DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas has launched the UNT Dual Credit Network, a statewide initiative that brings together universities, community colleges and K-12 school districts to expand access to dual credit classes and better prepare Texas students for college.

Established by UNT President Harrison Keller, Ph.D., the network aims to address a growing need for qualified dual credit instructors by helping high school teachers earn the graduate credentials required to teach college-level courses while creating a statewide community of educators committed to student success.

"At UNT, we view collaborations with school districts and community colleges as vital engines for expanding opportunity across our region and beyond," Keller said. "We are proud to invest in dual credit instructors to prepare students for seamless transitions from high school to college and into high-impact careers."

In Texas, teachers who instruct dual credit classes must hold a master's degree and at least 18 graduate hours in the subject they teach. Through the Dual Credit Network, educators can earn those credentials through fully online content specific to master's degree programs or graduate academic certificates designed specifically for working teachers.

"The research shows that with an embedded high school teacher teaching dual credit, the student is more likely to complete a four-year degree," said Dr. Rudi Thompson, executive director of UNT's Dual Credit Initiative. "We wanted to make the biggest difference we could by helping teachers."

Unlike many existing dual credit credentialing programs, UNT's offerings emphasize graduate coursework in academic disciplines such as history and English, giving teachers deeper subject expertise while allowing them to complete the programs more quickly through streamlined, fully online coursework. Additional programs in mathematics, political science/government and economics are being developed now for rollout soon.

The network also connects teachers with university faculty and community college partners through a peer-to-peer network that meets monthly, ongoing professional development, collaboration opportunities and shared teaching resources designed to strengthen dual credit instruction across the state.

Among the first educators participating is Sierra Murphy, a history teacher at Lone Star High School in Frisco ISD. After graduating from UNT in 2022, Murphy said the opportunity to teach dual credit aligns with her goal of preparing students for success after high school.

"I think it's a really good opportunity for students," Murphy said. "Being able to focus on certain things that maybe we don't have time to focus on in a traditional setting, with a little bit more rigor, is really exciting."

For Murphy, helping students build confidence before they reach college is what drew her to education in the first place.

"That's my whole hope as a teacher," she said. "I'm preparing them for the future."

The Dual Credit Network is already partnering with community colleges across Texas, including Collin College, Grayson College, Tarrant County College and Texas Southmost College, with plans to continue expanding statewide. Through those partnerships, teachers can earn the credentials needed to teach dual credit courses while remaining in their classrooms, helping more students access college coursework before graduating from high school.