myCSUSM
Why Dual Enrollment
Taking a college course while in high school is an incredible opportunity to jump-start your future. You'll not only earn college credit that can accelerate your path to a bachelor's degree — you'll also begin the important process of college socialization. The earlier you gain this experience, the more confident and prepared you'll be, not just to start college but to thrive and finish strong.
On this page:
Benefits of Dual Enrollment Dual Enrollment vs. AP Credits Course Offerings 2025-2026
Advantages of Dual Enrollment
The benefits go well beyond earning credits early. Here's what Dual Enrollment students gain — academically, socially, and personally.
Social and Personal Skills
- Getting Ready for College: You'll see what college is really like before you graduate high school, so starting later feels less stressful and more familiar.
- Confidence Boost: You'll learn from real college professors who are experts in their subjects, which can inspire you and help you believe in yourself.
- Life Skills: You'll practice important habits like managing your time, staying organized and planning ahead — skills that help in school, college and jobs.
Thinking and Academic Skills
- New Study Skills: You'll pick up different ways to study, take notes, and solve problems that can make learning easier and more effective.
- Challenging Yourself: College classes push you to think deeper and work harder, giving you a head start on the kind of learning you'll do after high school.
- Earning College Credit: The classes you take count toward both high school and college, which can help you graduate faster and save money on tuition.
Dual Enrollment vs. AP Credits
Both are great ways to get ahead — but they work differently. Here's how they compare so you can make the best choice for your goals.
|
Dual Enrollment at CSUSM |
AP Credits |
|
| Credit type | Actual university credit from CSUSM | Potential credit — depends on your AP exam score and the college you attend |
| Acceptance | Accepted at CSUSM automatically; transferable to most universities | Varies by college — some may not accept AP credit for certain majors |
| Taught by | CSUSM professors — real college faculty | High school teachers trained in AP curriculum |
| College experience | Yes — real university coursework, pace, and expectations | No — remains a high school classroom environment |
| Cost | Free; no payment required for courses | AP exam fee required; college credit not guaranteed |
| Transcript impact | Appears on your official CSUSM transcript immediately upon completion | Only appears if you earn a qualifying score and the college accepts it |
Bottom line: Dual Enrollment credits are real, already earned and on your CSUSM transcript the moment you complete the course. There's no exam at the end and you don't have to perform on one test to keep what you worked for all semester.
Course Offerings for 2025-26 Academic Year
Below are some university-level courses currently available to eligible dual enrollment students.
ETST 101
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
EDUC 290
Foundations of Teaching as a Profession
HHS 180-1
Introduction to Personal Health and Wellness
HHS 180-2
Introduction to Health and Wellness Careers
SOC 101
Introduction to Sociology
CS 200-8
Intro to Game Programming I
CS 200-11
Game Design Management I
CYBR 112
Computer Information Systems
CYBR 110
Networking Fundamentals
Ready to take the next step?
Once your district confirms your eligibility, head to the How to Enroll page for the full step-by-step checklist and tutorials.