For high school students passionate about engineering, university-level courses can provide an exceptional head start. Exploring engineering on this level not only strengthens college applications but also gives students a comprehensive look into various engineering fields, from civil and mechanical to electrical and computer science.

Taking university-led courses early showcases initiative and commitment, both attractive to admissions officers. Specialized programs in specific areas like robotics, aerospace, or environmental engineering allow students to dive deep into their chosen field, while more general introductory courses can guide those still exploring. Either approach demonstrates dedication to learning beyond the high school curriculum and positions students as focused, goal-oriented candidates. 

Courses from well-respected institutions also bring added prestige, providing a competitive edge that helps applications stand out and, ultimately, offering clarity and confidence as students begin their academic and career journeys.

In this blog, we’ve listed 10 university engineering courses for high school students to help get you started!

1. ENSC S-138: Introduction to Probability for Engineering and Data Science at Harvard University

Location: Virtual

Cost: $3,700 (4 credits); financial aid available

Dates: June 24 – August 9, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)

Application Deadline: June 20, 2024  

Eligibility: High school students with a background in set theory, algebra, calculus, and matrices; programming knowledge recommended but not required 

Harvard's ENSC S-138 course offers an engaging dive into probability and statistics tailored for engineering and data science applications. Students cover random variables, probability distributions, conditional expectations, statistical sampling, limit theorems, and Markov chains. Through live online sessions, students engage in interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises emphasizing real-world applications across engineering and data science fields.

As part of Harvard’s Summer School program, students participate in synchronous classes twice a week from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, gaining a rigorous academic experience that mirrors Harvard’s undergraduate rigor. Only 45 students are taken into the summer course. 

2. FED 101: Fundamentals of Engineering Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Cost: $563 per credit plus $60 application fee

Dates: 

• Summer session (July 1 – August 1, 2024) 

• Fall session (September 7 – December 14, 2024) 

• Spring session (January 25 – May 10 or 17, 2025). 

Application Deadline: 

• Applications for the summer session close in June. 

• August 1, 2024 (Fall Session) | December 19, 2024 (Spring Session).

Eligibility: High school students in 11th and 12th grades with knowledge of Algebra II can apply.

FED 101 at NJIT offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to engineering design through practical, hands-on learning. This intensive course covers fundamental concepts such as product design, project development, and measurement techniques. A significant focus is placed on collaborative and independent design projects where students gain real-world experience using industry-standard engineering tools like computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software.

Students work in teams to complete open-ended projects, often centered around real-world problems. These projects challenge students to explore diverse areas within engineering, with opportunities to create prototypes and test designs in NJIT's Makerspace. The course specifically targets those who want to move beyond theory and deep dive into applying concepts through practical application.

 

3. Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI)

Location: Virtual

Cost: $3,575; lab kit required (approximately $296). Financial aid is available 

Dates: 

• Fall Session: August 26 – December 6, 2024 

• Summer Session: June 23 – August 1, 2025

Application Deadline: Typically around August for the Fall session and May for the Summer session.

Eligibility: High school students or recent graduates with a strong background in math and science

The Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI) course at Johns Hopkins immerses high school students in the interdisciplinary world of biomedical engineering.  Structured as a primarily asynchronous course with pre-recorded lectures, BMEI incorporates real-time support sessions and study groups, allowing students to learn at their own pace while adhering to set deadlines. Through hands-on labs and projects, students gain practical experience by designing experiments, modeling biological systems, and exploring engineering solutions for biological, physiological, and medical challenges. 

In this 3-credit course, students use lab kits to work on projects like designing a biosensor, modeling the circulatory system, and developing independent biomedical engineering projects. Assignments require students to hypothesize, collect and analyze data, and present findings in a digital poster format. Theory and application go hand in hand in this course. 

4. CRN: 30768: Yale’s Multivariable Calculus for Engineers

Location: Virtual 

Cost: $5,070; additional technology fee of $85

Dates: May 27 – June 28, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May. Details for 2025 will be available by mid-January

Eligibility: High school students or recent graduates with prior calculus coursework (MATH 115 or AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5)

Yale’s Multivariable Calculus for Engineers offers high school students a focused exploration of advanced calculus concepts essential for engineering and applied science. This intensive course covers three-dimensional space, vector-valued functions, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and foundational vector calculus — including Greens', Stokes’, and divergence theorems. With a maximum of 25 students, the program is structured to ensure close guidance and support in tackling complex mathematical problems.

The course is delivered through synchronous online classes held thrice weekly, providing an interactive and collaborative environment. Students complete pre-class assignments to build foundational understanding and engage in class discussions and problem-solving sessions. Designed for those with a strong math background, this program is ideal for high school students aiming to advance their mathematical skills and enhance their readiness for college engineering programs.

5. CRN: 30753: Engineering Improv: An Introduction to Engineering Analysis

Location: Virtual 

Cost: $5,070; additional technology fee of $85 

Dates: May 27 – June 28, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May. Details for 2025 will be available by mid-January

Eligibility: High school students or recent graduates with knowledge of calculus and high school chemistry

Yale’s Engineering Improv: An Introduction to Engineering Analysis provides a unique approach to engineering analysis, emphasizing creativity and improvisation in mathematical modeling. This course aims to improvise mathematical models for a broad range of problems that arise in engineering, science, and everyday life. Topics include mass conservation, dimensional analysis, energy conservation, thermodynamic efficiency, and transport phenomena.

The course is not limited to engineering students and encourages students from other streams to join. It provides a solid foundation in analytical thinking, which is beneficial for any STEM-focused academic path.

6. CRN: 30754: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

Location: Virtual

Cost: $5,070; additional technology fee of $85 

Dates: July 1 – August 2, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May. Details for 2025 will be available by mid-January

Eligibility: High school students or recent graduates with multivariable calculus and high school chemistry

Yale’s Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics is a rigorous introduction to thermodynamics tailored for students interested in chemical engineering and physical sciences. This online course delves into core thermodynamic principles, including thermodynamics' first and second laws, cyclic processes, chemical reactions, and phase equilibria. Designed to build both qualitative understanding and quantitative problem-solving skills, it is ideal for students seeking a robust foundation for future engineering coursework.  

Key topics include entropy, thermodynamic cycles (such as the Carnot cycle), and applications of Gibbs and Helmholtz functions in analyzing chemical systems. This course is especially suitable for students with a solid grounding in calculus and chemistry who want to deepen their thermodynamics knowledge.

7. CS101: Stanford Computer Science 101

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free (optional $249 for certificate)

Dates: Self-paced; approximately 6 weeks to complete 

Application Deadline: None

Eligibility: Open to everyone

Stanford’s Computer Science 101 (CS101) is a beginner-friendly course that demystifies core computer science concepts for those without prior experience. CS101 covers fundamental ideas about computers, including hardware, software, and the internet. Students learn about core topics like bits, bytes, loops, logic, and digital images, all through interactive coding exercises.

The curriculum also introduces structured data, internet functionality, and cybersecurity essentials, providing an engaging first step into computer science. This course is designed for individuals looking to solidify their foundational knowledge before progressing to more advanced topics. It’s available for free and would act as a precursor to the other more advanced courses made available by the University. 

8. Stanford School of Engineering’s Advanced Cybersecurity Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: $545 per course or $2,725 for All-Access Plan (full access for 365 days)

Dates: Each course requires 10–12 hours to complete; the certificate program totals over 60 hours 

Application Deadline: None

Eligibility: Open to all interested in cybersecurity

The Advanced Cybersecurity Program at Stanford is a comprehensive online certificate program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to protect systems, applications, and networks from cyber threats. This program comprises six required courses covering core topics such as secure coding, cryptography, network security, and executive cybersecurity strategy.

Key courses include:

• Foundations of Information Security: Learn to apply secure design principles to meet security objectives.

• Exploiting and Protecting Web Applications: Develop skills to detect and prevent vulnerabilities in web environments.

• Cybersecurity and Executive Strategy: Understand how to align cybersecurity measures with corporate strategy and risk management.

Moreover, leading professionals from companies such as Google, LinkedIn, Symantec, Data Theorem, and LifeLock come in, giving their real-world insight on the topic, making the course invaluable for those who want to get a head-start in their careers in the field of cybersecurity. The program is available as individual self-paced courses or via a one-year All-Access Plan, providing flexibility for busy students and professionals. Graduates earn a Stanford Certificate of Achievement in Advanced Cybersecurity.

9. ENSC S-135: Biochemical Engineering and Synthetic Life at Harvard University

Location: Virtual 

Cost: $3,700 (4-credit course). Financial aid is available

Dates: June 24 – August 9, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June

Eligibility: High school students with a background in biology and chemistry

Harvard University’s Biochemical Engineering and Synthetic Life course introduces students to the basics of biochemical engineering, covering cell structures, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology. Students explore biochemical pathways, genetic engineering, and applications in health and sustainability. 

The course also delves into synthetic biology, which is considered an emerging field in biology. It focuses primarily on the pitfalls of synthetic life while also looking closely at global health, environmental remediation, and sustainability. 

10. DGMD S-17: Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, Drones, and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University

Location: Virtual

Cost: $3,700 (4-credit course)

Dates: June 24 – August 9, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June.

Eligibility: High school students with programming experience (Python, Java, R, or C/C++) and a background in algebra and geometry

This dynamic course explores the rapidly advancing fields of robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum highlights how these fast-growing fields offer exciting opportunities, with major investments and a projected market growth of 10-15% annually. Students explore the key technologies driving these innovations — from sensor systems and machine learning to engineering design. 

Students will engage in practical simulations and hands-on projects, learning to navigate the technical challenges of building autonomous systems and understanding the impact of these technologies on industries from transportation to healthcare. It also touches upon the challenges and limitations of modern robotics and how to navigate them. With its interactive, project-based approach, DGMD S-17 provides foundational skills in engineering design and AI, preparing students to contribute to the next generation of robotics and AI technologies. 

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to 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 AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

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