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Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

A partnership
between area high schools and NIACC
designed to provide additional educational opportunities
for area high school students.

See also - PSEO Registration Information

What are Associate of Arts general education credit courses?
Who teaches the general education courses?
Who should enroll in the Associate of Arts general education courses?
Are the earned credits transferable to other colleges?
What general education courses are currently planned and how will they be delivered?
How can a student register for NIACC general education credit classes?

06-07 Postsecondary Enrollment Options Handbook (pdf file) - Iowa Department of Education


What are Associate of Arts general education credit courses?

Many high school students complete general education college courses through the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO). Just as high school students are required to complete a set of core classes, college students are required to complete a set of general education classes. General education classes provide the diverse experiences in learning that teach generalized skills in communication, critical analysis, research, human relations, and technology. They also survey subject matter to allow for applications of this learning in the classroom and community.

Each of NIACC's degree programs require a specific distribution of general education classes. Each degree program includes a specific number of credit hours in communication, in humanities, social science, and natural science/math. Detailed information about the requirements of a specific major is found in the NIACC catalog.

Who teaches the general education courses?

All courses are taught by NIACC instructors who have met the recommended educational standards established by the Iowa Department of Education. Courses may be taught (1) over the ICN network by NIACC faculty, (2) on-line, (3) in the day or evening on NIACC campus or outreach centers and (4) in the local high schools by high school teachers who serve as NIACC adjunct faculty.

Who should enroll in the Associate of Arts general education courses?

Capable and motivated students who are interested in earning college credit and experiencing the academic rigors of college courses are excellent candidates for these Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) classes. Students must have the prerequisite content skills and courses completed to be eligible for participation. All students should contact their high school counselor or other designated school official for an enrollment packet.

Are the earned credits transferable to other colleges?

If a student has earned a C or better in the course, the NIACC credits will transfer to almost all two and four-year colleges and universities throughout the state and country. The credit appears on the standard NIACC transcript and students complete a NIACC transcript request form to forward grades to other colleges.

What general education courses are available and how are they delivered?

1.Iowa Communications Network (ICN) Classes -

The ICN is a statewide electronic network with two-way interactive video/audio/data connections. Students participate in college classes at high school sites. They communicate with the instructor and other students via two-way video and audio. All classes will follow the NIACC calendar. More information can be found online at http://www.niacc.edu/online/icncourse.html.

2. On line Classes -

Students have access to online courses through the Internet. Students work through the material independently. They communicate with the instructor using email and phone. Online courses are primarily intended for students who have excellent time management skills and a high level of motivation.  More information can be found online at http://www.niacc.edu/online/nonline.html.

3. NIACC Campus and Outreach Centers -

Many high school students drive directly to the NIACC campus and outreach centers to take college level classes. In addition to the daytime schedule, NIACC offers a complete set of general education classes in the evening on the main campus and several general education classes at the NIACC Outreach Centers. The NIACC Outreach Centers are located in Charles City, Garner, Hampton, Lake Mills and Osage. The schedule of evening and outreach center classes is available in Acrobat Reader format (PDF) on the NIACC website.
http://www.niacc.edu/admin/academic/academy/fallschedule.pdf

4. Courses at local high schools -

Some general education classes are offered at local high schools. Students should check with their counselors to determine course availability at their high school.

How can a student register for NIACC general education credit classes?

Classes are available to all 11th and 12th grade high school students as well as to 9th and 10th grade students who have been identified as talented and gifted. Students may enroll for a class taken on-campus, at a NIACC Center, at a high school site, on ine through the Internet, or NIACC class delivered over the ICN. The NIACC class schedule is available on the NIACC website.

The tuition, fees, and books for eligible classes are paid by the local school district. Prior to enrollment, students are expected to meet the all course prerequisites. Students who do not successfully complete the class will be responsible for all costs directly related to the class and shall reimburse the school district for its costs.

All students should contact their high school counselor for class prerequisites and a PSEO enrollment packet.

See also - PSEO Registration Information

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Last Update: 12/2006

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