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What is the difference between "Dual" and "Joint" Enrollment?

"Dual" enrollment means you get credit for both a high school and a college class. You get these credits at the same time. In other words, one class is counted twice. Once for college, and once for high school.

It really is a great deal.

"Joint" enrollment means you are taking a college course, while a high schooler. However, unlike dual, you are earning ONLY college credit for it. Your high school counselor can tell you whether the class you are taking qualifies as "dual" or "joint" enrollment.

With either option, you are still earning college credit. With Joint, you are NOT earning high school credit—it’s an extra class.

Can I get an Associate Degree before graduating from high school?

Yes! If this is your goal, please get with your Dual Enrollment Coordinator and guidance counselor as soon as you can. We will all work together to make sure the classes you take at Motlow will also serve as credit for high school graduation requirements. Also, decide which program you will pursue by looking at the list of Academic Programs we offer. If you meet the academic requirements, you are welcome to choose any program you’d like; if you are unsure which to select, we will be happy to help you make an informed choice. To do this is challenging, and you must be motivated, but it is not impossible. Class scheduling may be a little different from what you are used to, but we must get creative to ensure program requirements are met. You may end up taking classes online and in the evening, as well as during the school day. The Middle College Scholarship is available for those that qualify to aid in paying tuition.

For those who are engineering-minded, consider the Mechatronics program. Ninety-five percent of students who graduate in this field obtain employment immediately after graduation, most of whom start out making up to $45,000. This is the only program paid for, in its entirety, while you are still in high school. The cost of textbooks is included as well.

Can I still take dual enrollment classes if I haven't taken the ACT?

Yes, Motlow only requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a 3.0 or higher in your high school classes in the subject you want to take a Motlow class. For example, if you want to take English, Psychology, Sociology, Speech, etc. as dual enrollment classes, you must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and a 3.0 or higher in your high school English classes. To be eligible to take a college level math class, you must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and a 3.0 or higher in your high school English AND Math classes. To take Mechatronics classes, you must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher. If, for some reason, you don’t meet the GPA requirement but still want to take classes, we can take eligible ACT scores. If you want to take an English, Speech, Intro to Psychology, etc. you must have a sub score of 18 in English and a 19 in Reading. To take a college level math or science class, you must have the sub scores just mentioned, plus a 19 in math. Some of the high schools we work with have stricter eligibility requirements to enroll in Dual Enrollment classes; we honor those as well. Please check with your high school counselor first to make sure you qualify.

When can I register for classes?

Your first step is to apply to Motlow as a dual enrollment student. Once we receive your application and have it processed, we have to wait on your most recent high school transcript to ensure that you are still on track and meeting the dual enrollment requirements. At this point, you will need to meet with your coordinator and guidance counselor, they will determine which classes would be the most beneficial for you to take. You will then be registered by your Motlow dual enrollment coordinator.

Who is my Dual Enrollment Coordinator?

Edie Brasher

Rutherford County
615-220-7836
[email protected]

Marla Rudd

Moore County, Franklin County, Lincoln County, Tullahoma High School, and Huntland High School
931-433-9340 ext. 3003
[email protected]

Debbie Jennings

Administrative Assistant
931-393-1793
[email protected]

Sally Pack

Warren, Van Buren, Dekalb, White County, and Cannon Counties
931-668-7010
[email protected]

Lisa Campbell

Bedford County, Coffee County, Coffee County Virtual Academy, all Online Public High Schools, and Homeschooled Students
931-393-1823
[email protected]

How does the Dual Enrollment Grant work?

You must submit the Dual Enrollment Grant every year. Once you start taking classes, you must maintain a collegiate GPA of 2.0 to maintain eligibility. Unfortunately, once you drop below 2.0, you are unable to regain it. If you have submitted the Middle College Scholarship (for students who are working toward earning an associate degree before graduating high school), you must maintain a collegiate GPA of 3.0 or higher to maintain eligibility. If you choose to continue to take classes even though you have lost the grant you will have to pay out of pocket. If this is the case and you see your collegiate GPA get above a 2.0, you are still; unfortunately, not eligible to be awarded monies from the dual enrollment grant. The grant pays in entirety for the first five classes. Textbooks are not included. Once you are on class number 6, you will be awarded $100 per credit hour toward the cost of tuition. After you have taken your 10th class, all grant monies will have been exhausted.

Do I have to take all my classes at a Motlow State campus?

No. We have three convenient options for you to choose from:

  • Take classes at partner high schools- Motlow State has agreements with many of the area high schools to offer college courses on the high school campus. These courses are taught by Motlow faculty and conveniently available on partner high school campuses.

  • Take online classes- For students who have issues with transportation, or for scheduling convenience, online courses are a great option. Many of Motlow's core classes are offered online and are available to high school students.

  • Take classes on a Motlow State campus- Students are invited to come to any one of Motlow State's four campus locations - Moore County, Fayetteville, McMinnville or Smyrna. Available locations are dependent upon classes offered for a given semester, the student's high school schedule and the high school's determination of how credit is applied toward graduation.

What if my GPA or ACT scores are not high enough for me to be eligible for a dual/joint enrollment course? Is there anything else I can do to qualify?

Students with ACT scores that do not meet the dual/joint enrollment required scores may challenge the ACT scores by taking the ACCUPLACER test on our campus. The results of this test cannot be sent to other colleges or used to apply for the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship. You must have completed a Motlow State application to be eligible for the Residual ACT or Accuplacer. To find out test dates and times and to schedule a test, call our testing center at (800) 654-4877 ext. 1763 or (931) 393-1763.

How do I request a copy of my Motlow State transcript when I graduate from high school?

Official transcripts can be sent directly to another educational institution or business only by written request from the student. Complete a transcript request form to have your Motlow State academic records sent to another college or university.

How to Videos

How to Submit the Consent Form

How to Apply for the Dual Enrollment Grant

How to Post to a Discussion

How to Take a Quiz

How to Customize the Calendar

How to Log In to the MotlowHub

How to Login to D2L

How to Submit an Assignment

How to Create ePortfolio Presentations

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