THESE PAGES ARE BEING UPDATED AS NEW LAW WAS IMPLEMENTED 07/01/24
- What is Dual Enrollment Accelerated Career Diploma (ACD)?
- ACD offers Georgia high school students another pathway to earning a high school diploma. Participants in the ACD program, known as accelerated career students, engage in dual enrollment (DE) with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), enabling them to earn technical college credentials in specific career fields while still in high school. Additionally, accelerated career students follow streamlined graduation requirements rather than the 23 credits required for traditional students.
- What is the purpose ACD?
- ACD prepares students to enter the workforce directly upon graduation and equips them for careers that require specialized technical skills.
- What previous DE programs in Georgia served as predecessors to ACD?
- SB2 (2015 – 2020)
- Option B (2020 – 2023)
- How do high school graduation requirements differ for accelerated career students?
- Accelerated career students must earn credit for the following high school courses:
- (2) core English courses, with (1) being American Literature with the EOC
- (2) core math courses, with (1) being Algebra with the EOC
- (2) core science courses, with (1) being Biology with the EOC
- (2) core social studies courses
- (1) Health/Physical Education*
- OR
- (2) core English courses, with (1) being American Literature with the EOC
- (3) core math courses, with (1) being Algebra with the EOC
- (2) core science courses, with (1) being Biology with the EOC
- (1) core social studies course
- (1) Health/Physical Education*
- *This requirement can be fulfilled by completing either the “Personal Fitness
- and Health Combined” course or by completing Health along with one of the Physical Education courses listed under the “Personal Fitness & Conditioning” category in the Georgia Department of Education’s State-Funded Course Catalog
- Which courses fulfill the core course requirement?
- A core course is designated by an “r” or “c” in the Georgia Department of Education’s State-Funded Course Catalog. Alternatively, this requirement can be fulfilled by completing a state-funded DE diploma or degree-level core course through the TCSG. Click here to refer to the DE course directory.
- Why are accelerated career students required to earn credit for the English, math, and science EOC courses (American Literature, Algebra, and Biology) but not for the social studies EOC course (US History)?
- Federal law requires testing in English, math, and science as part of federal accountability standards. While Georgia mandates an EOC for US History, this requirement is governed by state law rather than federal law, making it optional for accelerated career students.
- Can Foundations of Algebra satisfy one of the core math requirements?
- Yes.
- Can accelerated career students enroll in TCSG math courses without completing Advanced Algebra at high school?
- Yes. Unlike traditional DE students, accelerated career students can take diploma or degree-
- level math courses without completing Advanced Algebra in high school. However, they must meet the placement requirements set by the TCSG for specific math courses.
- Why might some accelerated career students choose a third math course instead of a second social studies course?
- Some ACD technical college programs may require or benefit from taking advanced math skills offered through the TCSG, such as programs focused on repairing and maintaining high-tech manufacturing equipment.
- What are some examples of three math course sequences?
- Foundations of Algebra – Algebra – Geometry
- Foundations of Algebra – Algebra – MATH 1012 (Foundations of Mathematics)
- Algebra – Geometry – Advanced Algebra
- Algebra – Geometry – MATH 1103 (Quantitative Skills and Reasoning)
- Can accelerated career students fulfill high school graduation requirements for social studies by taking two half-credit core social studies courses (Personal Finance & Economics and American Government) totaling one full credit?
- Yes. Under ACD guidelines, accelerated career students must earn credit in two “state-funded core social studies courses.” Therefore, completing Personal Finance & Economics (.5 credit) and American Government (.5 credit) satisfies this requirement.
- Can accelerated career students meet the social studies requirements by completing only one half-credit core social studies course alongside three math courses?
- Yes. Accelerated career students can meet the social studies requirement by completing one half-credit core social studies core course (.5 credit in Personal Finance & Economics or American Government) if they also complete three math courses, including Algebra with the EOC.
- Do all Physical Education courses meet the Health/Physical Education graduation requirement?
- No. Accelerated career students must earn credit for either the “Personal Fitness and Health Combined” course or complete Health along with one of the Physical Education courses listed under the “Personal Fitness & Conditioning” category in the Georgia Department of Education’s State-Funded Course Catalog.
- Can accelerated career students participate in the ACD program through one of the University Systems of Georgia (USG) four-year institutions?
- No. The ACD program is only available through the TCSG.
- What technical colleges are part of the TCSG?
- Click here for a complete list of the colleges that make up the TCSG.
- Can accelerated career students “dual-dual enroll” and participate in traditional DE while also participating in ACD?
- No. Students must choose to participate in either traditional DE or ACD.
- Which technical credentials satisfy ACD requirements?
- Accelerated career students must complete one of the following through the TCSG:
- (1) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in any field
- (1) technical diploma in any field
- (1) approved program leading to licensure
- (2) approved Technical Certificates of Credit (TCCs)
- What are the approved programs leading to licensure?
- Click here for a list of approved programs leading to licensure.
- What are the approved TCCs?
- Click here for a list of approved TCCs.
- What are occupational courses?
- Occupational courses are specialized classes designed to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge needed for specific jobs or career fields. These courses emphasize hands-on training and real-world applications in various vocational or technical fields. They also serve as mandatory or elective components of AAS degrees, technical diplomas, programs leading to licensure, and TCCs.
- What is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree?
- An AAS is an associate degree designed to prepare students for immediate employment in specific career fields. Although it includes “Science” in its name, AAS degrees are not limited to science-related fields. For example, the TCSG offers AAS degrees in various disciplines, such as Business Management, Cybersecurity, and Culinary Arts.
- In addition to the required occupational courses, AAS degrees typically require completing 15 credit hours of General Education Degree Core Courses. Examples include ENGL 1101 (Composition & Rhetoric), MATH 1111 (College Algebra), and PSYC 1101 (Introductory Psychology). These courses can fulfill high school core graduation requirements, and many are guaranteed to transfer to four-year institutions within the USG.
- Accelerated career students may pursue an AAS degree in any field the TCSG offers.
- Are AAS degrees the only type of associate degree eligible under the ACD program?
- Yes. While the TCSG may offer an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS), only AAS
- degrees are eligible under the ACD program.
- What is a technical diploma?
- A technical diploma is an educational credential emphasizing practical, hands-on training and developing specific skills for immediate employment in particular career fields. Unlike AAS degrees, technical diplomas concentrate more on building technical skills and are typically shorter in duration.
- In addition to the required occupational courses, technical diplomas typically require the completion of 9 credit hours in Diploma Basic Skills Core Courses (refer to page 5). Examples include ENGL 1010 (Fundamentals of English I) and MATH 1012 (Foundations of Mathematics). Although these courses can fulfill high school core graduation requirements, they do not transfer to four-year institutions within the USG.
- Accelerated career students may pursue a technical diploma in any field the TCSG offers.
- What are licensure programs?
- Licensure programs are specialized educational programs designed to prepare students for professional licensure in regulated fields such as Cosmetology, Practical Nursing, and Emergency Medical Responder. These programs equip students with the necessary training, skills, and knowledge to meet industry standards and pass licensing exams.
- Accelerated career students may only pursue approved programs leading to licensure offered through the TCSG.
- What are Technical Certificates of Credit (TCCs)?
- TCCs are educational credentials designed to be completed in one year or less, focusing on job-specific training. TCCs emphasize hands-on learning and practical skills, making them ideal for students quickly transitioning into the workforce. Unlike an AAS degree or technical diploma, TCCs are solely comprised of occupational courses and do not require General Education Degree Core Courses or Diploma Basic Skills Core Courses.
- TCCs can be compared to different vehicle components, with each TCC focusing on equipping students with specific skills necessary to work on a particular vehicle system. For example, in Automotive Technology, TCCs include specializations such as Automotive Engine Performance Technician, Climate Control Technician, and Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Technician. Each TCC corresponds to different systems within a vehicle that an automotive technician may need to address.
- Accelerated career students may only pursue accelerated career pathways in approved TCCs offered through the TCSG.
- What are accelerated career pathways?
- Accelerated career pathways are high-demand skilled trade pathways determined by the State Workforce Development Board and local needs.
- Can accelerated career students earn TCCs in a non-accelerated career pathway as part of ACD?
- No, accelerated career students must earn two TCCs in accelerated career pathways. Students not interested in accelerated career pathways but who still want to participate in the ACD program may pursue an approved program leading to licensure or an AAS or technical diploma in any field.
- Can accelerated career students take DE courses that are not included in the DE course directory?
- Yes.
- What is the difference between an AAS degree, a technical diploma, and TCCs?
- General Example
| AAS Degree | Technical Diploma | 2 TCCS | |
| Area 1 Lang Arts/Comm. | General Ed* Engl 1101 | Basic Skills Engl 1010 | None |
| Area 2 Social/Behavioral Science | General Ed* Psyc 1101 (example) | Basic Skills Psyc 1010 | None |
| Area 3 Natural Science/Math | General Ed* Math 1111 (example) | Basic Skills Math 1012 (example) | None |
| Area 4 General Ed Courses | General Ed* Humn 1101 (example) | None | None |
| Additional Gen Ed Courses | 3 hours (choice) | None | None |
| Occupational Courses Minimum Hours | 40 hours | 29 hours | 15 hours |
| Total College Hours | ≈ 60 – 73 hours | ≈ 30 – 59 hours | ≈ 15 – 36 hours |
| Total Duration | ≈ 2 years | ≈ 12 – 18 months | ≈ 6 – 12 months |
*These courses may transfer to four-year institutions within the USG
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Example
| AAS Degree | Technical Diploma | 2 TCCs | |
| Area 1 Lang Arts/Comm. | Engl 1101* | Engl 1010 | None |
| Area 2 Social/Behavioral Science | Psyc 1101* (example) | Psyc 1010 | None |
| Area 3 Natural Science/Math | Math 1111* (example) | Math 1012 (example) | None |
| Area 4 General Ed Courses | Humn 1101* (example) | None | None |
| Additional Gen Ed Courses | Soci 1101* (example) | None | None |
| Occupational Courses | 45 hours ECCE 1101 ECCE 1103 ECCE 1105 ECCE 1112 ECCE 1113 ECCE 1121 ECCE 2115 ECCE 2116 ECCE 2201 ECCE 2202 ECCE 2203 ECCE 2245 ECCE 2320 ECCE 2322 | 33 hours ECCE 1101 ECCE 1103 ECCE 1105 ECCE 1112 ECCE 1113 ECCE 1121 ECCE 2115 ECCE 2116 ECCE 2201 ECCE 2202 ECCE 2203 | 15 hours ECCE 1101 ECCE 1103 ECCE 1105 ECCE 1112 ECCE 1121 |
| Total College Hours | 60 hours | 42 hours | 15 hours |
| Total Duration | ≈ 2 years | ≈ 12 – 18 months | ≈ 6 – 12 months |
*These courses may transfer to four-year institutions within the USG
- Who is eligible to participate in ACD?
- Students who attend a Georgia public high school and are in grades 10 – 12 are eligible to participate.
- How do accelerated career students receive funding to participate in ACD?
- The ACE Grant provides funding to cover tuition, books, and mandatory fees associated with the ACD program for up to 15 semester hours. Students apply for the ACE Grant by submitting the Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP).
- Do accelerated career students still need to submit the DE funding application through GAFutures?
- No. Accelerated career students only need to submit the Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP).
- Is the ACD program subject to the same 30-hour funding limit as traditional DE?
- No. There is no funding limit for the ACD program.
- Do accelerated career students receive a traditional high school diploma after fulfilling the ACD requirements?
- Yes. After earning their required high school credits and technical college credentials, accelerated career students graduate with the same high school diploma as traditional students.
- Are accelerated career students required to complete their high school courses before beginning the technical college portion of ACD?
- No. Accelerated career students have the flexibility to enroll in both high school and technical college courses concurrently.
- Can accelerated career students engage in high school activities while participating in ACD?
- Yes. Accelerated career students can engage in all high school activities, including sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities, while concurrently taking courses through the TCSG. Accelerated career students maintain their status as enrolled high school students at their respective high schools.
- Can accelerated career students enroll in a traditional two-year or four-year college or university after completing ACD and graduating high school?
- Yes. While many accelerated career students pursue something other than a four-year degree, those who earn 30 credit hours in General Education Degree Courses and meet specific admission criteria can be eligible to attend a two-year or four-year postsecondary institution. Additionally, graduates who obtain an AAS degree during high school can explore “two-plus-two” agreements with technical colleges, which provide two years of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree. Many four-year institutions accept credits from associate degree courses even without formal agreements.
- How doesparticipation in ACD affect eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship if accelerated career students continue their postsecondary education after graduating high school?
- Similar to traditional DE, technical college credit hours earned through ACD do not count toward the
- 127-hour HOPE cap. Accelerated career students who graduate from high school through ACD are
- eligible for up to 30 hours of HOPE Grant funding if they maintain a 2.0 GPA. Additionally, the
- HOPE Scholarship is available to those pursuing bachelor’s degrees, provided they maintain a 3.0
- GPA. This applies to students who earned an AAS degree and those who did not