If you are a high school student looking to get a head start on college credit and want to stand out on your applications, these online college credit courses should definitely be on your radar! Not only do these courses allow you to dive deeper into subjects that interest you, but they also enable you to earn college credits while still in high school, potentially saving you time and money in the long run. 

To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 10 online college credit courses you can do while still in high school! 

1. Cornell SCE BIOMG 1350 Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology

Cost: $1,750 per credit ($5,250 total)

Application Deadline: May 5, 2024

Program Dates: June 24-August 2, 2024 M-F 10 AM - 11:15 AM 

Eligibility: Rising Juniors and Seniors

Credits Awarded: 3

If you're interested in biology, Cornell's BIOMG 1350: Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology is a great way for you to explore cellular and developmental biology. This course delves into the molecular mechanisms behind cell organization, division, growth, embryonic development, and how cellular misbehavior can lead to disease. 

An additional active learning class, BIOMG 1035, is available for those seeking further engagement with the material. Students will emerge with a solid grasp of cellular organization, macromolecules, protein functions, cellular processes, signaling pathways, and the development of tissues and organs. Furthermore, the course emphasizes the application of concepts to hypothetical experiments and the acquisition of scientific information from databases and literature.. It's an ideal course for students aiming to deepen their understanding of biology or pursue related scientific fields in the future.

2. Harvard Secondary School Program Disease, Illness, and Health through Literature 

Cost: $3,900

Application Deadline: February 14, 2024

Program Dates: June 22 - August 10

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible

Credits Awarded: 4

The Harvard Secondary School Program's course on Disease, Illness, and Health through Literature, is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in studying the intersection between STEM and the humanities. COVID-19 has made apparent, racial, economic, social, and other inequalities our society faces. 

Through this course, you will get to explore the intersection of health, illness, and society through films, fiction, memoirs, creative nonfiction, life writing, and drama from five continents. With materials authored by physicians, health professionals, patients, activists, and citizens, including works like Atul Gawande's "Being Mortal," Paul Kalanithi's "When Breath Becomes Air," and Harriet Washington's "Medical Apartheid”, you will explore various health crises such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, Alzheimer's disease, and end-of-life decisions and care. This will help you define what it means to promote healing and well-being in both personal and professional spheres.

3. Boston University High School Honors Online Introduction to Computer Science 1

Cost: $3180

Application Deadline: May 24, 2024

Program Dates: May 14 - June 28 or July 1 - August 16

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Credits Awarded: 4

The Boston University High School Honors Online Introduction to Computer Science 1 is a great opportunity for you if you want to pursue computer science, data science, or similar fields. This online course dives into fundamental programming concepts, including numeric, string, and list data types, functions, decisions, recursion, iteration, and object-orientation. You'll engage with applications ranging from matrix operations and image manipulation to games and artificial intelligence and learn through short readings, mini-lecture videos, interactive examples, and complex problem sets. 

The course requires approximately 25-30 hours per week, and the successful completion of problem sets and learning activities. Regular workshop sessions are included to enhance your debugging skills and provide support. You will need a compatible Mac or Windows computer to install necessary software. This course will contribute to the BU Hub requirements in Quantitative Reasoning II, Creativity/Innovation, and Critical Thinking, if you choose to go to Boston University in the future.

4. Tufts Leadership for Social Change

Cost: $3,800

Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

Program Dates: July 28 - August 9, 2024

Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12

Credits Awarded: Credit is available, the program is graded on a pass/fail basis and credit offered is pre-matriculation credit.

The Leadership for Social Change  is a virtual program offered by Tufts University that uses various digital platforms to demonstrate the interconnectedness of societies worldwide. As a participant, you'll gain skills in change-making, resiliency, and civic knowledge, enabling you to build meaningful connections and collaborate effectively. 

Designed for rising high school sophomores to seniors, Leadership for Social Change covers a broad range of topics, including education inequities, community health disparities, food justice, and public policy, among others. Through this credit-bearing program, you will explore various academic areas critical to civic engagement, engage with Tufts faculty and community leaders actively making a difference, and link your passions with academic pursuits. 

5. Rice University Introduction to the Study of Language

Cost: $1,000 credit hour

Application Deadline: May 6, 2024

Program Dates: May 13 - June 21

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Credits Awarded: 3

Rice University's Introduction to the Study of Language course is a great way for you to explore linguistic science. This course covers the core aspects of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse, historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics. 

You'll dive into the scientific study of language's structure and function, gaining insights into how language shapes and is shaped by human experience. Furthermore, the course emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of linguistics, showcasing its connections with anthropology, sociology, psychology, and cognitive sciences. 

6. Lumiere Research Scholars Program

Cost: 

- Lumiere Individual Research Program - $2,800

- Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program - $4,800 

- Lumiere Research Fellowship - $8,400 

Application Deadline:  Rolling, cohort-based.

Program Dates: Varies

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible

Credits Awarded: UCSD Extended Studies is offering 3 units of post-baccalaureate credit to anyone who successfully completes any of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs.

Established by PhDs from Harvard and Oxford, the Lumiere Research Scholars Program is a great opportunity for you if you want to dive into academic research in high school. As a participant, you will have the unique chance to work one-on-one with a PhD mentor, who will guide you through the process of developing an independent research paper. 

This mentorship is a core aspect of the program, offering personalized guidance and insight that is often unavailable in traditional classroom settings. The Lumiere Research Scholars Program not only enhances your understanding of a specific discipline but also equips you with essential research skills. Through this program, you will learn how to formulate research questions, conduct thorough literature reviews, and develop arguments supported by evidence. Completing an independent research paper under the guidance of a PhD mentor not only bolsters your academic profile but also provides a tangible demonstration of your intellectual curiosity and capability. 

Lumiere Education has partnered with UCSD Extended Studies and offers 3 units of post-baccalaureate credit to anyone who successfully completes any of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs. During the cohort, you can choose to enroll in the credit program, if you want. You will be guided on the enrollment process and pay a processing fee to UCSD Extended Studies. Upon completing the Lumiere Research Scholar Program by turning in your final paper, you will be eligible to receive your transcript and credit units. Apply here!

7. Syracuse University International Relations

Cost: $3,075 

Application Deadline: May 1

Program Dates: July 8 - August 16, 2024

Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior, or senior status – or a 2024 high school graduate

Credits Awarded: 3

If you're a high school student eager to dive into the complex world of global politics while earning college credit, Syracuse University's International Relations Pre College course is a great opportunity. This course begins by introducing you to the foundational theoretical traditions of the international relations discipline, preparing you to explore key areas such as statecraft, foreign policy, conflict and war, terrorism, and more. 

You'll engage deeply with subjects like international law, human rights, environmental challenges, and the global economy, applying theoretical frameworks to understand significant contemporary events and their implications worldwide. The course emphasizes critical thinking and active participation through a variety of activities, including documentary screenings, simulations, and group discussions, enhancing your learning experience with both individual and team projects. 

8. UPenn Law and Society

Cost: $8,044

Application Deadline: May 5

Program Dates: July 5 - August 9, 2024

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible

Credits Awarded: 1

If you have an interest in the intersections of law and society, and you're looking to earn college credit, the UPenn Law and Society course allows you to explore how legal systems impact societal issues both within the United States and globally. This course begins with an introduction to the major theoretical concepts of law and its role in society, setting the stage for an in-depth examination of various controversial issues such as civil liberties, the structure and organization of courts, legislatures, the legal profession, and administrative agencies. 

While the primary focus is on the U.S. legal system, you'll also dive into the law and society in other regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America through a comparative lens. Engaging class discussions will encourage you to critically analyze research reports, statutes, and cases, providing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between law and societal norms and challenges.

9. Johns Hopkins University Applications of Chemistry in Medicine

Cost: $1,950

Application Deadline: May 1

Program Dates:July 22 - August 2

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible.

Credits Awarded: 1

If you want to dive deeper into the intersection of chemistry and medicine while earning college credit, Johns Hopkins University’s Applications of Chemistry in Medicine program is a great option. This course teaches the role that chemistry, one of the oldest scientific disciplines, plays in advancing healthcare, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, and even forensic chemistry. 

You'll explore how chemical analysis and synthesis are fundamental in developing new drugs, and understand chemistry's critical contributions to consumer industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and more. Designed to be self-paced and primarily asynchronous, the program occasionally includes live interactions with your instructor for a more engaging learning experience. Note that a background in chemistry and biology is strongly recommended.

10. UC Berkeley Special Topics in Astronomy

Cost: $2403

Application Deadline: June 3, 2024

Program Dates: July 1 - August 9

Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18

Credits Awarded: 1

If you are interested in astronomy, UC Berkeley's Special Topics in Astronomy course is a great way for you to use scientific programming and practical application in understanding the universe. This introductory course emphasizes the use of computational techniques to model astronomical phenomena and analyze data, without requiring prior experience with Python. 

You'll engage deeply with the practical aspects of computational science, using the Python numpy/scipy/matplotlib stack to develop programs that can be applied to real-world data sources from astronomy, physics, finance, and beyond. The focus is on the application and implementation of computational methods rather than on the theoretical or mathematical underpinnings, making it an accessible and invaluable course for those looking to apply computational skills across the physical sciences. 

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

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