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Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment (also referred to as dual credit) is an opportunity for high school students at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to earn both college and high school credit at the same time through a single class.

The credit can be for a graduation requirement or an elective credit. Dual enrollment is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education What Works Clearinghouse as having positive effects on the completion of high school, college access and enrollment, credit accumulation, and students’ degree attainment.

MPS students who meet qualifications are eligible to participate in dual enrollment opportunities. Please note that not all courses and programs are offered at every MPS high school. 
  

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB)  

All students attending MPS schools that offer AP or IB courses are eligible. Students may earn college credit by achieving a specific minimum score on AP exams (administered by the College Board) or IB exams. Students must enroll in a postsecondary institution that awards credit for AP or IB exams to receive college credit for passed exams.
 

Contracted Courses (CTE)

College courses from UWM or MATC that are co-taught by both a college instructor and an MPS instructor

Qualifications

  • Students in grades 10–12* with a 2.5 GPA or higher  
  • Students enrolled at schools offering contracted courses  

Courses take place at the high school and meet the same amount of time as other high school classes. The college instructor typically co-teaches in the spring semester, while the MPS instructor provides instruction and support on days when the college instructor is not present. Students must register with the college/university (MATC/UWM). 

Possible content areas include: 

  • Architecture, Construction, and Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Information Technology

*These courses are primarily for seniors and some juniors who qualify; HVAC courses in particular start with sophomores.
  

Early College Credit Program 

Application Deadlines

Fall: March 1 | Spring: October 1 | Summer: February 1

Qualifications

  • Any MPS student in grades 9–12 

  • Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher (varies by university or college)

The Early College Credit Program (ECCP) is a state initiative that enables students to earn up to 18 college credits by taking courses at a four-year university or college that are not offered at their high school. To participate, students must review the application procedures and be accepted by the college. The cost of the program is shared between the school district and the local high school, resulting in little to no expense for the student. 
  

M3 College Connections Program

A cohort program where students take college courses through MATC and UWM that count for both college credit and MPS graduation requirements

Qualifications

  • Any MPS student who is on track to graduate and is eligible for half-days during their senior year

  • Students with a 2.75 GPA or higher (recommended)

Students apply as juniors and participate in the program during their senior year. They stay attached to their home school but take all courses on the MATC and/or UWM campuses. The program is completely free for students, families, and MPS schools, and transportation is provided via WisGo cards. 

Course pathways include:  

  • General (courses at MATC and UWM) 
  • Healthcare (courses at MATC only) 
  • Education (courses at MATC and UWM; apprenticeship at an MPS elementary school) 

Learn More About the M3 College Connections Program 
 

Rising Phoenix at UW–Green Bay 

Qualifications

Rising Phoenix is a program for students at participating GEAR UP high schools (listed below). Those who meet program eligibility requirements can take dual enrollment online courses as juniors and seniors through UW–Green Bay—for free. This allows them to earn both their high school diploma and a two-year Associate of Arts and Sciences degree upon graduation.  

**If a student has a 2.75 to 2.99 GPA, they may be considered. Essay responses addressing the GPA and teacher recommendations speaking to GPA will be critical.

Current MPS Schools

  • Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School 

  • Hamilton High School

  • Milwaukee High School of the Arts
  • Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education 
  • Riverside University High School 
  • South Division High School 
  • Washington High School of Information Technology
     

Start College Now

Application Deadlines

Fall: March 1 | Spring: October 1

Qualifications

  • Any MPS student in grades 9–12 
  • Students eligible for early release 

Students may take up to 18 credits through the Start College Now program. Courses are taken on campus or online alongside college students. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the college campus. 
 

Transcripted Credits

Courses taught by certified MPS high school teachers that count for both high school and college credit

Qualifications

  • Students enrolled at schools offering MATC or UWM transcripted credits  
  • Juniors or seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher OR a 2.75 GPA and a strong teacher recommendation

These courses are offered through MATC and UWM. Teachers must qualify to teach a course and complete the necessary paperwork for it to count as a college course. Students must register with the college/university. Courses take place at the high school and meet the same amount of instructional time as other high school classes. These classes are primarily offered to juniors and seniors but may include sophomores.

Examples include: 

  • Creative Writing
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Introduction to Children’s and Young Adult Literature 
  • Introduction to Computer Programming
  • Introduction to Latinx Studies 
  • Precalculus
     

More Information

If you have any questions about dual enrollment, please contact your school or reach out to Matthew Zellmer, postsecondary engagement planning assistant, at zellmel@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.