students take a course for dual credit (both high school and college credit). In most cases dual credit courses are taught at a regional high school. The second option is through the Early College Start program in which high school students register for regular university courses (usually general education or supporting courses) taught on College of Saint Mary's campus or online.
Dual credit courses offered to high school students are delivered at a collegiate level by their high school teacher. All syllabi, course outcomes and assessments are comparable to similar courses offered on the CSM campus. All courses offered for dual credit will be courses already offered at CSM or acceptable experimental courses as judged by the program faculty and approved by the Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs.
Because College of Saint Mary is a Catholic university dedicated to the education of women in an environment that calls forth potential and fosters leadership, it offers undergraduate students a unique chance to learn and grow in a women's environment. Thus, undergraduate early college start courses taught exclusively or primarily on the CSM campus must enroll women students only. Dual credit courses taught at regional high schools may enroll both women and men. Tuition for dual credit or early college start courses is due on or before the first day of the class meeting. The refund and drop/add policies are the same as the university policy.
Application for Dual Credit: High school students who wish to take a dual credit course work with their high school teacher to complete the application process. To be eligible to take a dual credit course, students must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA as documented by an appropriate high school administrator.
Application for Early College Start: High school students who wish to take an early college start course must contact the Office of the Registrar to complete an application/registration form. The phone contact is 402-399-2443 or email [email protected].