Early Entry
The Early-Entry Program allows high-school students to take courses at NDSU while you complete your high-school diploma. Students in early entry earn college credit for the classes they take. You do not need to have a high-school diploma to apply for this program. Some students choose to take early-entry courses to continue their learning in a subject area that is of interest to them, some take these courses to continue their education and maintain good study habits during the summer or during their last semester of school, and some take these classes alongside their high-school classes to get a head start on their degree program. Whatever your reason for taking these courses, we applaud your ambition and want to see you succeed. This program thrives on seeing students continually finding the joy in learning.
If you are in your junior or senior year of high school (as well as some sophomores) and have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, you are an ideal candidate for this program. This program offers both online and in-person classes, many of which apply to the general education requirements and/or specific degree requirements. The eligibility section of this website provides more information to determine if you qualify to take early-entry classes.
The Early-Entry Program is different from early admission status. Early admission is primarily used for high-school students as conditional acceptance into a specific degree program. Early entry is also different from dual credit in that you do not earn high school credit for these courses unless you seek permission from your high school or home school. Be sure to mark "Early Entry" on your admission application.
Benefits of Early Entry:
You will find there are many benefits to taking an early-entry course, such as:
- Discounted tuition, which can be a substantial savings on your education. The more classes you take, the more you save!
- Continued challenge in subject areas you excel in.
- An opportunity to study a subject you are passionate about at a higher level.
- Getting some high-demand general education courses out of the way before you get to campus.
- Getting used to higher education in a familiar environment with your existing support systems readily available to you.
- Freeing up time in your future college schedule for classes that demand more of your time. (e.g. internships)
- Allowing extra space in your future college schedule for a double major, to graduate early, or stay on track to graduate on time.
- Having all of your campus systems (e.g. email, Blackboard) set-up before you get to campus, so you can focus on making friends and adjusting to campus life.
- Getting to know some instructors and support staff before you get to campus.
- Possibly earning dual credit, upon approval from your school administrators.
Offering these courses in an online format opens up the benefits of early entry to students from anywhere. Online classes remove scheduling and travel barriers. We also have a new NDSU Early-Entry Scholarship to help with financial barriers. Students from any state are welcome to apply to take these courses whether or not they plan to attend NDSU for their full degree.
You may also choose to take any of our 100 & 200-level face-to-face or traditional classroom courses if you are near campus or have time in your schedule to drive to campus.
If you are a school administrator and are interested in early-entry offerings for your students, please complete the brief form using the button below.
If you are a student or parent interested in learning more about early-entry classes at NDSU, please email us using the button below.

Early-Entry Postcard
View in PDF | Audio (MP3)
Distribute this postcard to any student, parent, or school district who is interested in this program.
Eligibility
If you are a current public, private or homeschool student who is enrolled in grades 10, 11, and 12, you are eligible to take early-entry courses through NDSU. We recommend you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students from any state are invited to apply for this college in high school program.
If you are already taking advanced placement, dual-credit, or gifted and talented classes you are likely an excellent candidate for early entry. Though these are not the only indicators of success as an early-entry student since not all public and private schools have the same resources available to students. Students who attend homeschool and meet the GPA requirement are also welcome to take these courses.
Academic readiness is one of the most important factors in deciding if this program is for you. If you are unsure about your academic readiness, your high-school counselor or teachers can help you determine whether you are a good candidate to participate in a college in high school class. You may also contact the Office of Teaching and Learning with any questions about your readiness for taking these courses. We want to see you succeed in your college education, so we will only recommend taking early-entry courses if we feel you are adequately prepared to be successful.
Online Courses by Semester
Below is a list of all online courses that are eligible for early-entry status. Courses listed are available every year during the semesters in which they are listed unless otherwise noted. For example, a course listed under the fall semester category would be available every fall semester.
If you are looking for an on-campus early-entry course, you may view a list of all available early-entry courses. Any 100 or 200-level course is eligible for early entry.
Fall Semester
Abnormal Psychology
Business Ethics
Business Software Applications
Calculus I
College Composition II
Computer Applications
Computer Science Problem Solving
Computing Fund. in Python I
Concepts of Biology
Contemporary Moral Issues
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness
Couples, Marriages & Families
Cultural Diversity
Cultural Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Diversity & Multiculturalism
Elements of Accounting I
Elements of Accounting II
Emerg., Disasters, & Catastrophes
Engineering Mechanics I
Engineering Mechanics II
Environmental Science
Finite Mathematics
First-Year Spanish I
Food and World Cultures
Fundamentals of Ag Systems Mgmt
Fundamentals of GIS
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I Lab
General Chemistry II
Hospitality Accounting
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
Human Biology
Human Communication
Indian Philosophy
Intercultural Communication
Intermediate Visual BASIC
Introduction to Agricultural Mgmt
Introduction to Anthropology
Intro to Behavior Modification
Introduction to Computing
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Intro to Electrical & Comp. Eng.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Intro to Food Science & Tech.
Introduction to Hospitality Industry
Introduction to Media Writing
Introduction to Philosophy
Introduction to Precision Ag.
Introduction to Psychology
Intro to Research Methods in HDFS
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Theatre Arts
Introduction to Visual Arts
Introduction to Web Design
Introductory Statistics
Life Span Development
Mathematics for Business
Mechanics of Materials
Music Appreciation
Non-Majors Biology Lab
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Psych Aspects Drug Use & Abuse
Psychology Applied to Work
Roots of American Popular Music
Smart Spending & Saving
Social Interaction
Traditional Logic
Understanding Media & Social Chg
Wellness
World Film
World Music
World Religions
Spring Semester
Abnormal Psychology
Academic Success & Careers
Athletic Training Med. Terminology
Business Ethics
Business Software Applications
Circuit Analysis I
College Composition II
Computer Applications
Computer Science Problem Solving
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness
Contemporary Moral Issues
Couples, Marriages & Families
Criminology
Cultural Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Elements of Accounting I
Elements of Accounting II
Emerg., Disasters, & Catastrophes
Finite Mathematics
Food Selection & Preparation Principles
Fundamentals of GIS
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
General Chemistry II
Global Social Problems
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Human Biology
Human Communication
Intercultural Communication
Intermediate Algebra
Introduction to Anthropology
Intro to Behavior Modification
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Intro to Electrical & Comp. Eng.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Equine Studies
Introduction to Media Writing
Introduction to Philosophy
Introduction to Psychology
Intro to Research Methods in HDFS
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Theatre Arts
Introduction to Visual Arts
Life Span Development
Medical Term. Paraprofessional
Music Appreciation
Non-Majors Biology Lab
Personal & Community Health
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Prof. Responsibility & Ethics
Psych. Aspects Drug Use & Abuse
Psychology Applied to Work
Roots of American Popular Music
The Earth Through Time
Tourism & Int'l Travel Mgmt.
Traditional Logic
Understanding Media & Social Chg.
U.S. to 1877
Wellness
World Film
Summer Semester
Abnormal Psychology
Business Ethics
College Composition II
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness
Couples, Marriages & Families
Cultural Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Elements of Accounting II
Finite Mathematics
Fundamentals of GIS
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
General Chemistry II
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Human Biology
Human Communication
Intercultural Communication
Intro to Behavior Modification
Introduction to Media Writing
Introduction to Psychology
Intro to Research Methods in HDFS
Introduction to Sociology
Life Span Development
Non-Majors Biology Lab
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Psych. Aspects Drug Use & Abuse
Roots of American Popular Music
Summer Ag Academy *
Traditional Logic
Understanding Media & Social Chg.
Wellness
World Film
Course Descriptions
This section provides an alphabetized list of all online early-entry courses offered at NDSU, a description of each course, general education categories each class meets, and number of credits. Note that not all of the courses in this section are offered each semester. Refer to our courses by semester section to determine which courses are offered in the semester of your choice. Classes may be added or removed from this list as course sections change. NDSU departments can submit their online 100 & 200- level courses for publication on this website. Submit your course >>
Students are also invited to take any face-to-face or traditional classroom classes and may find a list of on-campus courses here.
Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 270 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Survey of the classification, symptoms, and etiology of psychological disorders. Attention given to diagnosis, etiology, and treatment according to prominent theoretical perspectives. Focus on empirical basis for understanding these problems. Prereq: PSYC 111.
Academic Success & Careers
NURS 150 | 1 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
The course will provide an introduction to the nursing profession and immerse students in activities to facilitate academic success, teamwork, and professionalism.
Athletic Training Medical Terminology
HNES 260 | 1 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Medical terminology related to athletic training and other allied health professions.
Business Ethics
PHIL 216 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A & G
Many of the central moral issues of business, such as consumer rights, advertising, employee rights, and business competition, are examined in light of the major ethical theories, such as Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Relativism.
Business Software Applications
TL 116 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
Instruction on the use of popular spreadsheet and database software applications including how and when to apply the features of these types of applications to address a variety of business problems. Content emphasizes leveraging widely used business tools via hands-on activities. Credit will be awarded only for TL 116, MIS 116, CSCI 114, or CSCI 116 but not more than one.
Calculus I
MATH 165 | 4 credits
General Education Category: R
Limits, continuity, differentiation, Mean Value Theorem, integration, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and applications. Prereq: MATH 105, MATH 107 or placement.
Circuit Analysis I
EE 206 | 4 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Linear electric circuits. Component models, circuit laws, transient analysis, design issues, computer tools. 3 lectures, 1 two-hour recitation/laboratory. Prereq: MATH 166 with a grade of C or better. Co-req: MATH 129.
College Algebra
MATH 103 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Relations and functions, equations and inequalities, complex numbers; polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations, and matrices. Prereq: MATH 98 with a grade of C or higher or placement.
College Composition I
ENGL 110 | 3 credits
General Education Category: C
Guided practice in the reading and writing of various genres for different situations and audiences. Includes research on the web and in the library. Prereq: English placement.
College Composition II
ENGL 120 | 3 credits
General Education Category: C
Advanced practice in reading and writing of various genres for different situations and audiences. Includes field research, collaboration, and visual communication. Prereq: ENGL 110 or placement.
Computer Applications
CSCI 114 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
General introduction to computer concepts, operating systems, the internet, word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software. Credit awarded only for CSCI 114 or CSCI/MIS/TL 116, not both.
Computer Science Problem Solving
CSCI 159 | 3 credits
General Education Category: R
Computer-based problem solving techniques are introduced in the context of the Internet, including web-site development. Programming concepts, data structures and algorithms, as well as modeling techniques are discussed.
Computing Fundamentals in Python I
CSCI 227 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Introduction to programming concepts, with focus on flow control, basic data structures, and functions. The course is the first in a three-course sequence using the Python programming language. Prereq: MATH 103 or MATH 107.
Concepts of Biology
BIOL 111 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
Introduction to a wide range of biological topics, from the organism, ecology, and evolution to the cell, molecular biology, and genetics. For credit as a lecture/lab pair, students should take BIOL 100L as a co-requisite.
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness
HNES 100 | 2 credits
General Education Category: W
Facts about exercise and physical fitness.
Contemporary Moral Issues
PHIL 215 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A & D
Many contemporary moral issues, such as the developed world's duties to the developing world, war, ethical technology, and gender issues are examined in light of the major ethical theories, such as Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Relativism.
Couples, Marriages and Families
HDFS 242 | 3 credits
General Education Category: W
Study of the formation of relationships in varied contexts: examines the diversity of couples, marriages, and families that exists in our contemporary society. Emphasis will be on relationship health as well as barriers to relationship wellness.
Criminology
CJ 230 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Study of criminal behavior and the measurement of crime and victimization. Major theories of crime causation and specific types of crime will be examined.
Cultural Diversity
SOC 235 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B & D
Analysis of lifestyles and characteristics of racial, cultural, and ethnic groups in society. Review of processes of discrimination, prejudice, and related dehumanizing biases toward culturally diverse groups including women.
Cultural Psychology
PSYC 216 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Examines the different ways in which cultural variables affect human cognition, emotion, and behavior. This course uses the lens of culture to consider topics such as cognition and emotion, personality, psychopathology, the self, prejudice and intergroup relations, and cultural conflict (e.g., terrorism, genocide). Prereq: PSYC 111.
Developmental Psychology
PSYC 250 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Survey of the psychology of human life span development. Coverage also includes heredity and prenatal development. Prereq: PSYC 111.
Diversity and Multiculturalism
HDFS 275 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B & D
This course includes the study of developmental and family issues as viewed from a perspective of diversity and multiculturalism. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of factors such as race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability in developmental and family processes.
Elements of Accounting I
ACCT 200 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
An introduction to accounting to enable the student to achieve a working knowledge of accounting and its uses. ACCT 200 emphasizes the basic concepts and approaches of accounting applied to businesses, the accounting cycle, and the preparation of the income statement and balance sheet. Co-req: TL 116.
Elements of Accounting II
ACCT 201 | 3 credits
General Education Category: None
Building on ACCT 200, ACCT 201 emphasizes the use of accounting information as a basis for decision-making. Topics include the statement of cash flows, financial statement analysis, and managerial accounting (budgeting, job-order costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, short-term decision making, and capital budgeting). Prereq: ACCT 200.
Emergencies, Disasters, and Catastrophes
EMGT 101 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
An overview of emergencies, disasters, and catastrophes from a social, political, historical, policy, environmental, international and cross-cultural perspective. Focuses on differences in these events in terms of scale as well as cause from the disaster phase approach.
Engineering Mechanics I
ME 221 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Scaler and vector approaches to trusses, frames and machines, internal forces, friction forces, center of gravity, centroid, and moment inertia. Prereq: MATH 165.
Engineering Mechanics II
ME 222 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, work energy, impulse-momentum, principles of conservation of energy and momentum. Prereq: ME 221, MATH 166.
Environmental Science
BIOL 124 | 3 credits
General Education Category: G & S
Ecological principles related to human cultures, resource use, and environmental alterations. For credit as a lecture/lab pair, students should take BIOL 100L as a co-requisite.
Finite Mathematics
MATH 104 | 3 credits
General Education Category: R
Systems of linear equations and inequalities, matrices, linear programming, mathematics of finance, elementary probability and descriptive statistics. Prereq: MATH 098 with a grade of C or higher or placement.
First-Year Spanish I
SPAN 101 | 4 credits
General Education Category: A & D
Basic structures and vocabulary of Spanish. Practice in the fundamentals of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. No previous knowledge of Spanish required.
Food and World Cultures
ADHM 211 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A & D
This course is an exploration of a variety of foods and cultures that demonstrate the influences of demography, geography, history, social traditions, religious beliefs, and other environmental considerations on food, its preparation, service, and symbolism/meaning.
Food Selection & Preparation Principles
HNES 261 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Scientific principles underlying food selection, preparation, and preservation; integration of nutrition principles, food standards, cost comparisons, and new food developments.
Fundamentals of Accounting
ACCT 102 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Introduces financial statements and other accounting information to make personal and business decisions. Not available to majors and accounting minors in the College of Business Administration. Student may not have previously passed or be concurrently enrolled in ACCT 201.
Fundamentals of Agricultural Systems Management
ASM 115 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Overview of agricultural systems management; engines, machinery, structures, electricity, processing, and conservation. 3 lectures. Co-req: MATH 103, MATH 104, MATH 107, or placement.
Fundamentals of GIS
GEOG 105 | 3 credits
Instructor: Dr. Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Basics of integration and analyses of spatial data to visualize relationships, seek explanations, and develop solutions to problems. Emphases are placed on the nature of geographic information and the ways digital methods support geographic analyses and modeling.
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 110 | 3 credits
General Education Category: C
Theory and practice of public speaking with emphasis on content, organization, language, delivery, and critical evaluation of messages.
General Chemistry I
CHEM 121 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
Matter, measurement, atoms, ions, molecules, reactions, chemical calculations, thermochemistry, bonding, molecular geometry, periodicity, and gases. Prereq or Coreq: MATH 103, MATH 107, or Math placement.
General Chemistry I Lab
CHEM 121L | 1 credit
General Education Category: S
Matter, measurement, atoms, ions, molecules, reactions, chemical calculations, thermochemistry, bonding, molecular geometry, periodicity, and gases. Prereq or Coreq: MATH 103, MATH 107 or Math placement.
General Chemistry II
CHEM 122 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
Intermolecular forces, liquids, solids, kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases, solution chemistry, precipitation, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prereq: CHEM 121.
Global Social Problems
SOC 116 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B & G
Sociological analysis of global social problems.
Hospitality Accounting
ADHM 241 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Basic financial hospitality accounting concepts and practices. Interpretation of accounting and financial control systems in management decision making; uniform system of accounts, departmentalized costing procedures; ration analysis; budgeting, financial statement analysis and interpretation. Prereq: ACCT 102, ADHM 140, ADHM 141.
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 220 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
An in-depth introduction to structure and function of human organ systems' cells, tissues, the integumentary system, the skeletal system, joints, muscle and muscular system, nervous tissue and nervous system, and the special senses.
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 221 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
A continuation of BIOL 220, 220L; the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems and development. Prereq: BIOL 220.
Human Biology
BIOL 126 | 3 credits
Instructor: Dr. Kimberly Booth
General Education Category: S
Consideration of selected problems in human biology.
Human Communication
COMM 114 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Overview of communication theory with emphasis on information transmission and social influence functions of communication behavior in personal and mediated contexts.
Indian Philosophy
PHIL 221 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
An introduction to the philosophical tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. The course focuses on the major orthodox (astika) schools of Vedic philosophy, Samkhya, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Mimamsa, Vedanta, and Yoga, while also discussing the heterodox (nastika) Buddhist, Jain, and Materialist (Carvaka) schools. The course will present the major figures, teachings, and arguments of these schools with a special focus on their metaphysical and ethical views.
Intercultural Communication
COMM 216 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B & D
Exploration of the definition, models, and verbal processes of communication between different cultural groups.
Intermediate Algebra
MATH 98 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Properties of the real number system, factoring, linear and quadratic equations, functions, polynomial and rational expressions, inequalities, systems of equations, exponents, and radicals. Offered through Continuing Education. Special fee required. Does not satisfy any requirements for graduation. A grade of C or higher is required in this course to be eligible to take MATH 103 or MATH 104.
Intermediate Visual BASIC
CSCI 172 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Elements of Visual Basic for those with previous programming background. Topics include fundamental constructs, Active X controls, file processing, database management, and SQL. Prereq: one semester/experience in any programming language.
Introduction to Agricultural Management
AGEC 242 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Economic and managerial concepts related to farm or agribusiness production process, development of cost data, enterprise analysis, organization and management of production inputs.
Introduction to Anthropology
ANTH 111 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B & D
Introductory overview to anthropology, the holistic study of humans and the diversity of the human experience over space and time. Covers the major fields of anthropology: cultural and biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, applied anthropology.
Introduction to Behavior Modification
PSYC 211 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Basic principles and procedures governing acquisition, maintenance, and change of behavior, emphasizing human applications. Laboratory involves designing, implementing, and reporting an individual project. Prereq: PSYC 111.
Introduction to Computing
ECE 173 | 4 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Programming in a high level language with applications to engineering computation, analysis, and design. 3 lectures, 1 2-hour laboratory. Prereq: MATH 103 or higher.
Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJ 201 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Examination of the criminal justice system and process. Includes crime, lawmaking, criminality, prosecution, police, courts, and corrections.
Introduction to Cybersecurity
CSCI 105 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
This course provides the foundation for understanding key issues faced and measures associated with protecting computer systems, networks, and information assets from cyber threats. Students also gain knowledge of the social, legal, ethical, and privacy implications of cybersecurity.
Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
ECE 111 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Introduction to electrical and computer engineering problem solving, design and professional issues. 3 lectures. Prereq: MATH 103.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
ENTR 201 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
An introduction to the entrepreneurial process, evaluating the market feasibility of new product/business ideas, and launching an entrepreneurial venture. Students will develop an understanding of the business concept and business model. Develop a general understanding of the basic functional areas of business and have an opportunity to evaluate what entrepreneurship involves.
Introduction to Equine Studies
ANSC 260 | 2 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Introduction to basic aspects of equine studies and general principles surrounding the horse industry.
Introduction to Food Science & Technology
CFS 210 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
Overview of food components, food quality, nutrition, processing, packaging, safety, sanitation laws, sensory evaluation, distribution, and utilization.
Introduction to Hospitality Industry
ADHM 140 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Overview of the hospitality industry; its history, components, career opportunities, development, and future trends with application to food service, lodging, and travel.
Introduction to Media Writing
COMM 200 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Introduction to writing in the styles and forms required in journalism and strategic communication. Prereq: ENGL 120.
Introduction to Meteorology & Climatology
SOIL 217 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
Basic meteorology-climatology concepts and their application; includes energy balance, greenhouse effect, temperature, pressure systems, lows, highs, fronts, winds, clouds, storms, humidity, precipitation, and measurements. Lectures, discussions, demonstrations.
Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 101 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A
Basic problems, concepts, and methods of philosophy.
Introduction to Precision Agriculture
PAG 115 | 2 credits
General Education Category: A & D
This course is designed to introduce the student to principles of precision agriculture, crop and livestock production in precision agriculture, GIS, GPS, sensors, drones, data acquisition and management, Remote sensing. The course is offered in 2 one-hour lectures per week. Pre-req: MATH 103
Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 111 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Survey of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Introduction to Research Methods in Human Development and Family Sciences
HDFS 250 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Undergraduate orientation to research methods in human development and marital/family relationships; students will explore the scientific method as applied to HDFS, methods/issues related to data collection, and methods of data analysis.
Introduction to Sociology
SOC 110 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Introductory analysis of the nature of society, the interrelationship of its component groups, and the process whereby society persists and changes.
Introduction to Theatre Arts
THEA 110 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A
Basic orientation and historical perspective to the art of theatre. Includes the spectrum of dramatic literature, theatrical production, and performance.
Introduction to Visual Arts
ART 110 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A & D
Study and analysis of artistic methods and meaning in the visual arts; designed for non-majors.
Introduction to Web Design
COMM 260 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
This course aims to orient students to Web concepts, design, presentation, and evaluation. Prereq: CSCI 114, TL 116 or CSCI 160.
Introductory Statistics
STATS 330 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Frequency tables, histograms, probability, well-known probability distributions, one and two sample tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, and contingency tables. Prereq: Algebra 2, MATH 103, MATH 104 or MATH 107 or Math placement into MATH 105, MATH 146 or MATH 165.
Judicial Process
POLS 230 | 3 credits
Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Role of lawyers, judges, and courts in the political system. Special emphasis on judicial decision-making and the ideas behind law.
Life Span Development
HDFS 230 | 3 credits
Instructor: Ann Werlinger
General Education Category: B
Study of human growth and development throughout the life span.
Mathematics for Business
MATH 144 | 4 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Mathematics of finance, linear programming and its applications in business, limits, continuity, derivatives, implicit and logarithmic differentiation, higher order derivatives, optimization and extrema, partial differentiation, extreme values of functions of two variables. Prereq: MATH 103, MATH 107, or placement exam. Credit awarded only for MATH 144 or MATH 146, not both.
Mechanics of Materials
ME 223 | 3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Introduction to stress, strain, and their relationships; torsion of circular shafts, bending stresses, deflection of beams, stress transformations. Prereq: ME 221.
Medical Terminology for the Paraprofessional
VETS 115 | 1 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Medical terminology explored through a systematic study of word parts and the combinations used to build medical terms.
Music Appreciation
MUSC 100 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A
Understanding and appreciating musical styles and composers with some emphasis on the relationship of music to concurrent social and artistic trends. Designed for non-music majors.
Non-Majors Biology Lab
BIOL 100L | 1 credits
General Education Category: S
Laboratory experience to introduce the application of the scientific method across a wide scale of biological topics, including molecular biology, the organism, evolution, and ecology. This lab may be taken as a co-requisite with BIOL 111, BIOL 124, or BIOL 126. Co-req: BIOL 111 or BIOL 124 or BIOL 126.
Personal & Community Health
HNES 217 | 3 credits
General Education Category: W
Study of vital personal and community health issues. Particular attention to current health facts, habits, and attitudes as they relate to home, school, and community.
Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 202 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Aggregate income and employment analysis; business cycles, unemployment, inflation and economic growth; fiscal policy; money and monetary policy; the U.S. economy and the world economy.
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 201 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Nature, method, and scope of economic analysis; economic scarcity, resources, specialization of labor; supply-demand analysis; production and cost analysis; product and resource market structures; distribution of income; international trade.
Professional Responsibility & Ethics
PHIL 111 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A
The ethical responsibilities of professionals are examined in light of the major ethical theories, such as Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Relativism.
Psychological Aspects of Drug Use and Abuse
PSYC 212 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Examination of legal and illegal psychoactive drugs. Emphasis on psychological, physiological, and behavioral effects of these drugs and problems of drug abuse. Prereq: PSYC 111.
Psychology Applied to Work
PSYC 221 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Applications of psychology to people at work. Topics include employee selection, job interviewing, performance appraisal, psychological testing, Equal Employment Opportunity, leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, organizational theory, employee safety and health. Prereq: PSYC 111.
Roots of American Popular Music
MUSC 108 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A & D
Survey of American popular music and musicians from Civil War times through the present with an emphasis on historical and sociological influences. Designed for non-music majors.
Smart Spending and Saving
HDFS 186 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
A foundation for managing financial resources effectively for life-long financial wellbeing. Focus is on the skills and tools needed to organize and manage personal finances with an emphasis on consumer decision making.
Social Interaction
PSYC 214 OR SOC 214 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Examination of issues relevant to the study of individual behavior (e.g., self-concept, attitudes, social perception) in a social context. Cross-listed with SOC 214.
Summer Ag Academy
AGRI 199 | 2 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
* Must be admitted to the Northern Crops Institute (NCI) Summer Ag Academy program. To learn more, contact Dr. Casey Peterson, NCI program development manager.
The Earth Through Time
GEOL 106 | 3 credits
General Education Category: S
Introduction to the Earth through time; its origin, history, and evolution of animal and plant life.
Tourism and International Travel Management
ADHM 141 | 3 credits
Instructor: Dr. Hyeongjin Jeon
General Education Category: B & G
Application of management principles and theories to tourism with emphasis on tourism components, recreational activities, international travel, and social, economic, and environmental impacts of the global tourism industry.
Traditional Logic
PHIL 257 | 3 credits
General Education Category: R
Study of the art and science of critical thinking; scientific method emphasized.
Trigonometry
MATH 105 | 3 credits
Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.
Angle measure, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations, polar coordinates and applications. Prereq: MATH 103 or placement. Credit awarded only for MATH 105 or MATH 107, not both.
Understanding Media and Social Change
COMM 112 | 3 credits
General Education Category: B
Exploration of the purpose, function, and impact of media on society.
U.S. to 1877
HIST 103 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A
This course explores key events, trends, and concepts in American history from before European contact until the Civil War. Through readings, lectures, and discussion, students will engage with the social, economic, political, and cultural factors at play in the development of the United States to 1865. The course will examine the motivations and effects of European colonization in North America; the causes of the American Revolution and its political, social, and cultural ramifications; the growth of market capitalism and its effects on American society; the course and nature of westward expansion during the nineteenth century; and the emergence, expansion, and eventual end of slavery in the United States.
Wellness
HNES 111 | 3 credits
General Education Category: W
Examination of personal lifestyle choices related to emotional, nutritional, and mental well-being.
World Film
THEA 115 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A & D
Study of the development and practice of the art of film and its relationship to the theater emphasizing performance and production angles.
World Music
MUSC 109 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A & G
Survey of music from around the world's cultures with an emphasis on commonalities and differences found in the human experience of music.
World Religions
RELS 100 | 3 credits
General Education Category: A
Explores the beliefs, practices and origins of the world's major religions and introduces analytical approaches to studying religion.
General Education Category List
This list describes what each general education category denotation means. Learn more about general education requirements.
A ………………………….....……………………Humanities and Fine Art
B ……………………….......…………....Social and Behavioral Sciences
C ……………………………………………………………Communication
D ……………………………….…………………………Cultural Diversity
G ………………………………...……………………Global Perspectives
R ……………………………......…..……………Quantitative Reasoning
S ………………………………..........…………Science and Technology
W…………………………....…………..............................……Wellness
Tuition and Fees
Domestic Student Tuition Rate
Domestic students are any public, private, or homeschool student in the United States.
Total cost per credit for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years is $153.96. Tuition rates are determined by the North Dakota University System. Tuition for early-entry classes is not eligible for federal financial aid. If the cost of tuition is a barrier to your enrollment, view details on NDSU's NEW Early-Entry Scholarship.
Breakdown:
$148.42 = Tuition/Fees (per credit)
$5.50 = ConnectND Fee (per credit)
$.04 = NDSA Fee (per credit)
This tuition rate applies to individuals from any state taking these classes as early entry or dual credit. The early entry tuition rate does not include most student fees. Therefore, early entry students have access to academic supports including the tutoring, the Center for Writers, computer labs, and library, but the early entry rate does not include access to Campus Attraction events, the wellness center, student health, or sporting events. Questions can be sent to ndsu.otl@ndsu.edu.
International Student Tuition Rate
International students are any public, private, or homeschool student from any country outside of the United States.
Tuition is charged at NDSU's in-state or North Dakota tuition rate and may have a differential tuition rate for some programs. View the in-state/North Dakota tuition rates at NDSU.
Application and Registration
We first suggest you speak with your high-school counselor and your parents or guardian to ensure they are aware of your intent to take an early-entry course. Then you should fill out the FREE NDSU Application for Admission. After you have set up your campus services, you will be able to register for your classes using the Campus Connection Software during the open registration timeframe.
Be sure to get your application in early and register for courses as soon as open registration is available for the best selection of classes.
Application Process
Application forms are due approximately one month prior to the start of the semester in which you want to take classes. This allows time for processing of your application. Follow these steps for the early-entry application process at NDSU.
- Go to the NDSU admission application page for early-entry students (dual-credit students use this same form).
- Click “Sign Up” or sign in if you already have an account.
- Complete the FREE application for admission. —Be sure to select "early entry/dual credit" as your admit type.
- You will receive verification of your acceptance to NDSU as an early-entry student.
Notes:
- If you miss taking a class one semester (not including summer) you will need to contact OTL to have your application reactivated.
- When you graduate high school and choose to become a degree seeking student, you must fill out the FREE admission application again. Doing so qualifies you for federal student aid as well as any scholarships available at NDSU.
Course Registration
You will use the Campus Connection registration software to register for your classes; however, you must set up your NDSU electronic services before you will have access to register. Please ensure you have your student ID ready when you set up your services. Go to our Getting Started section to find detailed instructions and tutorial videos.
For questions regarding the application process, contact the Office of Admission at 1-800-488-NDSU or ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu.
For all other early-entry questions, contact the Office of Teaching and Learning at 701-231-7015, or at ndsu.otl@ndsu.edu.