Academics

Summer Session to offer exciting opportunities for learning, growth

New scholarship available to support summer students

Credit: Penn State / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The ground may still be covered in snow, but it’s not too early for Penn State students to begin planning for summer. For undergraduates interested in extending their learning through the warmer months, Penn State Summer Session provides a rich array of course offerings and engagement opportunities at the University Park campus.

“Students can benefit greatly from continuing their education through the summer,” said Kelly Griffith, director of the Office for Summer Session. “Summer is a great time to get caught up, work on a minor, explore an interest, complete an internship, or study abroad. With a quieter campus environment and classes that tend to be smaller than during the academic year, students can take extra advantage of what Penn State has to offer.”

With hundreds of courses to choose from, summer session 2020 will provide undergraduates with the opportunity to:

  • Enhance their learning through courses that offer real-world, hands-on engagement opportunities
  • Explore their academic passions through General Education courses, or earn credits toward a minor or certificate
  • Catch up on required courses they missed during the academic year or that did not go as planned

Beyond academic opportunities, Summer Session gives resident students a chance to enjoy a campus environment that is quieter and more relaxed than during the academic year. University recreational facilities, downtown restaurants, and community events such as the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and Central PA 4th Fest enable students to balance academics with leisure.

If cost presents a barrier to summer study, scholarships can help. Summer Success Scholarships are available for students enrolled at Commonwealth Campuses and University Park who need to take at least one summer course in order to graduate on time but who have financial challenges to do so. Learn more about the Summer Success Scholarship or access the scholarship application at summer.psu.edu/scholarship. The deadline to apply is April 17.

Registration for summer session 2020 is open now, and interested students from any Penn State campus are encouraged to reserve their seat through LionPATH. Students can choose from three summer sessions in addition to online courses.

The Office for Summer Session is part of Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.

Last Updated February 26, 2020