Date of Award

August 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Woei Hung

Abstract

Dual credit opportunities continue to expand across North Dakota, providing high school students with opportunities to earn college credit while completing high school coursework. Despite this growth, participation in dual credit varies among high schools across the state. The purpose of this study was to examine high school administrators’ perceptions and experiences regarding dual credit programming in North Dakota. The study was guided by the following research question: What perceptions about dual credit exist among high school administrators, and what are their experiences?This study used a survey-based research approach to collect data from high school administrators throughout North Dakota. It included both closed-ended and open-ended questions regarding dual credit awareness, access, participation, support systems, benefits, and challenges. Analysis of quantitative responses occurred using frequency counts, percentages, and frequency distributions, while an analysis of open-ended responses occurred through thematic categorization. Findings indicated that administrators generally viewed dual credit positively and recognized benefits related to college readiness, cost savings, faster degree completion, and expanded educational opportunities for students. Participants also identified challenges related to communication, geographic distance from postsecondary institutions, staffing limitations, administrative processes, and awareness of available resources. Survey results revealed gaps in knowledge about scholarship opportunities and transfer resources available to support dual credit students.

Findings informed the development of a Dual Credit Toolkit designed for North Dakota high school administrators. The toolkit provides centralized information and resources on dual credit opportunities, support systems, transferability, financial assistance, and implementation considerations. The toolkit is intended to increase awareness, support informed decision-making, and promote equitable access to dual credit opportunities for students across North Dakota.Keywords: dual credit, concurrent enrollment, high school administrators, postsecondary access, rural education, North Dakota, student success, educational leadership, dual enrollment, equity

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