Short-Term, For-Credit Courses
The application for Summer 2026 is now open! Apply by February 1st for priority consideration.
Purdue University is excited to offer intensive short-term course opportunities for high school students during June and July. Move-in and orientation for each experience will take place on Sunday, and class sessions will begin on Monday. These courses do not allow for commuter or online participation (with the exception of the single online course). Students must remain on campus, including living in the residence hall, for the duration of the program.
When you submit an application for Summer College for High School Students, you will indicate up to three preferences for short-term courses. Submitting an application for any number of programs does not guarantee admission into that program. Please check the eligibility requirements before applying.
Please note that courses with two sessions are labeled as 'First Session' and 'Second Session'. Both weeks of these courses will be the same; they are not sequential. Students can take either week, and the content will be the same. Simply choose the week that is best for your schedule. You can list both sections on the application in either order of preference. Please also note any age and grade restrictions within the course descriptions you are applying to, if applicable.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply to these programs, check out Applying to Summer College for High School Students.
To view the short-term courses that are available for Summer 2026, click the weeks below to view which courses are being offered each week. Click here to view a past example schedule.
In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance at vpec@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830.
A.I. and You! Philosophy of A.I. and What it Means to be Human - First Session
College of Liberal Arts | Philosophy
June 21 - June 26, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is becoming more pervasive in our daily lives, as you likely have realized after having your own experiences with some form of A.I. (ChatGPT, Siri/Alexa, Spotify “Smart Lists”, etc.) However, the origins of artificial intelligence can be found in the works of not only science fiction, but more often in the writings of philosophers, decades (even centuries) before the current programs and systems that we have experiences with were in development. The questions that were proposed about whether a mind needs a body, what it means for something to be “conscious,” what “intelligence” is and how we prove that something has it, are now more complex and more meaningful. In this course, we will tackle some of the underlying philosophical questions and issues that arise when we think carefully about the nature of machines that are meant to model our own minds, and perhaps even replicate intelligence.
Agriculture Science Research Institute
College of Agriculture | Office of Academic Programs
June 21 - June 26, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
ASRI is a unique program for high school students to explore their interest in agricultural sciences at our top-ranked college of agriculture while interacting directly with our faculty’s lab and their research. Purdue faculty, graduate students, and staff will guide students through research involving hands-on experiments with a variety of topics offered to the students. Each student is given the opportunity to indicate their preferences for the lab and research topic they would like to be involved with for the week. Students have the opportunity to work in small groups (3-4 per research group), directly with a faculty member’s lab, to truly engage with the subject matter. Past participants of the program have indicated that their favorite part of their week spent with us was conducting their experiments and being exposed to college-level research. Students in this program can expect to learn about topics and research they may not have had the opportunity to experience yet, as it serves as a great introduction to agricultural science. In addition to spending over twelve hours on research, the ASRI students also learn about other innovative research happening in our College of Agriculture. At the culminating event at the end of our week, students will present their findings and learning outcomes gained from their lab experience to their peers, faculty, staff, and any invited guests.
Atoms at Work: Explore Nuclear Energy with the Purdue Nuclear Reactor - First Session
College of Engineering | Nuclear Engineering
June 21 - June 26, 2026
Credit Hours: 2
This course has an additional $200 programming fee, in addition to the regular attendance fee.
During the Atoms at Work program, rising high school seniors will undergo a crash course on all things nuclear. Each day of the one-week course will be a combination of interactive lectures and hands-on experiments at Purdue’s Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Laboratory (NERL)***. Students will have demonstrated to them concepts ranging from radiation detection to reactor physics and will be exposed to the topics and materials they will likely study in nuclear engineering in a fun and interactive manner. The experience will culminate, at the end of the week, with a hands-on lab where students will get to use the PUR-1 reactor for their final experiment, along with a tour of a commercial nuclear power plant.
***Visits to the Nuclear Laboratories are subject to change or cancellation without notice, as they are based on the availability of the lab to host students, which is not known far in advance. In the event the students cannot tour this space, the program will make every attempt to find an alternative opportunity, but ultimately, the experience cannot be guaranteed.
Code Explorers: Coding and AI -- A Hands-On STEM Experience for Young Innovators
College of Science|Rosen Center for Advanced Computing
June 21 - June 26, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Discover the power of coding, data science, and environmental action in this immersive one-week program. Students dive into hands-on projects using microcontrollers and sensors to collect real-world data on factors such as temperature, soil moisture, and air quality. Through both Python and block-based programming, participants learn how to analyze and visualize data, transforming their findings into digital stories that shine a light on environmental challenges in their own communities.
This program helps students build essential coding and data analysis skills while inspiring them to use technology for positive change. Along the way, they’ll develop creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration as they design projects that make an impact.
Students will also explore the fundamentals of machine learning, including algorithms like linear regression. They’ll write their own Python code for data processing, prediction, and visualization—then learn to refine it using advanced prompt engineering (vibe coding) to create smarter, more efficient solutions.
Target Audience: Ideal for high school students (ages 16–18) with an interest in coding, data science, or environmental stewardship. No prior programming experience is required—just curiosity about technology and a passion for the environment.
Developing Tomorrow's Infrastructure - An Introduction to Civil and Construction Engineering - First Session
College of Engineering | Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering
June 21 - June 26, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Civil & Construction engineers design, build, and maintain our infrastructure in a way that accommodates the needs of generations to come. From roadways, tunnels, bridges, and sewers to public transit, power grids, coastline protection, and the next city skyline, civil and construction engineers create the world of the future. This course is built around projects designed to introduce you to the principles and practices of civil and construction engineering, build skills in working with teams, and develop a broad picture of how these professions impact your community today and shape the possibilities of the future.
In this one-week course, students will:
- Learn how civil and construction engineers are preparing for the future
- Participate in civil and construction engineering learning activities
- Learn and employ mathematical and scientific principles used in civil and construction engineering
- Interact with faculty and student researchers at Purdue
- Experience life as a college student, make friends, and enjoy fun activities
Due to the generosity of the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering, students selected to participate in the 2025 Developing Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: An Introduction to Civil and Construction Engineering course will receive funding to cover ½ the cost of tuition and fees. Students will still be responsible for room and board, travel to and from Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, and the $60.00 application fee or must qualify for an application fee waiver.
Discover Pharmacy: Pathways to a Career in Healthcare
College of Pharmacy| Educational Opportunities and Student Success
June 21 - June 26, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
This one-week residential summer program invites motivated high school juniors and seniors to explore the exciting world of pharmacy and the many career opportunities it offers. Through interactive lectures, hands-on laboratory experiences, and field trips to hospital, community, and industry settings, participants will learn how pharmacists improve patient care, advance research, and drive innovation in the health sciences. Students will gain practical skills, including basic compounding, medication safety practices, and problem-solving through real-world case studies, while connecting with Purdue faculty, professional pharmacy students, and alumni mentors. Designed for students with an interest in science, healthcare, or pharmaceutical research, the course also provides guidance on college preparation, admissions, and financial aid for pharmacy and related STEM fields. Participants must be rising juniors or seniors (ages 15–18) and have completed at least one year of high school biology or chemistry prior to the start of the program.
Game On! Philosophical Investigations through Video Games - First Session
College of Liberal Arts | Philosophy
June 21 - June 26, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Do you replay open-world video games repeatedly just to see what the possible outcomes are for your character if you make different choices throughout the game? Have you ever felt distressed by the constraints placed on your character while playing a game, and wondered if you face those same constraints in your life? As you play your favorite video games, do you notice how often you are challenged to determine what the “right” thing to do is? Do you follow the scripted path or go off on your own, perhaps exploiting glitches and bugs in the game to come to unexpected situations? In this program, you will explore prominent questions in philosophy, from the fundamental, i.e., do we have free will? What makes something, like a game, what it is? To those who tug at the deepest concepts of ourselves and our place in the world, for instance, how do we know if we are doing the right thing? What is it that makes us human? Is it language or consciousness or reasoning or something else entirely? Can we—or should we—develop artificial agents that have these human-like qualities? Could such agents be the kinds of things that feel pain, or that possess rights and deserve our respect? All seen through the lens of video games to help inform and prompt discussion and reflection.
Scrubs & Skills: A Summer Pre-Nursing Experience
College of Health and Human Sciences| Nursing
June 21 - June 26, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
This course has an additional $60 programming fee, in addition to the regular attendance fee.
This course is designed to introduce high school juniors and seniors to the foundational concepts and skills essential for a future career in nursing. Through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on simulations, immersive virtual reality, and interactive workshops, students will explore topics such as human anatomy, basic patient care, medical terminology, and healthcare ethics. The course aims to foster early interest in the nursing profession, build confidence in clinical environments, and provide a realistic preview of nursing education and practice. Targeted toward motivated students considering a healthcare career, the program encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and compassionate care. Upon completion, students will earn CPR certification and receive valuable insights to guide their academic and career planning.
Atoms at Work: Explore Nuclear Energy with the Purdue Nuclear Reactor - Second Session
College of Engineering | Nuclear Engineering
July 5 - July 10, 2026
Credit Hours: 2
This course has an additional $200 programming fee, in addition to the regular attendance fee.
During the Atoms at Work program, rising high school seniors will undergo a crash course on all things nuclear. Each day of the one-week course will be a combination of interactive lectures and hands-on experiments at Purdue’s Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Laboratory (NERL)***. Students will have demonstrated to them concepts ranging from radiation detection to reactor physics and will be exposed to the topics and materials they will likely study in nuclear engineering in a fun and interactive manner. The experience will culminate, at the end of the week, with a hands-on lab where students will get to use the PUR-1 reactor for their final experiment, along with a tour of a commercial nuclear power plant.
***Visits to the Nuclear Laboratories are subject to change or cancellation without notice, as they are based on the availability of the lab to host students, which is not known far in advance. In the event the students cannot tour this space, the program will make every attempt to find an alternative opportunity, but ultimately, the experience cannot be guaranteed.
r plant.
Business Analytics and Supply Chain
July 5 - July 10, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
In today’s tech-driven world, understanding how to make data-based business decisions is more crucial than ever. The Daniels School of Business - the premier STEM-focused business school in the Big Ten - offers an immersive and highly valuable summer camp experience for elite high school students interested in business analytics and supply chain management. This program provides participants with hands-on experience using real-world data and tools, guided by Purdue faculty, industry professionals, and corporate partners. Students will explore how data-driven strategies shape global supply chains, engage in collaborative projects and simulations, learn to communicate effectively through presentations, and gain valuable insights into the future of analytics and global supply chain management. In the past, participants have also had the opportunity to be mentored by graduate students studying and working in one of the nation’s highest-ranked Business Analytics or Supply Chain programs. Experience with tools like Python is helpful but not required to participate in the course.
You Can't Make it Without Materials
College of Engineering | Materials Engineering
July 5 - July 10, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Everything we use is made of materials. From the simplest tools to complicated systems like aircraft and semiconductor chips, the products and devices you use are all made of materials. But why are your car keys made out of brass, pop cans made of aluminum, and insulation made out of glass? This one-week survey course will bring high school students into contact with all classes of materials, from metals and polymers to electronic materials and composites. Students will experience a combination of hands-on materials processing, characterization of material properties, and get a chance to explore computational tools that let engineers select the right material for a job and design new materials for applications of the future. Our materials world isn’t static, and we advance society when you apply new materials in new applications.
Planning for Research in College: What You Can Do Now
Office of Undergraduate Research
July 5 - July 10, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
This course focuses on preparing high school students for success in research experiences they may pursue in college. Conducting innovative research is a great addition to a college career. College students who engage in research are more likely to graduate, more likely to go on to graduate school, and have more successful careers after graduation. Undergraduate research in any discipline is first-hand experience with experts discovering innovative and impactful breakthroughs. As undergraduates, students develop valuable skills by engaging in cutting-edge research where they apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems under the guidance of Purdue mentors. Taking the time to prepare for research before beginning your undergraduate career can help maximize your Purdue experience.
In this one-week residential course, high school students will:
- Learn how to prepare for undergraduate research before beginning their college career
- Develop a list of potential research interests
- Create a list of potential research mentors utilizing a variety of techniques in locating on and off-campus opportunities
- Tour a few of Purdue’s research spaces from various disciplines
- Explore Purdue’s many resources to support research and personal development
Entertainment Machine Design Challenge
College of Liberal Arts|Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering
July 5 - July 17, 2026
Credit Hours: 2
Are you intrigued by the mesmerizing moments in your favorite romantic comedies, the surprise elements in theatrical productions, or the hidden wonders waiting to be uncovered at amusement parks? If so, the Summer 2024 Fusion Studio High School Course is designed just for you. This innovative program aims to introduce students to the fascinating intersection of entertainment and engineering by immersing them in a dynamic and hands-on experiential learning environment. Throughout the course, students will explore the behind-the-scenes magic that brings these captivating moments to life. Have you ever wondered how flower petals gracefully fall from the sky over a newly married couple in a rom-com movie? Or how seemingly ordinary doors on a stage can close and then reveal something unexpected behind them during a play? And what about those thrilling moments at amusement parks when panels flip up to reveal hidden characters? In this course, students will unravel these mysteries and discover the intricate engineering mechanisms that make it all possible. Over the span of a week, participants will work collaboratively in teams to tackle a unique entertainment problem. Guided by experienced instructors, students will delve into the engineering design and prototyping process, gaining hands-on experience in creating their own innovative solutions. The culmination of this journey will be a thrilling competition where teams will showcase their prototype machines, vying to demonstrate the most creative and effective solutions to the entertainment challenges presented. This course promises to be an unforgettable adventure into the world of entertainment engineering, where creativity, teamwork, and innovation are the keys to making magic happen.
In this two-week course, students should expect:
- Engage in the application of technical theories in applied entertainment engineering
- Experience real-world challenges and learn how to solve them in an experiential learning setting
- Engage with faculty and students from the College of Liberal Arts and College of Engineering
MITE - Maximizing Impact Through Engineering
College of Engineering | Boilermaker Oppurtunity Program Plus (BOP+)
July 5 - July 17, 2026
Credit Hours: 2
Maximizing Impact Through Engineering (MITE) is a two-week summer program designed for rising 12th graders to experience the breadth of Purdue’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Participants will explore major areas of study, gain hands-on experience with technology and applied engineering practices, and participate in interactive demonstrations, tours, and discussions led by Purdue faculty and students. Along the way, students will also prepare for the college application process and discover how they can make their own giant leap.
[Online] Introduction to Academic Programs - Virtual Option
Office of Summer and Winter Sessions
July 5 - July 17, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
In this online program, high school students in any grade will explore a wide range of academic and career pathways while developing the skills needed to navigate the college application process.
Throughout the course, students will:
- Learn about degree options and opportunities available across Purdue’s academic colleges and auxiliary units
- Begin preparing for the college application process
- Build professional skills such as writing, presenting, and effective communication
- Develop practical skills including organization, time management, and goal setting
This program is fully online, and no on-campus attendance is required. Students will need access to a computer with Wi-Fi, a camera, and a microphone to participate and complete course requirements.
Cargill-Purdue Agriculture and STEM Academy (C-PASA)
College of Agriculture | Office of Academic Programs
July 12 - July 17, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Discover your future in agriculture and STEM with the Cargill-Purdue Agriculture & STEM Academy! Designed for rising 9th–12th graders, this week-long residential program immerses students in hands-on experiences, academic exploration, and career discovery. Participants will engage with multiple academic departments, connect with industry leaders, and experience life as a Boilermaker at Purdue University.
-
Explore the wide range of academic opportunities within Purdue’s College of Agriculture
-
Tour the facilities of industry leaders in agriculture
-
Connect with Purdue students, faculty, and industry professionals
-
Engage in hands-on learning at research sites, labs, and off-campus facilities
-
Experience campus life and discover pathways to your future
CyberSafe Heroes: Empowering High School Students for a Secure Digital Future
College of Science|Rosen Center for Advanced ComputingJuly 12 - July 17, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Empowering High School Students for a Secure Digital Future is an immersive one-week summer camp designed to spark interest in cybersecurity and equip high school students (ages 16–18) with essential digital skills through hands-on activities. Aligned with national cybersecurity education standards, the program covers encryption, ethical hacking, and online safety while promoting responsible technology use and digital citizenship. Students will also explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in modern cybersecurity to strengthen defenses and to understand emerging risks, such as AI manipulation attempts, in a safe environment. Students will engage in encryption challenges, ethical hacking simulations, and cybersecurity escape rooms, and connect with industry professionals through career panels. With no prior experience required, this camp offers a fun, educational experience that inspires future cybersecurity professionals and empowers students to thrive in a secure digital world.
Engineering Creativity: Mechatronics, Robotics, and Smart Design
Daniels School of Business | Brock-Wilson Center for Women in BusinessJuly 12 - July 17, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
This hands-on engineering course introduces high school students to the exciting world of mechatronics, where electronics, programming, and mechanical systems come together. Using Texas Instruments and Arduino microcontrollers with sensors, motors, and Bluetooth modules, students will design and build creative projects such as drawing machines, robotic vehicles, and interactive devices. Through these activities, participants will develop problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation skills while exploring how engineers apply technology to real-world challenges. The course is open to all motivated students with an interest in science, technology, or engineering—no prior experience required. A laptop will be needed for programming activities, and all other materials will be provided.
Game On! Philosophical Investigations through Video Games - Second Session
College of Liberal Arts | Philosophy
July 12 - July 17, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Do you replay open-world video games repeatedly just to see what the possible outcomes are for your character if you make different choices throughout the game? Have you ever felt distressed by the constraints placed on your character while playing a game, and wondered if you face those same constraints in your life? As you play your favorite video games, do you notice how often you are challenged to determine what the “right” thing to do is? Do you follow the scripted path or go off on your own, perhaps exploiting glitches and bugs in the game to come to unexpected situations? In this program, you will explore prominent questions in philosophy, from the fundamental, i.e., do we have free will? What makes something, like a game, what it is? To those who tug at the deepest concepts of ourselves and our place in the world, for instance, how do we know if we are doing the right thing? What is it that makes us human? Is it language or consciousness or reasoning or something else entirely? Can we—or should we—develop artificial agents that have these human-like qualities? Could such agents be the kinds of things that feel pain, or that possess rights and deserve our respect? All seen through the lens of video games to help inform and prompt discussion and reflection.
A.I. and You! Philosophy of A.I. and What it Means to be Human - Second Session
College of Liberal Arts | Philosophy
July 19 - July 24, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is becoming more pervasive in our daily lives, as you likely have realized after having your own experiences with some form of A.I. (ChatGPT, Siri/Alexa, Spotify “Smart Lists”, etc.) However, the origins of artificial intelligence can be found in the works of not only science fiction, but more often in the writings of philosophers, decades (even centuries) before the current programs and systems that we have experiences with were in development. The questions that were proposed about whether a mind needs a body, what it means for something to be “conscious,” what “intelligence” is and how we prove that something has it, are now more complex and more meaningful. In this course, we will tackle some of the underlying philosophical questions and issues that arise when we think carefully about the nature of machines that are meant to model our own minds, and perhaps even replicate intelligence.
Data Mine Experience - First Session
The Data Mine| College of Science
July 19 - July 24, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
From tracking activity on a wearable device to ensuring the accuracy of sports statistics, data is everywhere. The world is in need of scientists to help analyze, manipulate, and act on this data. This course provides students with a unique combination of statistical analysis and computing experience, as well as the chance to gain deep critical thinking skills. From healthcare to cybersecurity, students will explore the impact of data and how to join one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. *Students enrolled in this course will be required to bring a personal laptop (minimum of 8GB RAM). A limited number of computers are available for rental; students may also share.
Finding Your Place in Business at Purdue
Daniels School of Business | Brock-Wilson Center
July 19 - July 24, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Designed for rising juniors or seniors in high school, the five-day residential course on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus includes hands-on activities to promote team building and skills in leadership, confidence, and negotiation. The program will introduce students to the business principles of economics, strategy, marketing, supply chain, and finance, while other fun and engaging activities provide a glimpse of life as a Purdue Boilermaker
During the week, you will:
- Explore potential careers in business and entrepreneurship through hands-on learning experiences, building to a Shark Tank-like pitch competition
- Develop a toolkit to navigate your way through everyday life with confidence
- Apply your new skills and imagination to design a business and pitch it to potential investors
- Explore the college application process with Daniels recruiters
- Interact with Purdue students, faculty, and alumni
- Experience life as a college student
Introduction to Academic Programs - First Session
Office of Summer and Winter Sessions
July 19 - July 24, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Not sure what you want to major in when you go to college? Want to learn more about all the exciting opportunities that await you at Purdue University? Introduction to Academic Programs at Purdue is a one-week course designed to help you learn all about Purdue and what it has to offer.
In this course, students can expect to:
- Conduct activities with instructors from various majors
- Speak with representatives about their programs and majors
- Explore Purdue’s campus, make friends, and enjoy fun activities
- Speak with current Purdue students about their experiences at Purdue
- Live in one of our residence halls and eat at our award-winning dining courts
Microartistry: Compassionate Engineering and Art
College of Engineering | Engineering Education
July 19 - July 24, 2026
Credit Hours: 2
Compassion, Arts, AI, and Engineering is an immersive summer engineering course that blends the worlds of microelectronics, artistry, and social consciousness. Students will delve into the intricacies of microelectronics and gain insights into the semiconductor industry while channeling their creativity to make art using what they learn about microelectronic technology. Beyond the classroom, they will explore cutting-edge laboratories and galleries on campus, including the Birck Nanotechnology Center. The overarching objective of this course is to empower students to leverage technology and artistic expression to communicate community/global issues and foster compassion and understanding in our interconnected world.
Data Mine Experience - First Session
The Data Mine| College of Science
July 19 - July 24, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
From tracking activity on a wearable device to ensuring the accuracy of sports statistics, data is everywhere. The world is in need of scientists to help analyze, manipulate, and act on this data. This course provides students with a unique combination of statistical analysis and computing experience, as well as the chance to gain deep critical thinking skills. From healthcare to cybersecurity, students will explore the impact of data and how to join one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. *Students enrolled in this course will be required to bring a personal laptop (minimum of 8GB RAM). A limited number of computers are available for rental; students may also share.
Developing Tomorrow's Infrastructure - An Introduction to Civil and Construction Engineering - Second Session
College of Engineering | Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering
July 26 - July 31, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Civil & Construction engineers design, build, and maintain our infrastructure in a way that accommodates the needs of generations to come. From roadways, tunnels, bridges, and sewers to public transit, power grids, coastline protection, and the next city skyline, civil and construction engineers create the world of the future. This course is built around projects designed to introduce you to the principles and practices of civil and construction engineering, build skills in working with teams, and develop a broad picture of how these professions impact your community today and shape the possibilities of the future.
In this one-week course, students will:
- Learn how civil and construction engineers are preparing for the future
- Participate in civil and construction engineering learning activities
- Learn and employ mathematical and scientific principles used in civil and construction engineering
- Interact with faculty and student researchers at Purdue
- Experience life as a college student, make friends, and enjoy fun activities
Due to the generosity of the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering, students selected to participate in the 2025 Developing Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: An Introduction to Civil and Construction Engineering course will receive funding to cover ½ the cost of tuition and fees. Students will still be responsible for room and board, travel to and from Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, and the $60.00 application fee or must qualify for an application fee waiver.
Introduction to Academic Programs - Second Session
Office of Summer and Winter Sessions
July 26 - July 31, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
Not sure what you want to major in when you go to college? Want to learn more about all the exciting opportunities that await you at Purdue University? Introduction to Academic Programs at Purdue is a one-week course designed to help you learn all about Purdue and what it has to offer.
In this course, students can expect to:
- Conduct activities with instructors from various majors
- Speak with representatives about their programs and majors
- Explore Purdue’s campus, make friends, and enjoy fun activities
- Speak with current Purdue students about their experiences at Purdue
- Live in one of our residence halls and eat at our award-winning dining courts
Once Upon a Studio - Radio Drama Production
College of Liberal Arts| Department of Theatre and Dance
July 26 - July 31, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
"Once Upon a Studio" is a summer radio drama course for high school students. Participants explore storytelling, voice acting, and sound design while collaborating to create original audio plays. Students learn production skills, develop creative expression, and bring characters to life through immersive soundscapes and performance.
Philosophy of Minds: Beyond Humanity - What Animals Tell Us About Human Nature
College of Liberal Arts | Philosophy
July 26 - July 31, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
It seems obvious to all of us that humans are unique. However, it has proven difficult to identify just what it is about human nature that makes us intrinsically different from other animals. This course will explore the many attempts by philosophers (both historical and contemporary) to solve this puzzle. In so doing, we will come to better understand the nature of moral duty, the mind, sociality, and more. Alleged answers to the question of human uniqueness that will be covered include: tool-use, language, theory of mind, logical/mathematical inference, mental time travel, moral sense, culture/norms, and consciousness. This course will be of interest to students interested in studying animal minds from the fields of philosophy, cognitive science, psychology, ecology, anthropology, biology, and archaeology.
Pre-Freshman and Cooperative Education (PREFACE)
College of Engineering | Boilermaker Oppurtunity Program Plus (BOP+)
July 26 - July 31, 2026
Credit Hours: 1
PREFACE stands for Pre-Freshman and Cooperative Education, and it is open to any student who will have completed their freshman year of high school. It seeks to create a cooperative environment for students heading into their sophomore or junior year of high school who aspire to attend college. It is a 1-week, 1-credit residential summer workshop that focuses on college readiness with a strong emphasis on math and engineering projects. Participants will learn more about engineering careers, see how engineers move the world forward, and discover, engage, and apply engineering principles through hands-on learning. They will live in one of Purdue University's world-class residence halls, meet current undergraduate and graduate engineering students, faculty, and administrators, and learn about the unique engineering majors on campus.
- Enrollment Options
- Enrollment Options
- Short-Term Courses
- Traditional Coursework