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As more students across the state take advantage of Ohio’s College Credit Plus (CC+) program, the need for qualified educators who can teach dual enrollment or college-level courses in high school settings continues to grow.
For many teachers, it’s a natural next step and an opportunity to expand their credentials, deepen their subject-area expertise, and make a lasting impact on students' academic futures. But what does it take to become eligible to teach these courses?
Ohio University offers flexible online graduate programs designed to help Ohio educators meet the requirements and confidently step into the college classroom, even if that classroom is down the hall from their own.
Opening the door to dual enrollment opportunities
College Credit Plus is Ohio’s dual enrollment program that allows students in grades 7–12 to earn both high school and college credit at the same time at no cost to families. These courses are offered through partnerships between high schools and Ohio colleges or universities and are designed to accelerate students’ pathways to higher education.
In many cases, CCP, also referred to as CC+, courses are taught by qualified high school teachers who meet the same standards as faculty at the partner institution. That means the opportunity to teach dual enrollment courses also opens doors for educators themselves to grow, lead, and inspire students in new ways.
What are the requirements to teach CCP or dual enrollment courses?
To teach a CC+ course, educators must meet the credentialing guidelines set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the accrediting body for most colleges and universities in the region. These standards ensure that the academic rigor of a CCP course matches that of its on-campus equivalent.
According to HLC guidelines, teachers must have:
- A master’s degree in the subject area they wish to teach
or
- A master’s degree in any field plus 18 graduate credit hours in the subject area
For example, a teacher hoping to offer dual enrollment English would need either an M.A. in English or a master’s in another field supplemented by 18 graduate-level credit hours in English coursework. The same applies to disciplines like history, math, biology and more.
For educators who need to get qualified
Many licensed high school teachers are strong candidates for dual enrollment instruction but may not yet meet the formal qualifications. Fortunately, there are clear pathways to bridge that gap and flexible options for working professionals to get there.
Two of the most common paths include:
- Enrolling in a subject-specific online master’s program
- Earning graduate credit hours through a certificate or post-master’s coursework
For teachers balancing classrooms, families and busy schedules, online learning offers a practical solution.
Flexible online pathways at Ohio University
Ohio University offers a range of online graduate programs that align with dual enrollment and CCP credentialing requirements and are designed with the needs of educators in mind.
Among the most popular options:
- The Master of Arts in English– delivered 100% online, this program supports teachers aiming to qualify for CCP and dual enrollment English instruction.
- The Master of Science in Chemistry– delivered 100% this program is ideal for teachers desiring to study chemistry while earning a master’s degree
- The Master of Science in Geological Sciences– also offered 100% online, this non-thesis master’s program is designed for earth science teachers.
- The Master of Science in Social Sciences– a 100% online degree ideal for teachers wishing to study specific history and political science content.
Courses are offered in asynchronous formats, making it easier for full-time teachers to manage coursework around their existing schedules.
Taking the first step
If you’re an educator interested in teaching dual enrollment courses through College Credit Plus, here are a few starting points:
- Review your credentials to see how they align with HLC guidelines
- Talk with your school’s CCP coordinator or principal about course needs and district partnerships
- Explore Ohio University’s online graduate programs to identify the right fit for your goals
- Connect with an admissions advisor to map out your next steps
A new way to lead in the classroom
Becoming a dual enrollment instructor isn’t just about teaching college-level content, it’s about giving students earlier access to opportunity, confidence, and academic momentum.
With a fully online graduate program from Ohio University, teachers can meet credentialing requirements while continuing to inspire in the classroom they already call home.
Learn more about Ohio University’s online graduate programs and how they can help you qualify to teach dual enrollment through College Credit Plus at https://www.ohio.edu/cas/online .