Why Take Summer College Courses Online?

There can be big benefits to taking summer college courses online. Learn the reasons to take classes online this summer and find out how to get started.

by ACO Staff Writers

Published October 26, 2021

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Why Spending Summer in the Classroom Might be Worth It

While summer brings a welcome break from the rigors of academics for most students, enrolling in online summer courses could be the ticket to improving your college experience—without sacrificing your summer vacation. Some students sign up to get ahead on the next semester or grab a seat in a popular class that has a waiting list during the regular schoolyear. Regardless, having the option to take summer classes online gives students freedom to enjoy the summer months and continue learning. Read on to learn why summer enrollment might be right for you.

The Benefits of Taking Online Classes in the Summer

For most students, summer is a time to take a break, relax or work to save some cash between semesters. But with more and more summer classes being offered online, students can pursue coursework in the offseason without give up their summer break to earn extra credits, make up courses, pursue an early graduation or focus on an especially difficult course. Here are some of the biggest benefits to taking online courses in the summer:

Knock Out Tough Classes with Less Time and Fewer Distractions: Online summer classes teach the same concepts as traditional semester classes, but the lessons are condensed to fit within a four- to six-week term. When it comes to the most difficult classes, this can be beneficial in two ways. Studies show students were more successful in a notoriously challenging organic chemistry summer course because they were more motivated by the more intensive, shorter-term curriculum. Saving a tough class until summer can also mean less distractions, allowing students to focus on one topic instead of a full course load all at once.
Graduate Early or on Time: For students who are proceeding according to schedule, the addition of online summer classes might enable them to graduate before their planned date. For students who dropped a few courses in the past, took some time off or otherwise fell behind, enrolling in summer courses can help them meet their original graduation date. Students with an eye on early graduation can also take advantage of summer courses by using them to knock out prerequisite coursework.
Take Special Courses Exclusive to Summer Learning: At many colleges, online summer sessions expose students to educational opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have the chance to experience â and these opportunities aren't limited just to special courses. At Penn State University, for example, some College of Education students can satisfy core requirements by participating in a three-week, inner-city immersion program called the Philadelphia Urban Seminar.For students who are proceeding according to schedule, the addition of online summer classes might enable them to graduate before their planned date. For students who dropped a few courses in the past, took some time off or otherwise fell behind, enrolling in summer courses can help them meet their original graduation date. Students with an eye on early graduation can also take advantage of summer courses by using them to knock out prerequisite coursework.
Concentrate on a Fewer Topics and Courses: By taking just one or two summer courses online at a time, students can concentrate their focus on subject matter that stokes their passions or requires more dedication than regular coursework. Since class sizes are typically smaller during summer, students can expect to receive more individual attention. Students say they also prefer smaller class sizes because an environment with fewer classmates fosters more intense in-class discussions and stronger out-of-class study opportunities.
Avoid the Summer Learning Gap: According to the Seattle Post Intelligencer, enrolling in even a single summer course can provide educational continuity that traditional students miss out on. Since online summer courses start when the spring semester ends, students avoid the long gap in learning that usually takes place over the summer. Without a summer session, most students have to spend critical time in the beginning of the fall semester getting re-acquainted with the routines and rigors of college-level study.
Start a New Major, Minor or Concentration: Students considering changing, adding or declaring a new major or minor often find summer to be the perfect time to focus on their new concentration. Students can use online summer courses to dabble in their new course of study to make sure it's right for them or take summer sessions in order to satisfy prerequisite obligations so they can begin the new program without delay in the fall semester. Some may need to take summer courses to catch up on major coursework.
Lay the Groundwork for Future Job Interviews: Summer online courses can also be a great way to beef up a resume and impress admissions officers or future employers, who are on the lookout for students who went the extra mile in high school and college. Summer sessions also allow students to free up their fall schedules for internships, which are far less competitive in autumn then they are in summer, when many more students are off and looking for internships.
Boost Your GPA: According to Colorado State University, many students who take summer courses earn a higher summer-term grade point average than in fall and spring terms. This could be because there are less distractions than during the regular school year or fewer extracurricular activities that generally go along with summer study. If summer gives you the opportunity to divide less of your time, it may be the perfect opportunity to take online classes to bring up grades or boost you GPA.
Take Pressure Off Your Fall Schedule: By completing summer courses, particularly one that is difficult and time consuming, students can relieve the pressure that comes with the return of the hustle and bustle of the fall semester. Similarly, if a student knows that a particularly grueling course awaits in the fall, that student can use the summer to complete one of the easier courses that would have otherwise cluttered up the already challenging fall semester. Check your school's policy for academic class loads per semester; depending on your major, it may be easier to spread credits into summer months than take heavy course loads during the fall and spring only.
Get a Jump on College: Summer can be the perfect time for high schoolers or other pre-college students to get a jump start on their college coursework before they dive into a full semester of classes, or even formally enroll in college. Taking summer classes online gives these college-bound students the opportunity to accumulate credits early and begin to carve a path toward graduating ahead of schedule. It can also offer new students the chance to connect with their classmates, learn the ropes and adjust to a college-level schedule.
Beat the Crowds: Students considering summer courses might be pleased to find that popular classes that fill up quickly during the regular semester are wide open in the offseason. With far fewer students competing for seats, summer sessions make highly coveted courses available to students who might have otherwise been shut out of them or put on a waiting list.

How are Online Summer Classes Different?

There are plenty of benefits to enrolling in summer courses, but conquering condensed, concentrated classes with no break from the spring semester while the bulk of your peers are enjoying their time off might not be for everyone. Before enrolling, it's important to understand the difference between online summer classes and those offered during the regular semester — and to understand what to expect before you commit.

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