Eligibility to teach and HLC Requirements

Mandatory requirements #

The instructor and high school administration must affirm that:

  1. The course(s) will be offered by the instructor as an ACP course(s) for Indiana University credit. ACP instructors may not offer dual credit for another institution to students within the same classroom being taught for IU dual credit.
  2. The course(s) will be delivered with the required components, assessments, materials and conditions outlined in training, through updates & professional development, and direction of IU faculty coordinators and site visitors.
  3. The instructor will attend annual professional development, and host the IU faculty site visitor annually, or as requested.
  4. The course training, materials, assessments, syllabi, and content will not be used to instruct non-ACP courses.

All ACP instructors are expected to comply with the policies and follow the procedures found in the ACP Instructor & School Handbook.

The ACP instructor applicant recommended criteria usually includes:

  1. Two years teaching experience in the discipline
  2. Experience teaching an upper level advanced course in the discipline (AP or honors equivalent, or dual credit with other provider)
  3. For applicants needing to complete a graduate program (Master’s degree or graduate certificate), Indiana University faculty look for academic, professional, and personal background characteristics that demonstrate ability and inclination to successfully deliver the course through participation in an approved Indiana University graduate program, and ACP training.

A list of course specific guidelines can be found on the ACP Courses & their Requirements page.

Approved instructors receive two to five days of summer training with their IU faculty liaison on the IUB campus or vitually, depending on availability. New ACP instructors must complete ACP instructor training for course delivery in the IU model, and receive access, training, and support for engaging with IU's academic and learning resources.

HLC qualifications for ACP dual credit instructors #

As part of the requirements to become an ACP instructor, you must fall into at least one of the categories listed below.

Description Details
Model #1: Master's Degree in dual credit discipline complete

  • Includes MAT if coursework includes 18 graduate hours in dual credit discipline
  • Additional requirements may be stipulated by IU academic department
Model #2: Master’s Degree in other field + 18 graduate hours in dual credit discipline completed
  • Qualifying graduate courses determined by IU academic departments
  • Additional requirements may be stipulated by IU academic department
Model #3: Enrollment in approved IU graduate credential; training and instruction under direct supervision by IU faculty*
  • Qualifying IU graduate programs determined by IU
  • Additional requirements may apply (i.e., IU may determine minimum # of terms enrolled prior to course delivery)

* Although most current ACP instructors will have completed graduate coursework necessary to meet Model 1 or 2 before September 2025, instructors who join the program close to or beyond this date can participate through Model 3. These instructors must be enrolled in and pursuing an approved IU graduate program and will teach ACP courses under direct supervision of IU faculty. Instructors participating via Model 3 are provided supervision and training that includes and exceeds that provided on-campus graduate instructors.

A discipline is defined as a branch of instruction, knowledge, or learning. It is the smallest administrative structural unit that has a shared responsibility for curriculum and faculty.

IU Dual Credit Pipeline #

The ACP Dual Credit Pipeline is designed as a sustainable approach to ensure that all Indiana teachers offering dual credit courses on and after Sept 1, 2025, are eligible, trained, supported, and delivering the highest quality college course. To accomplish this objective, the Pipeline combines IU graduate coursework with ongoing programmatic support that matches expectations of the on-campus department/academic unit, and Higher Learning Commission.

You can learn more about the Dual Credit Pipeline, view available courses and deadlines, and access the application form on the Dual Credit Pipeline website.

Dual Credit Pipeline website