Dual Credit

Students who take a Dual Credit course benefit from:

• Minimal financial investment. Each course comes with a minimal fiscal investment compared to that of a normal post-secondary course. The cost depends on the course, but for example, students can expect a fee of no more than $100 (often only $50). Normally, courses of this nature, if taken in university or college, would cost upwards of $1,200 with tuition, fees and books. Textbook costs may be the responsibility of the student. 

• Insight into what post-secondary academics are like. It gives students an insight into what to expect from post-secondary, while still having the extra support they typically receive high school.

• High school and post-secondary credits. Students who successfully complete a Dual Credit course will earn 5 30-level CTS credits for each course they successfully complete, as well as course credits issued at the post-secondary level with an accompanying post-secondary transcript.

Dual Credit is an authorized Alberta Education program that allows high school students to obtain post-secondary credits while still in high school. Courses are offered by a post-secondary sessional instructor with the support of a high school teacher. 

When are courses offered?

Courses are offered by term, one evening a week for 15 weeks:

• Term 1: early September - mid-December
• Term 2: early February - mid-May

Courses are typically offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays after school. More specific information will become available as courses are finalized closer to the start-dates.

How much does each course cost?

Typically, each course is $50 and includes any required textbooks. A course of this nature, if taken at university or college, can cost upwards of $1,200 with tuition, fees and books. If a course costs more than $50, it will be indicated with the course information.

Can students register in more than one course?

Yes! But keep in mind that these courses are delivered over and above a student's typical daily course load and can, at times, feel quite demanding. Students should do their best to manage their academic demands, including these courses.

How many high school credits are earned?

Students receive 5 30-level CTS credits for each Dual Credit course they successfully complete. Students also receive course credits issued at the post-secondary level with an accompanying post-secondary transcript.

Cohort Delivery

The cohort delivery is the preferred method of Dual Credit within our division. Delivery happens as a class and is supported directly by the Dual Credit coordinator. Students attend class, typically one day per week for up to 15 weeks. Class happens after school typically 3-6 p.m. or 4-7 p.m. depending on the course. Some deliveries are a combination of online and independent learning meaning the classes would follow the same format, but only be 1.5 hours per week versus the typical 3 hours per week.

Cohort delivery is encouraged and preferred method because it does not conflict with the typical class schedule and can be taken over and above the normal student timetable. Additionally, being one day per week for a short time, students can often still work and participate in extracurricular activities with minimal disruption.

Courses available via cohort delivery:

• Indigenous Studies
• Introduction to Justice Studies
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology

Independent Delivery

Independent delivery is exactly what it sounds like: independent. The division coordinator will assist in the application process, but the student is responsible for acquiring the textbook and ensuring they attend classes regularly. The coordinator will complete periodic check-in, but the day-to-day academic responsibility is that of the student.

Some independent deliveries happen during the school day, others during the evening. The student is solely responsible for ensuring they can attend class without conflict and should concerns arise they must approach the coordinator for assistance. The post secondary does not connect with the coordinator to advise of any academic concern.

Independent deliveries are fantastic for the motivated student and for those that have a more open schedule.

Courses available via independent delivery:

• Introduction to Calculus I
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Personal Health and Wellness

Some of the opportunities include:

Indigenous Studies

This course focuses on history, identity and culture of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, with a special focus on Treaties 6, 7, and 8 in Alberta. Beginning with history and geography of Indigenous Peoples and Turtle Island (North America) and ending with the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), this course provides a big-picture overview of Indigenous Studies in Canada.

Key topics and themes include: contact and the fur trade era, colonization and settlement, the Royal Proclamation, the Indian Act, the bison hunt, identity, the TRC, missing and murdered Indigenous women, children in care and the welfare system, decolonizing Canadian law, gender and identity, status, determinants of health, impacts of residential schools, racism and stereotypes, trauma and more.

Prerequisites: None, but 20-level English preferred
Delivery: Cohort

Introduction to Justice Studies

This course introduces students to the Canadian criminal justice system, its foundations, and the principles that govern it. We will explore how citizens, government, the police, courts and the correctional system work together with laws to establish and maintain safe and trusting communities, which promote individual and social fulfillment.

Prerequisites: None, but 20-level English preferred
Delivery: Cohort

Introduction to Psychology

This introductory course studies human behaviour, including physiology, sensation, perception, learning, memory, cognition, motivation, states of consciousness and methodology.

Prerequisites and delivery:
None, but 20-level English preferred (cohort delivery)
or
60% in ELA30-1 or enrolled in ELA30-1 with 70% in ELA20 (independent delivery)

Introduction to Sociology

Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social behaviour. The goal of this course is to stimulate students' curiosity by encouraging them to ask questions about why people behave the way they do in social groups and how society operates. Sociology delves deeply and methodically to uncover how our society is shaped, and how we, ourselves, are shaped by social forces. 

Prerequisites and delivery:
None, but 20-level English preferred (cohort delivery)
or
60% in ELA30-1 or enrolled in ELA30-1 with 70% in ELA20 (independent delivery)

Personal Health + Wellness

This course will introduce you to the physical, social, mental, occupational, emotional, environmental and spiritual dimensions of personal health and wellness. These dimensions are described within the context of the Canadian health care system and your own individual community.

Topics include primary health care, nutrition, exercise, stress management, weight management, eating disorders, common health issues and their prevention. You will be expected to integrate knowledge of the seven dimensions of health and apply this knowledge to a self-analysis of your own health and physical fitness. Finally, you will incorporate change management theory to develop, implement and evaluate a personal wellness plan. The intent of this course is to promote a healthy lifestyle.

By examining determinants of health, the current healthcare system, the seven dimensions of health and applying these concepts to your own lifestyle, you will be better equipped to function as role models and act as change agents for health promotion in your community.

Prerequisites: 60% in ELA30-1 or enrolled in ELA30-1 with 70% in ELA20
Delivery: Independent

• Dual Credit offerings are delivered over and above a student's typical daily course load and can, at times, feel quite demanding.
• Students are expected to not book work or extra-curricular activities that conflict with course delivery times.
• Students should do their best to manage their academic demands, including these courses as part of that consideration.

Students should register before the start of each term:

• Term 1: Register in early September, courses start mid-September
• Term 2: Register in early February, courses start mid-February

To register, please contact Bill Turnham (St. Albert Public Schools) or Christina MacKinnon (Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools).