Early College Program

Many local private high schools partner with Northwestern to offer college-level courses on location to their students. All on-site Early College instructors are hired as adjunct faculty by Northwestern and are paid directly by Northwestern for the courses they teach. If a student is enrolled at one of our partner high schools, they are eligible to participate in our on-site Early College program.

On-Site Courses

Each high school offers different Northwestern courses. Typically, these courses will be entry-level courses in academic subjects; however, some schools offer more specialized courses. Check with your partnering institution for classes that are offered on-site.

Northwestern is the largest provider of online dual enrollment courses among private colleges and universities in the state of Minnesota. We offer more than 60 online courses in semester-length formats, including options for collaboratively-based learning and at-your-own-pace learning. You will be guided through your classes using a variety of textbooks, multimedia presentations, discussion forums, and other digital tools by caring and engaging Christian professors. Our online courses do not meet at a specific class time; rather, all course work can be completed at your own pace within the given course deadlines.

Online Courses Available

Check out our online Dual Enrollment course list to see available classes.

Questions

Do I need to attend class on-campus if I am only taking online courses?

No. Online Dual Enrollment courses are offered through a convenient online format which allows you to complete your work in a home or high school setting that best fits your schedule. You do not need to login at a certain time for class. Students interested in taking classes on-campus need to apply for our on-campus Dual Enrollment program.

How will I complete online courses?

Northwestern’s Early College online program requires you to have internet access to complete your courses. Out courses typically consist of online discussion boards, electronic assignment submission, and exams, as well as textbook readings. You will have a professor to answer questions just like any other class. Our courses are offered in either an Independent Study or Online Learning Group format. You must show responsibility, time management, and the ability to complete college level work for both types of course formats. Personal time management is imperative to academic success in our online courses.

Online independent study: An independent study course means that while you study, you are independent of other students, weekly due dates, and regular interaction with your professor. You may work on the course at your own pace as long as you are able to complete the course by the end of the semester.

Online learning group: An online learning group course requires you to interact with other students and your instructor. Semester start and end dates are critical for a learning group course. The group of students will start the course together, work through the course materials and assignments together, and finish together. This type of course has greater accountability because the courses have weekly due dates which are to be followed throughout the semester.

What are my computer requirements?

Participation in Northwestern’s online courses requires the use of a personal computer with internet access. You can view our current computer requirements.

*Students with interest in pursuing Engineering courses will be required to have a computer with the Windows operating system.

Looking for more information? Please see our FAQ page for answers to many other frequently asked questions!