Early Entry

Earn college credit while you are in high school.

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.

The list below is not exhaustive. If you have a question about additional classes, contact ndsu.otl@ndsu.edu.

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
Basic Linear Algebra
Business Ethics
Business Software Applications
Calculus I
Calculus II
Chemical Concepts & Applications
Child Development
College Composition II
Computer Applications
Computer Science I
Concepts of Biology
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness
Couples, Marriages & Families
Cultural Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Diversity and Multiculturalism
Elements of Accounting I
Elements of Accounting II
Elements of Biochemistry
Elements of Economics
Engineering Mechanics I
Engineering Mechanics II
Environmental Science
Finite Mathematics
Food and World Cultures
Fundamentals of Accounting
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Gender and Popular Culture
General Biology I
General Biology II
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
Human Biology
Human Communication
Human Sexuality
Intercultural Communication
Intermediate Algebra
International Politics
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to Linear Algebra
Introduction to Visual Arts
Introduction to Women Studies
Introduction to Anthropology
Introduction to Media Writing
Introduction to Philosophy
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Public Health
Intro to Research Methods in HDFS
Introduction to Sociology
Introductory Statistics
Life Span Development
Mathematics for Business
Mechanics of Materials
Medical Terminology for the Paraprofessional
Modern Software Development
Music Appreciation
Non-Majors Biology Lab
Nutrition Science
Personal & Community Health
Perspectives for Wellness
Persuasion
Physical Geology
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Psych. Aspects Drug Use & Abuse
Roots of American Popular Music
Social Interaction
Studio Technology Foundations
Sustainability & Social Change in Fashion
Tourism & Int'l Travel Management
Traditional Logic
Trigonometry
Western Civilization I
Western Civilization II
Understanding Media & Social Chg.
World Film
World Music
World Religions

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

 

 

 

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.

Basic Linear Algebra

MATH 129  |  3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

Systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, lines and planes in space, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Credit awarded only for MATH 128 or MATH 129, not both. Prereq: MATH 105 or MATH 107.

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.

Calculus II

MATH 166  |  4 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

Applications and techniques of integration; polar equations; parametric equation; sequences and series, power series. Prereq: MATH 165.

Chemical Concepts and Applications

CHEM 117  |  3 credits
General Education Category: S

Introduction to general and organic chemistry, with applications drawn from the health, environmental, and materials sciences. Prereq or Coreq: MATH 103MATH 104 or MATH 107 or Math placement.

Child Development

HDFS 330  |  3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

Study of children, three years through middle childhood. Emphasis on social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Prereq: HDFS 230.

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 I

CSCI 160  |  4 credits
General Education Category: S

Introduction to computer science including problem solving, algorithm development, and structured programming in a high-level language. Emphasis on design, coding, testing, and documentation of programs using accepted standards of style. Prereq: MATH 105 or higher, or CSCI 159.

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.

Elements of Biochemistry

BIOC 260  |  4 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

Protein structure, function conformation, and dynamics; enzymes, DNA-RNA: structure and flow of genetic information; biological membranes; metabolism. 4 lectures. Prereq: CHEM 117 or CHEM 122 and CHEM 140 or CHEM 240.

Elements of Economics

ECON 105  |  3 credits
General Education Category:
B & G

Study of demand and supply, competitive and noncompetitive markets, concepts of national income, unemployment, inflation, money, and fiscal and monetary policies. This course cannot be substituted for ECON 201 and ECON 202.

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.

View Video >>

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.

Gender and Popular Culture

SOC 240  |  3 credits
General Education Category: B & D

This course introduces students to concepts in the sociology of gender and popular culture. The course offers an overview of the gendered experience of cultural production, representation, and lived lives. Students will learn how aspects of popular culture produce and reinforce our understanding of gender.

General Biology I

BIOL 150  |  3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

Introduction to cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and evolution.

General Biology II

BIOL 151  |  3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

An introduction to the biology of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. Examples primarily involve plants and animals, but include other groups of organisms as well.

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 140ADHM 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.

Human Sexuality

PSYC 210  |  3 credits
General Education Category: B

Survey of biological, developmental, and psychological aspects of human sexuality. Prereq: PSYC 111.

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.

International Politics

POLS 220  |  3 credits
General Education Category: B & G

Concepts, theories, and issues in international relations.

Interpersonal Communication

COMM 212  |  3 credits
General Education Category: B

Theory and practice of communication in interpersonal relationships. Includes aspects of self-expression and relationship communication.

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.

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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 Linear Algebra

MATH 128  |  1 credits
General Education Category:
Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

Systems of linear equations, row operations, echelon form, matrix operations, inverses, and determinants. Prereq: MATH 105 or MATH 107. Credit awarded only for MATH 128 or MATH 129, not both.

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 Public Health

PH 101  |  3 credits
General Education Category: D & W

This course introduces undergraduate students to the interdisciplinary and exciting field of public health. Discussing and studying the processes and practices of public health enhances the population health perspective of healthcare and other professionals.

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 114TL 116 or CSCI 160.

Introduction to Women's Studies

WGS 110  |  3 credits
General Education Category: A & D

Exploration of a range of social/domestic and global issues related to women; development of a feminist framework for thinking and writing about woman and gender.

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.

Modern Software Development

CSCI 213  |  3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

This course provides students with exposure to, and practice with a modern software development environment. Students do individual projects covering all the major phases of prescriptive software development including: requirements engineering, design, construction, testing and debugging. Prereq: CSCI 161.

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.

Nutrition Science

HNES 250  |  3 credits
General Education Category: S & W

Scientific principles of nutrition based on chemical structure and function of the nutrients.

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.

Perspectives for Wellness

CHP 211  |  3 credits
General Education Category: W

This course will explore multiple perspectives in developing healthy habits for living well that involve the body and the mind. 

Persuasion

COMM 220  |  3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

Exploration of the role and function of persuasion in personal, professional, and civic life. Provides an overview of critical, rhetorical, and social scientific theories of persuasion.

Physical Geology

GEOL 105  |  3 credits
General Education Category: G & S

Study of the Earth as a physical body; its structure, composition, and the geologic processes acting on and within the Earth.

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.

Studio Technology Foundations

ART 122  |  3 credits
General Education Category: Does not meet NDSU's general education requirements but may apply toward degree requirements.

Studio Technology Foundations is an introductory-level course in the Department of Visual Art. Lectures, demonstrations, and class assignments offer students an introduction to core technologies in the visual arts and equip students with a working knowledge of their respective operations and applications.

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.

Sustainability and Social Change in Fashion

ARMD 203  |  3 credits
General Education Category: B & G

This course explores the interrelationship between environment, society, economy and culture as they pertain to the global fashion industry. Practical and conceptual issues will be discussed to develop sustainable practices in our daily and professional lives.

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. 

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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.

Western Civilization I

HIST 101  |  3 credits
General Education Category: A

Introductory survey of Western Civilization from prehistory to 1648, emphasizing major political, social, cultural, and intellectual developments.

Western Civilization II

HIST 102  |  3 credits
General Education Category:
A

Introductory survey of Western Civilization from 1648 to the present, emphasizing major political, social, cultural, and intellectual developments.

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.

  1. Go to the NDSU admission application page for early-entry students (dual-credit students use this same form).
  2. Click “Sign Up” or sign in if you already have an account.
  3. Complete the FREE application for admission. —Be sure to select "early entry/dual credit" as your admit type.
  4. 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.

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