Summer Courses Offer Students Chance to Catch Up and Get Ahead

For DU students eager to make progress toward their degree, the summer break isn’t always entirely welcome. Staying mentally sharp can be challenging – how many podcasts and TED talks can anyone listen to, after all? One option: summer courses, which offer students the opportunity to continue their academic momentum from the spring quarter and to get ahead, too. 

This year, the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) is offering more than 100 summer classes, including about 60 common curriculum courses and 40 major-minor courses to make it easier for DU students to get the credits they need toward their degree. 

“I took just one summer class, but it allowed me to take fewer classes the following quarter to really focus on the content in those,” said Callum Eager, who graduated in 2023 with a degree in Journalism. “Taking a course in the summer helped because, for me, the issue with the quarter system was working to obtain knowledge in such a short amount of time.”

A recent study by "Forbes" magazine cited that students’ reasons for taking summer courses range from getting a second chance on a previously failed course to pursuing intensive language study, or even adding minors to transcripts.

Paula Adamo, associate dean of academic planning and student success, points out that typically the most popular classes are taken online, which gives students the flexibility to manage jobs, internships or other summer commitments and interests. She also recommends that students review their financial aid options, which are different for summer courses.

“There are options for financial assistance, and students should take full advantage of looking through the financial aid site for scholarships and other opportunities to manage expenses,” Adamo said. 

Some students said they preferred online course work during the summer to save on long-term lease commitments, and to continue their academic progress away from the classroom. Students who previously enrolled in summer courses offered some advice when considering whether to enroll in summer classes:  

• Look for core curriculum requirements in your major and register for those first;
• Explore new classes within your major or minor outside of your comfort zone;
• Be sure to enjoy some time off and recharge before the summer quarter begins.

Summer Registration began March 1, 2024. You can find more information on registering for summer classes here and explore options for summer financial aid here.