Semester Planning

Summer Session

Summer Session for Continuing Students

Summer courses are available in flexible terms beginning in May and June and offer a wide variety of courses to keep you on track for a timely graduation. You can take summer courses at any Penn State campus, providing you the flexibility to select course sections that meet your needs, including courses offered in various time frames, lengths, and instruction modes. Learn more on the Office for Summer Session site.

Steps for Planning for Summer Session

1. Review the historical course offerings from summer 2019 and summer 2020

As you prepare to schedule courses for the summer session 2021, review what has been offered in prior summers. You should meet with your adviser to plan your courses and ensure you are on track to meet your academic milestones. You are encouraged to consult the Registration Timetable to determine when you are eligible to register.

In the summer, you can take courses at any Penn State campus and have flexibility in when you take your courses across three summer sessions, Maymester, the first six-week session, or the second six-week session. You can also choose from in-person, remote, and web offerings. Available courses and the instructional mode for each course may vary and may continue to evolve between now and the start of the summer session. This may continue to change before and during the semester as the public health situation continues to evolve and as new requirements are put in place by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Be aware that each campus may have different restrictions on course delivery depending on the public health requirements in effect at its location within the Commonwealth.

Some programs may require in-person components in order for students to make full progress toward their degree. Students in these programs should consult with their academic adviser to understand the options and implications if they are unable to or choose not to return to in-person instruction.

2. Consult with your academic adviser

Your academic adviser can assist you in achieving your academic goals, guide you in making well-informed educational plans, and help you to understand and choose the best options for summer session. You and your academic adviser can discuss how your academic requirements, course availability, and course instructional modes will impact your summer schedule.

It’s important to make an appointment with your academic adviser to discuss your plans. You should schedule an appointment with your academic adviser via Starfish or email to learn more about how they will conduct advising appointments. If you aren’t able to meet with an academic adviser before your first day to register, use the tools and resources available to you to make plans, enroll in courses, then check in with your adviser as soon as you are able. Adjustments to your plans can still be made, but the sooner your plans are finalized, the more options you will have.

Instructional Modes

Tuition

Tuition rates for summer 2021 have not yet been announced. Tuition in the summer is charged by credit hour, and the amount per credit hour is based upon the campus offering the course. For the most up-to-date tuition schedule, visit the University Budget Office site.

Summer Session for New First-Year Students

Penn State provides the opportunity for new first-year students to begin their course work in the summer. Students admitted to any of Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses can learn more about the opportunities available to them on the Summer Start site. Students at University Park can learn more about summer course-taking opportunities, including the Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP), on the Office for Summer Session: First-Year Students page.