Gateway Certificates
Designed for High School Dual Credit
Students can now take the first steps toward a degree at a fraction of the price when they enroll in undergraduate certificate programs offered by South Dakota's Public Universities.
A Strategic Approach to High School Dual Credit
South Dakota public universities offer undergraduate certificate programs that can be accomplished through High School Dual Enrollment or as a student at a SD public university. These certificates include 3-4 courses and are recorded on as a credential on the undergraduate transcript upon completion. Even if students don’t end up fulfilling all requirements, enrolling in a certificate program has benefits.
Why Enroll in a Certificate Program?
Gateway Certificates
A Meaningful Approach to Degree and Career Exploration
Gateway Certificates consist of three to four courses that students can complete through the High School Dual Credit (HSDC) program or at a South Dakota public university. Each certificate is aligned to a specific career pathway and includes both pathway-focused and general education courses.
This allows students to explore a degree and career area through real college coursework before committing to a full program, while earning credits that still count toward future credentials.
Upon completion, the certificate appears on the student’s South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) transcript. While designed with HSDC students in mind, Gateway Certificates are open to all SDBOR students and do not have to be completed through dual credit.
Now Available:
Other Certificates
See how dual credit helps you earn a credential
Take HSDC from a SD Public University? Visit our DegreeWorks audit tool (login with university email) to see how your courses satisfy requirements toward a credential. If you are enrolled in a Gateway Certificate, you will be able to see your progress toward the credential, and which courses you still need to take. You can also use the “What If” feature to see your progress toward the various degrees offered by the universities.
Take HSDC from a non-SD Public University? Visit “Transfer SD” to see how those course credits will transfer.
Access Degree Audit ToolFrequently Asked Questions
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