Time to Think Summer

Purdue is continuing to provide students with a year-round academic schedule by working to expand summer enrollment and course offerings.

The 2017 Summer Session at Purdue was the largest summer enrollment on record for the University. More than 15,000 students took advantage of Think Summer initiatives in 2017, and this number is expected to grow in 2018.

“Taking summer courses is an excellent way for students to get ahead in their studies,” says John Gipson, director of summer session. “Summer allows students to diversify their education by picking up a second major, earning a certificate or adding minors without increasing time to a degree.”

More than 650 undergraduate courses will be offered to students in 2018, ranging from basic jazz to calculus to modern physics. A complete list of summer courses is available online.

“Summer allows for smaller class sizes, flexible options to fit students’ schedules and more time to dedicate to difficult courses,” Gipson says. “Nearly 60 percent of Purdue students who graduate in four years or less have taken a summer course.”

Purdue offers related summer programs to enhance student achievement and scholarship opportunities, including Summer Start, Early Start, Summer Stay, Summer Internship Plus and Summer Finish.  

Summer Start and Early Start allow incoming freshmen to get ahead in their studies. Summer Stay benefits undergraduate students who want to get back on track or ahead in their degree program. Summer Internship Plus provides a scholarship to students completing an off-campus internship. Summer Finish helps undergraduate students finish their degree through summer coursework.

Registration for summer courses opens on Monday (Jan. 29) and rolls out according to these time ticket groups.

Writer: Olivia Crouse, ocrouse@purdue.edu

Source: John Gipson, 765-494-5296, gipsonj@purdue.edu