Dual Enrollment enables students to take Harford Community College courses while completing high school.
Experience what it's like to take a college course. Earn both college and high school credit. Explore classes that interest you.
Students can earn transferable credits, shortening the road to a college degree or certification, or they can prepare for a career immediately following high school with college-level and trade certification classes. Dual enrollment exposes students to programs of study and career pathways that help them choose the direction they want to pursue.
Benefits of Dual Enrollment
- Ease the transition from high school to college
- Offset the cost of a college education
- Experience campus life and college atmosphere
- Gain access to Harford Community College resources
- Engage with faculty on a more individual level
- Stand out to potential employers and transfer colleges
Dual Enrollment Programs for HCPS, Homeschool, and Private School Students
Harford Community College offers several distinct programs allowing high school students to take College courses.
High school onsite cohorts are groups of high school juniors and seniors taking Harford Community College courses, taught by college faculty, at HCPS high schools during the regular school day. Cohorts start and finish dual enrollment together while working with an HCPS facilitator. Courses offered vary by school; interested students should talk to their HCPS counselor about available options.
Dual credit students take Harford Community College classes to satisfy high school graduation requirements while also receiving College credit. Dual credit students can take classes online or on campus. Students should talk to their high school counselor about qualifying courses.
College only credit students take Harford Community College classes that are outside of their high school graduation requirements. Classes can be taken online or on campus. This is a great opportunity to earn credits that are transferable to Harford, as well as other colleges and universities (students should check with their advisor regarding transferability). Interested students work with their high school counselor and their HCC assigned Admissions representative for class recommendations.
Dual Enrollment Programs for HCPS Students Only
These programs are offered in collaboration with Harford County Public Schools and are only available to certain HCPS students.
The P-TECH magnet program enables students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an AAS degree from Harford Community College in one of two pathways: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity or Computer Information Systems. The program is held at Joppatowne High School with college professors coming on-site to teach. There is a specific course sequence for students to follow for their high school and college coursework. Students in the program start their first college course during the summer between 9th and 10th grade. Interested students should talk to their HCPS counselor or visit the HCPS Magnet Programs page for more information.
TAM+ is a teacher preparation magnet program that provides an expedited pathway to a four-year degree and teacher certification for HCPS students. The TAM+ program builds upon the basic requirements in the TAM Career and Technology Education program with the goal of earning an Associate of Arts in Teaching: Elementary/Special Ed from Harford Community College while earning an HCPS Maryland High School diploma. Interested students should talk to their HCPS counselor or visit the HCPS Magnet Programs page for more information.
HYWI is a certification-based dual enrollment program for high school seniors, made possible through a partnership with Harford County Public Schools, Susquehanna Workforce Network, and Harford County Government. HYWI provides career training and guidance to students as they earn industry-recognized certifications prior to high school graduation. Interested students should talk to their HCPS counselor for more information about HYWI.