Summer Classes
Flexible Formats: Online, In-Person, and Hybrid
Stay on track, catch up, or get ahead with flexible summer classes at Columbia. Choose from online, in-person, and hybrid courses designed for current, visiting, and non-degree students.
Earn credits, explore creative fields, and stay on track—on your schedule.
Summer classes at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ are part of your academic pathway, giving you a flexible way to make progress toward your degree. Whether you’re looking to complete credits, focus on a specific subject, or take advantage of a lighter course load, summer offers options that fit your goals.
Courses are available online, in person in Chicago, and in hybrid formats, with multiple start dates and session lengths from late May through mid-August.Summer classes run from late May through mid-August, with multiple start dates and session lengths.
Ready to get started? Explore available courses to find the right fit for your schedule, or apply now as a non-degree student.
Space is limited in many courses. Apply by May 25, 2026.
- Who Can Apply
Summer classes are designed for:
- College students looking to stay on track or graudate sooner
- Students enrolled at other colleges who want to earn transferable credits
- Students home for the summer in the Chicagoland area
- Students interested in exploring creative coursework not offered at their home institution
- Current Columbia students looking to get ahead or explore additional creative coursework over the summer
- Anyone looking for a flexible, short-term academic experience
- How It Works
Students enroll as non-degree seeking students, meaning:
- You can take courses for credit without applying to a full degree program
- The application process is streamlined
- You’ll learn alongside Columbia students in college-level courses
- Official transcripts may be required if the course(s) of interest have pre-requisites.
Application deadline: May 25, 2026
- Summer Sessions and Dates
Summer classes are offered across multiple sessions, so you can choose what fits your schedule:
- Session A (Early Summer): Late May–June
- Session B (Mid-Summer): Late June–August
- Extended Sessions: Select courses run throughout the full summer term
Course lengths range from 5 to 12 weeks, with multiple start dates across the summer.
- Course Formats That Fit Your Summer
Choose from courses offered in a variety of formats:
- Online (asynchronous and scheduled)
- In person (Chicago campus)
- Hybrid
Whether you want to focus on one intensive course or build a full summer schedule, there are options to match your goals.
- Explore Courses in High-Demand Creative Fields
Choose from a wide range of credit-bearing courses, including:
Business and Marketing
Social Media Content, Marketing Data Analytics, Self-Management and Freelancing
Film, TV and Media
World Cinema from 1945–Present, Careers in Film and Television, Smartphone Video
Writing, Literature and Humanities
Writing for the Creative Workplace, Storytelling, Craft and Process in Fiction
Visual Arts, Design and Illustration
Introduction to Traditional Animation, Introduction to Computer Animation, Drawing, Ceramics I, Painting I
Courses range from creative studio classes to career-focused and academic subjects, with options across multiple session lengths.
Learn in and Beyond the Classroom
Take classes in professional environments—including select theatre courses held at The Second City—and learn from faculty who are active in their fields.
Earn Credit This Summer
All summer courses are credit-bearing.
If you’re currently enrolled at another college or university, you may be able to transfer credits back to your home institution. Students should confirm transferability with their school in advance.
Tuition
Tuition is charged per credit hour.
For 2025–2026, undergraduate tuition is approximately $898 per credit hour. Your total cost will depend on the number of credits you take.
Looking for a High School Summer Program?
Summer at Columbia is a separate four-week pre-college program designed for high school students interested in exploring creative fields.
Learn More
Questions?
Contact ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ Admissions for more information about summer enrollment and course options.
