Short-Term, For-Credit Courses

 A.I. and You! Philosophy of A.I. and What it Means to be Human 

College of Liberal Arts | Philosophy

June 22 - June 27, 2025

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 22 - June 27, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

Agriculture Science Research Institute (ASRI) is a one-week program that allows students to discover and grow their interests in STEM in Agriculture. To demonstrate the ongoing research, innovation and discovery in agriculture and science; Purdue Agriculture faculty, graduate students, and staff serve as research mentors of hands-on experiments and projects in their facilities throughout the week. Students will spend their time conducting research projects in an assigned faculty member’s lab as well as connecting with college leadership throughout the week. To give students an idea of what to expect in regards to potential lab experiences, below are a few of the previous lab experiences that were offered with this program: - Studying the molecular mechanisms behind pollination - An introduction to the awesome power of yeast genetics - Learning different crop science strategies to cope with climatic variables - Engineering the microbiome to make controlled aquatic systems safer Past participants of the program have indicated 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 gotten the opportunity to experience yet as it serves as a great introduction to agricultural science. At the culminating event at the end of our week, the students will present their findings and learning outcomes gained from their lab experience to their student peers, faculty and staff, and any guests.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

Business Analytics and Supply Chain

June 22 - June 27, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

Purdue University is excited to announce a unique and intensive summer camp designed exclusively for elite high school students interested in business analytics and supply chain management. This course will provide participants with hands-on experience, exposure to industry experts, and an opportunity to explore the dynamic fields of business analytics and supply chain.

Code Explorers: Coding, Data, and Environmental Stories – A Hands-On STEM Experience for Young Innovators 

College of Science|Rosen Center for Advanced Computing

June 22 - June 27, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

Code Explorers is an immersive, one-week program where students engage with coding, data collection, and environmental science. Using microcontrollers and sensors, students gather real-world data on environmental factors like temperature, soil moisture, and air quality. They will learn coding languages, including Python and block-based coding, and apply data analysis and visualization techniques to create compelling digital stories and visualizations about pressing environmental issues in their communities. This program combines technology with environmental awareness, encouraging creativity, computational thinking, and real-world problem-solving.

The objective is to teach students to code using Python and block-based programming. Introduce fundamental concepts of data analysis and visualization. Inspire students to tackle real-world environmental challenges through technology. Foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Target Audience: This program is ideal for middle and high school students (ages 16-18) interested in coding, data science, and environmental stewardship. No coding experience is required—just a curiosity about technology and a passion for the environment. Special Requirements: Students should bring a laptop and have access to the internet for online research. All other materials, including microcontrollers and sensors, will be provided.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

CyberSafe Heroes: Empowering High School Students for a Secure Digital Future

June 22 - June 27, 2025

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 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 to inspire future cybersecurity professionals and empower students to thrive in a secure digital world.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

FULL - Developing Tomorrow's Infrastructure - An Introduction to Civil and Construction Engineering - First Session

College of Engineering | Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering

June 22 - June 27, 2025

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 shapes 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.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

ProtoPlay-Design and Innovation  

Purdue Polytechnic Institute| Office of Recruitment and Diversity

June 22 - June 27, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

Use your creativity by designing a physical solution to solve any problem that exist using technology. Learn about the majors offered in Purdue Polytechnic and how pursuing one can become a career in Technology.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

The Technology of Stringed Instruments

June 22 - June 27, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

Technology of Stringed Instruments is a one-week class in which students will make their own instruments. Along the way, they learn the underlying structure of music and how stringed instruments work. They will learn how to tune and play their instruments. This course will introduce the core idea of engineering, technology, and hands-on learning by making their own musical instruments by spending time in the guitar lab. The stringed instruments are called stick dulcimers or strum sticks. This will include learning the mathematics of music and the physics of vibrating strings.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

Developing Tomorrow's Infrastructure - An Introduction to Civil and Construction Engineering - Second Session

College of Engineering | Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering

July 6 - 11, 2025

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 shapes 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.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

Empowering Women in Business -- Exploring Your place at Daniels - First Session

July 6 - 11, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

The Daniels School of Business Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business, in partnership with the Purdue University Summer College for High School Students, offers an annual exciting summer program for college credit. The Empowering Women in Business Fun Sized Course is designed for incoming juniors or seniors in high school. During the five-day experience on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus students live on campus while participating in full days that include hands-on activities led and taught by top faculty designed to expose students to the array of opportunities in business while also developing team building and leadership skills, personal confidence, and key negotiation understanding. 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

REVIEWS FROM PAST ATTENDEES:

“It opened my eyes to how many ways you can put your passion into business.”

”It was a neat opportunity to learn more about business with women’s empowerment mixed in.”

“I had a fun experience at this retreat, both with campers, counselors, and activities. I also learned a lot about business and business careers."

Due to the generosity of our donors, limited scholarships are available to help offset the cost of tuition, fees, and room and board through a separate application.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

Cargill-Purdue Agribusiness Science Academy (C-PASA)

College of Agriculture | Office of Multicultural Programs

July 6 - July 18, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

Discover your future in agriculture and STEM with the Cargill-Purdue Agribusiness Science Academy (C-PASA) High School Camp! Designed for rising 9th–12th graders, this two-week 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.

What to Expect:

• Explore diverse academic opportunities within Purdue’s College of Agriculture

• Tour top agricultural companies like Cargill, Corteva, Syngenta, and BASF

• 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

Join us at C-PASA High School Camp to unlock your potential and take the first step toward an exciting career in agriculture and STEM!

Students apply to C-PASA through Summer College for High School Students.

Students will be responsible for the $60 application fee (unless eligible for a fee waiver) and their travel to and from Purdue University's West Lafayette campus.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

Entertainment Machine Design Challenge

College of Liberal Arts|Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering

July 6 - July 18, 2025

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:

1. Engage in the application of technical theories in applied entertainment engineering
2. Experience real-world challenges and learn how to solve them in an experiential learning setting
3. Engage with faculty and students from the College of Liberal Arts and College of Engineering 

MITE - Multiethnic Introduction to Engineering

July 6 - July 18, 2025

Credit Hours: 2

The Multiethnic Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program was developed, in the summer of 1975, at Purdue University. MITE is a two-week, two-credit college simulation program modeled after the Freshman Engineering Academic Boot Camp that focuses on college readiness with a strong emphasis on math and engineering projects. MITE is an outreach strategy aiming to attract underrepresented students, i.e., African American, Native American, Hispanic American, to pursue engineering at Purdue. Participants will live in one of Purdue University's world-class residence halls, engage with students from across the nation in various activities, meet current undergraduate and graduate engineering students, faculty, and administrators. They will learn about our 15 unique engineering majors and a wide variety of potential engineering careers. We have seen an average improvement of SAT math scores of 90 points. The highest increase was 180 points as measured through pre-and post-testing. All participants may apply to Purdue at the close of the program. PROGRAM CONTENT Engineering Research and Design Mathematics and Chemistry Engineering Projects English Composition and Writing SAT review Time management HANDS-ON PROJECTS Students learn about the engineering design process used to solve some of the world's most pertinent challenges. They will complete two engineering design projects led by graduate assistants and engage in friendly competition while developing presentation skills. ACADEMIC RELATIONS Participants will leave with skills to help them improve their academic profile. With a strong focus on mathematics, students will have two pre-assessments and receive a license for an online educational program that they can continue to use after the program has concluded. AFFORDABILITY Scholarships are available for students who meet need-based scholarship requirements.

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

FULL - Atoms at Work: Explore Nuclear Energy with the Purdue Nuclear Reactor - First Session

July 13 - July 18, 2025

Credit Hours: 2

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.

Empowering Women in Business -- Exploring Your place at Daniels - Second Session

July 13 - July 18, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

The Daniels School of Business Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business, in partnership with the Purdue University Summer College for High School Students, offers an annual exciting summer program for college credit. The Empowering Women in Business Fun Sized Course is designed for incoming juniors or seniors in high school. During the five-day experience on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus students live on campus while participating in full days that include hands-on activities led and taught by top faculty designed to expose students to the array of opportunities in business while also developing team building and leadership skills, personal confidence, and key negotiation understanding. 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

REVIEWS FROM PAST ATTENDEES:

“It opened my eyes to how many ways you can put your passion into business.”

”It was a neat opportunity to learn more about business with women’s empowerment mixed in.”

“I had a fun experience at this retreat, both with campers, counselors, and activities. I also learned a lot about business and business careers."

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

Game On! Philosophical Investigations through Video Games

July 13 - July 18, 2025

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 on 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 that 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.

FULL - Atoms at Work: Explore Nuclear Energy with the Purdue Nuclear Reactor - Second Session

College of Engineering | Nuclear Engineering

July 20 - July 25, 2025

Credit Hours: 2

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.

Introduction to Academic Programs - First Session

July 20 - July 25, 2025

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

July 20 - July 25, 2025

Credit Hours: 2

Compassion, Arts, 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. Students enrolled in a SCALE K-12 school may qualify for a scholarship to participate in the MicroArtistry course. Students will be contacted after they've applied. 

This program offers a scholarship to subsidize the cost of attendance. To be eligible for scholarship consideration please complete your application by April 15 and enrollment packet by May 1.

Planning for Research in College: What You Can Do Now

July 20 - July 25, 2025

Credit Hours: 1

This course focuses on setting high school students up for success for research experiences they may pursue while 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

Introduction to Academic Programs - Second Session 

Office of Summer and Winter Sessions

July 27 - August 1, 2025

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

You Can't Make it Without Materials

College of Engineering | Materials Engineering

July 27 - August 1, 2025

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.