High School Students Earned Associate’s Degrees at McNeese 

Graduating high school with an associate’s degree is not just a far-fetched dream, but a reality for several dual enrollment students at McNeese State University.  

Dual enrollment is an opportunity given to high school students to enroll at a university and take college courses to simultaneously earn college and high school credits.  

Two dual enrollment students at McNeese are Alexis Nichols and Karlie Church.  

Nichols is a student at Sam Houston High School in Moss Bluff. She has been dually enrolled at Sam Houston and McNeese. 

“There are so many differences between high school and college,” Nichols said. “Advisers and mentors at McNeese have made the transition to taking college classes easy.” 

To succeed in her college-level courses at McNeese, Nichols developed new study techniques that work for her.  

Not only has she racked up some college credit for her future major, nursing, but she has established effective study habits that will carry her throughout her college career.  

“My perfected study method works for me and keeps me from being too overwhelmed,” she said. 

As she nears her high school graduation, an Associate’s Degree in general studies from McNeese in hand, Nichols is on a fast track to pursuing her professional goals.  

“I have come so far in my planned major and McNeese has a fantastic nursing school, so the best option for me is to continue my education at McNeese.”  

Fellow Sam Houston High School student, Church, has already earned 76 college credits through dual enrollment at McNeese. She has been taking college classes since her junior year of high school.   

“Fifty-two of my college credits count toward my intended major, chemical engineering,” she said. 

Being a dual enrollment student has helped Church prepare for college, learn effective study habits and time management. 

“This opportunity has exposed me to accelerated and compacted coursework that challenged me to learn at a faster pace,” Church said.  

Dual enrollment pushes high school students academically while giving them a headstart in learning how to succeed in college.  

“I definitely had to modify my study habits to accommodate for the challenging, fast-paced classes. I didn’t have to spend much time studying for my high school classes, so when I started taking classes that were at a higher level and required multiple hours of studying, I had to figure out more effective methods to study.” 

Dual enrollment at McNeese is a golden opportunity for high schools to get ahead in their college courses, which saves time and money.  

“For any other high school student considering dual enrollment, it is important to make sure you understand your own limits. Dual enrollment courses are difficult, but are worth it if you are willing to put in the time and effort,” Church said. 

“Dual enrollment is a great option for students who are up for learning at a college level while growing academically and maturing mentally,” Nichols said.  

Both students have enjoyed their time and McNeese and plan on continuing their education here.  

“McNeese is an all-around amazing school,” Church explained. “There is such a large variety of excellent departments and student organizations. The community is very welcoming and safe, and the enthusiasm from the faculty and staff creates an environment that feels like home.  

“I am extremely excited to continue at McNeese this fall.” 

Church plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree and a Master of Business Administration degree.  

“In the future, I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After that, I will work in the hospital for a few years before returning to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing at McNeese,” Nichols explained. 

Church added, “I am just so thankful that I had the opportunity to be dually enrolled at my high school and McNeese. It has helped me realize how important hard work and perseverance is for success.”