Earn College Credit in High School

Jumpstart Your College Education

High school juniors and seniors seeking to earn college credit while in high school and expand their educational horizons are invited to enroll in Houghton’s courses. This can include dual enrollment, taking your course at your high school, and dual credit courses. You will receive the same high-quality instruction from the expert faculty for which Houghton has received national recognition as you complete courses fully online.

Spring 2027 courses are posted. Registration will open soon.

View Available Courses*Course Cost

*Courses are removed once they reach capacity.

Early College at Houghton may help you:

Earn your degree faster from Houghton.
Transfer credits to another institution to meet degree requirements.
Earn a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma, for homeschool students

Houghton student sitting at table with laptop, wearing Houghton hat and tshirt.

Get A Head Start at Houghton

College Jumpstart

Start taking Early College or Dual Enrollment courses during your junior and senior year of high school that will count towards your bachelor’s or associate degree.

Get a taste of college-level courses
Explore your interests and fulfill general education requirements early

First Year Finished

Earn 30 credits or more during your junior and senior year of high school, fulfilling at least one full year of college.

Finish a Houghton bachelor’s degree in as few as three years after high school graduation.¹
Save as much as $36,621 (based on the national average of college tuition,² minus your Houghton Early College costs).

¹ Some exclusions apply
² Based on the average tuition and required fees for nonprofit, 4-year institutions by the National Center for Education Statistics

I enrolled in Houghton’s early college program because I wanted to experiment and see what college classes were like. Houghton is very personal and felt like they really cared about me. Their courses are extremely affordable and fit my busy schedule.

Carolyn Powers, Homeschooled Student and Early College Student

How Does Early College Work?

Choose Your Course

Select your preferred course from the list of available courses.

Please note courses are removed once they reach capacity.

View Courses

Register

Complete the brief course registration form. Indicate dual enrollment, take your course through your high school, or early college, take your course online or on Houghton’s campus.

Spring 2027 course registration will open soon.

Earn College Credit

Successfully complete your chosen course to receive college credit.

Credit Transferability

Courses Available

The majority of our courses, unless specified, are offered asynchronously. This means that the courses will be delivered through video content, readings, and online discussions at your convenience. This enhances your learning experience by allowing you to engage with the course when and where you choose.

All courses are 3 credits unless indicated otherwise. Courses are removed once they reach capacity.

Synchronous Prerequisite required On-Campus; Semester Based

January 11 – May 6

BADM 201: Business Communication (3 Credits)

A study of communication theory and principles as applied to business writing, oral communication, and data reporting. Students will learn to prepare professional business presentations utilizing and coordinating these three major areas of business communication.

BADM 212: Principles of Management (3 Credits)

Familiarizes students with the knowledge, roles, responsibilities, and skills required of managers. Special attention is given to the management functions of planning, organizing, influencing, and controlling.

BIBL 101: Biblical Literature (3 Credits)

Survey of the types of literature found in the Bible. Considers the origin of the biblical texts and canon; basic issues of interpretation (hermeneutics); and an outline of the history of Israel and of the New Testament church as a backdrop for the message. Literary, historical, and theological aspects of selected texts will be explored. This is a prerequisite for all Bible courses and THEL 209. Fulfills General Education BIBL 101 requirement. Liberal Arts.

ECON 210: Principles of Microeconomics (3 Credits)

Scarcity, economic method, demand and supply, elasticity, consumer and producer theory, models of product market structure, economic institutions, and selected topics on faith integration, economics and ethics, economic systems and perspectives, and public economics. Fulfills half of General Education Social Science requirement. Liberal Arts.

EDUC 219: Educational Psychology (3 Credits)

Examines the teaching/learning processes of individuals. Focuses on learning theory, developmental theory, information processing, motivation and intelligence. Particular attention is given to child and adolescent development. Liberal Arts.

HUM 102: Enduring Questions: Early Modern World (3 Credits)

A chronological survey of literary, philosophical, and other texts in historical context from 1450 to 1800. Emphasis on the development of western civilization with comparative attention to non-western sources and contexts. Fulfills in part General Education Humanities requirement. Liberal Arts.

*MATH 171 Calculus I with Pre-calculus B (MWF 12-1:05pm) Synchronous Course (4 Credits)

An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of organizational leadership, emphasizing contemporary leadership theory, research, and practice across for-profit and nonprofit contexts. Examines major leadership frameworks, including traits, behaviors, power and influence, ethics, teams, change, and strategic leadership, with attention to how leaders shape organizational effectiveness and human flourishing. Students develop the ability to analyze leadership situations, evaluate leadership effectiveness, and reflect critically on their own leadership development. Fulfills requirements for majors in Business Administration and related programs. Liberal Arts.

MHS 223: History of Rock & Roll & Commercial Music (3 Credits)

An examination of the history of the commercial music industry in America from the start of the commercial music industry to the commercial music industry of today, including the musical influence of the commercial song. Beginning with the birth of American popular music in the US, the course explores the development of ragtime, blues, jazz, the crooners, American musical theater, country, Latin, rock & roll, rock, rap and contemporary Christian music. Fulfills General Education Art and Music requirement. Liberal Arts.

PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)

Scientific study of thinking, emotion and behavior. Surveys theories, issues and concepts of psychology. May include research participation requirements. Fulfills half of General Education Social Science requirement. Liberal Arts.

PSY 217: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood (3 Credits)

Concepts and principles, theories, and research methods associated with the development of the individual from early adolescence to young adulthood. Liberal Arts.

SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 Credits)

Introduction to the sociological perspective and sociology program emphasis. Explore environment, development, social work, and marriage-family topics and issues. Understand social and cultural influences on human action, relationship between our personal lifestyles and society, and how to address challenges facing communities. Fulfills half of General Education Social Science requirement. Liberal Arts.

WRIT 101: Writing in the Liberal Arts (3 Credits)

Theme-based seminar course in close reading, critical thinking and the process of engaged writing. Techniques of expression, analysis and response. Fulfills General Education WRIT 101 requirement. Liberal Arts

$70

per credit hour

2026-2027 Academic Year

Cost of your course includes:

Expert instruction from Houghton’s renowned faculty.
Access to classroom resources, including the Willard J. Houghton Library and online learning platform.
Houghton Library has enormous online collections—some 60,000 full text journals and some 800,000 ebooks.
Wifi access while on campus
Local Support and Study Groups

No additional fees. Textbooks charged separately.

Expert College Professors

Houghton professors are dedicated, experienced educators who integrate their Christian faith with outstanding scholarship and who are experts in their fields.

Meet the Faculty

Transferable Credit

As an accredited college, Houghton courses transfer to many public and private colleges and universities around the world. While transfer credit policies vary widely, most institutions will transfer credit if you earn a C or above.

Request your transcript now

Early College, Dual Enrollment vs. AP Classes

What’s the difference between AP Classes, Dual Enrollment and Early College? This blog article explores these three options so you can choose what’s right for your family.

Learn more about your options

Have Questions?

Discover how a Houghton University can accelerate your education and your God-given potential.

Request More Information

Get more details on early college at Houghton.

Speak With Our Team

Contact 1.800.777.2556 or admission@houghton.edu to connect with an enrollment advisor.

Resources for Registered Early College Students

Already registered for an Early College course? Review tips and digital resources.

The official website of Houghton University

Early College/Dual Enrollment