DCFEP Frequently Asked Questions

To address the shortage of credentialed instructors and expand access to dual credit courses for high school students.

High school teachers who are nominated by the school district and employed at campuses partnered with one of the five Alamo Colleges District institutions.

Teachers with a master’s degree complete 18 graduate hours in a designated content area.

Teachers with a bachelor’s degree pursue a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction plus 18 graduate hours in a designated content area.

English, History, and Government (Political Science).

12 months for those with a master’s degree.

24 months for those pursuing a master’s degree.

New cohorts begin each summer I term in alignment with the academic calendar at St. Mary’s University.

18 Total Content Hours:

• Summer I - 3 credit hours
• Summer II - 3 credit hours
• Fall term - 6 credit hours
• Spring term - 6 credit hours

Master's Degree In C&I:

• Summer I - 3 credit hours
• Summer II - 3 credit hours
• Fall - 3 credit hours
• Spring - 3 credit hours
• Summer I - 3 credit hours
• Summer II - 3 Credit hours
• Fall term - 6 credit hours
• Spring - 6 credit hours

30 total credit hours

No, you must adhere to the course sequence and schedule as part of the DCFEP Program.

Teachers are required to remain in good standing each term as required by St. Mary’s University throughout the completion of all coursework.

Teachers who fail a course face the risk of being removed from the DCFEP and may be subject to a repayment of up to $5,500.00 to their school district.

Tuition and fees are covered by the Alamo Colleges District. Participants may be responsible for course materials unless they are paid by their district.

They may be required to repay up to $5,500 in program costs to their school district.

Yes, participants must commit to teaching dual credit for three years after completing the program or repay costs.

School districts must submit a Commitment Form, designate a DCFEP Liaison, submit a DCFEP Implementation Plan for all DCFEP teachers and execute a DCFEP MOU with the Alamo Colleges.

A strategic plan submitted by the school district to ensure equitable placement of DCFEP teachers in schools with limited dual credit access.

December 1

January 30

Teachers complete an interest form, are nominated based on their district’s implementation plan, if selected participants are invited to apply to the St. Mary’s DCFEP graduate program.

March 30

Flexible, online coursework and district support through a designated liaison.