Take college courses while you attend high school through the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program. Credits you earn count toward high school graduation and a college degree.
Students may take classes on the Normandale campus or online, either full-time or part-time. Tuition, fees, and required textbooks and materials are covered at no cost to the student.
The PSEO program gives you access to a greater variety of courses and more challenging classes that may not be available at your high school.
There are two types of PSEO programs with different admission and course eligibility requirements:
“I would tell other high school students to take advantage of PSEO. It gets you prepared for college and shows you what the real world is going to be like. Plus, everything is paid for, so why not?
Get details about the PSEO program, eligibility requirements, how and when to apply, and more!
Watch our step-by-step instructional video about how to apply online.
“With Normandale, I was able to be introduced to what I can do in college. I’ve met really good teachers here who helped me expand and improve my writing throughout the semester. I’m really thankful for that.
PSEO-eligible courses offered during the fall and spring terms Courses offered in the evening and at weekends.
Courses that are not available for Post-Secondary Enrollment Options students:
All courses numbered below 1000 (below college-level, developmental education);
All study abroad courses and courses involving overnight travel;
This program focuses on general education courses. (A 10th grade CTE student can now take general education courses in their second term).
The reading course placement is the determining factor for a student's participation in the general PSEO program.
If needed, homeschooled students can access the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT10) or the Iowa Assessments through the Minnesota Statewide Testing Program.
The admissions process involves 3 steps:
The Admissions Office will send emails with information on how to complete each step. Do this as soon as possible after receiving the email with instructions.
For each step, a certain requirement must be met before moving on to the next. Applicants are only notified of the next step when the previous requirement has been met.
In addition to general eligibility requirements, applicants must satisfy all three sections (reading, writing and math) of course placements. A college level placement in reading is required to enroll in classes under the PSEO program.
Students who do not place at a college-level in English and/or mathematics will not have access to courses in those academic subject areas.
Accuplacer placement testing is temporarily suspended. Normandale is following temporary course placement guidelines established by the state of Minnesota.
Under these guidelines, course placements are determined using ACT, MCA, or SAT scores or high school GPA. Learn more about Course Placement.
ACT | SAT | MCA | HS GPA | |
Read | 21 | 480 | 1047 | 2.6 |
English | 18 | 480 | N/A | 2.6 |
Math | 22 | 530 | 1148 | 2.7+ |
Spring Semester - December 1
Fall Semester - July 1
Watch the PSEO Online Application Instructions Video
Please apply and upload supporting documents online. If you have ever created a StarID and password, use it to apply. It is important that you do not create a new one. If you are new to our system, create a new one.
Call 952-358-8208 or email pseo@normandale.edu if you have questions.
A completed application must include:
If applicable to determine eligibility or receive transfer credit, submit the following:
If you are unable to apply online, use the PSEO Application PDF form. The application form and supporting documents may be emailed to pseo@normandale.edu. All materials must be submitted together.
Information regarding your admission status will be sent via email to the address provided on the application or your assigned Normandale student email account.
Once all eligibility requirements have been met, you will be accepted and invited to attend a New Student Online Orientation session.
“I definitely recommend PSEO. It’s such a good way to complete college requirements while you’re still in high school, and it’s free! Normandale is such a supportive network full of great faculty and great people.
This program is for sophomores, juniors and seniors completing eligible career and technical education courses identified by the college.
Students must be enrolled in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade to participate. Non-public and homeschooled 10th grade students are eligible.
Students are eligible for only one course in the first semester. Earning a grade of "C" or better in that course allows for enrollment in any post-secondary courses approved for PSEO subsequent semesters. Contact your assigned advisor regarding course selection and registration.
The admissions process involves 3 steps:
The Admissions Office will send emails with information on how to complete each step. Do this as soon as possible after receiving the email with instructions.
For each step, a certain requirement must be met before moving on to the next. Applicants are only notified of the next step when the previous requirement has been met.
Spring Semester - December 1
Fall Semester - July 1
Watch the PSEO Online Application Instructions Video
Please apply and upload supporting documents online. If you have ever created a StarID and password, use it to apply. It is important that you do not create a new one. If you are new to our system, create a new one.
Call 952-358-8208 or email pseo@normandale.edu if you have questions.
A completed application must include:
If applicable to determine eligibility or receive transfer credit, submit the following:
If you are unable to apply online, use the PSEO Application PDF form. The application form and supporting documents may be emailed to pseo@normandale.edu. All materials must be submitted together.
Information regarding your admission status will be sent via email to the address provided on the application or your assigned Normandale student email account.
Once all eligibility requirements have been met, you will be accepted and invited to attend a New Student Online Orientation session.
Take on campus or online classes during the summer when PSEO is not offered.
Take Normandale classes offered at your high school for juniors and seniors.
How many credits can I take? How difficult will the courses be? Where do I park? This document walks through common questions about the PSEO program.