Early College Summer

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Early College Summer Program offers motivated students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) the opportunity to get a jump-start on earning college credits through engaging, interactive courses offered in several different formats: fully online, remote with zoom meetings, and in-person on our Metropolitan Campus and our Florham Campus.

Program Highlights 

  1. The opportunity to earn 3 or 4 college credits per course and up to 12 college credits this summer for future university studies.
  2. The ability to advance the quality of your college application.
  3. Experience engaging curriculum developed and taught by passionate, distinguished FDU faculty.
  4. Participate in a collaborative learning environment with students from across the state, country and globe.
  5. Gain a glimpse into the most desired majors and careers of today.

Who Should Enroll

High school students interested in an enriching experience that allows them to explore future career paths while also earning college credit.

How to Register

Course registration opens in early March 2025. Check back then and look for the Register Now buttons next to each class.

Summer 2025 Courses

6-Week Courses (June 30 through August 8)

3-Week Courses

Note: All 3-week courses are high school student only classes.

Session #1 (6/30-7/18)

Session # 2 (7/21-8/8)

6-Week Courses (June 30th through August 8th)

ARTH_1103 Principles of Art Appreciation (3 credits)

Professor Jacqueline Lima

This course is designed to introduce students to the language of art through an examination of the elements and principles of design. Eastern and Western styles will be included in discussion of masterworks. Aesthetic judgement, compositional organization and artistic methodology will be examined in each case. Emphasis will be on the viewing and discussion of works within a specific context.

  • Dates: June 30-August 8
  • Times: No class meetings
  • Modality: Asynchronous; fully online
  • Cap: 7

Enroll in ARTH_1103

BIOL_2204/2224 Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture and Lab (4 credits)

Professors M. Dworkin and M. Valenti

Study of organ systems of the human body. Circulatory system, lymphatic system, urinary system, endocrine system, male and female reproductive systems and embryonic development. Restricted to students who have completed BIOL 2203/2223 as an Early College Dual Enrollment Student* and earned a “C” or better.

  • Dates: June 30-August 8
  • Times: Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-12:00pm
  • Modality: in-person on the Metropolitan Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 6

* Students who completed the prerequisite course through another dual enrollment program may be eligible for this course; student will be asked to provide an unofficial transcript from the college or university where the dual enrollment course was completed. Please write to EarlyCollege@fdu.edu for submission details.

ENROLL IN BIOL_2204/2224

CGDH_2020 History of Graphic Design (3 credits)

Professor Janet O’Neil

This course will trace the history of graphic design from ancient civilizations to the present. This course will seek to answer whether graphic design is art, communication, craft, marketing — or a combination of them all.

  • Dates: June 30 – August 8
  • Times: No class meetings
  • Modality: Asynchronous; fully online
  • Cap: 6

Enroll in CGDH_2020

CHEM_1201/1203 General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab (4 credits)

Professor TBA

This course covers the fundamental laws, theories and principles of chemistry, with emphasis on atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic classification of the elements, solutions, equilibrium, reaction kinetics and the theory and practice of the qualitative chemistry of the common ions. A high school students only course.

  • Dates: June 30-July 18
  • Times: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00-1:05pm (Lecture) and Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00-4:30pm (Lab)
  • Modality: In-person on the Florham Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 15

ENROLL IN CHEM_1201/1203

CHEM_1202/1204/1212 General Chemistry II (4 credits)

Fundamental principles of chemistry, with emphasis on atomic and molecular structure, physical, chemical and periodic properties, stoichiometry, energetics, kinetics and equilibria of reactions, and descriptive chemistry of elements, including theory of qualitative analysis of common ions. Restricted to students who have completed CHEM 1201/1203 as an Early College Dual Enrollment* student and earned a “C” or better.

Location Option 1

  • Dates: June 30 – August 8
  • Times: Monday through Thursday, 10:00am-11:35pm (Lecture), 12:40-1:15pm (Recitation) and 1:35pm-3:05pm (Lab)
  • Modality: In-person on the Metropolitan Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 4

Location Option 2

  • Dates: June 30 – August 8
  • Times: Monday and Wednesday, 10:00am-1:05pm (Lecture), 1:10-2:00pm (Recitation), and 2:30pm-5:00pm (Lab)
  • Modality: In-person on the Florham Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 6

* Students who completed the prerequisite course through another dual enrollment program may be eligible for this course; student will be asked to provide an unofficial transcript from the college or university where the dual enrollment course was completed. Please write to EarlyCollege@fdu.edu for submission details.

ENROLL IN CHEM_1202/1204/1212 (METROPOLITAN)

ENROLL IN CHEM_1202/1204/1212 (FLORHAM)

CRIM_1101 Intro to Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

Dr. Marina Saad

The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview and understanding of the United States Criminal Justice System. In context to the philosophical underpinnings of the U.S. Constitution and the historical, social, and political development of the United States, this course will examine the three major components of the criminal justice system: (1) police and law enforcement, (2) courts and adjudications, and (3) corrections. The framework of the course will evolve about the concepts of social order and control, theories of criminality, the legislation, enforcement, and adjudication of criminal laws, the remediation of criminal behavior, and the influence of public policy in the administration of justice.

  • Dates: June 30-August 8
  • Time: No class meetings
  • Modality: Asynchronous online
  • Cap: 10

Enroll in CRIM_1101

CRIM_1130 Working with Children and Families (3 credits)

Dr. Elizabeth Panuccio

This course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and ethics for effective practice in the field of child and family welfare. This course will explore the history, evolution, and current status of child welfare policies, the service continuum provided to families and children, and the socio-cultural context of child welfare practice. Empowerment and strengths-based perspectives will form the theoretical framework for practice skills. An emphasis will be placed on understanding public policies that support the basic needs of families, as well as policies governing the child welfare system and selected policies governing juvenile justice, adult criminal justice, mental health and educational systems.

  • Dates: June 30-August 8
  • Time: No class meetings
  • Modality: Asynchronous online
  • Cap: 5

Enroll in CRIM_1130

ENGR_1301 Engineering Practices, Graphics, and Design (3 credits)

Professor Melvin Lewis

Analytical techniques: equations, graphics, statistics. Introduction to computer-aided analysis software. Engineering applications. Introduction to design. Fundamentals of graphics as applied to sketching and drafting. Professionalism and ethics. Integrated laboratory experience. A high school student only course.

  • Dates: June 30-August 8
  • Time: TBD
  • Modality: In-person on the Metropolitan Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 15

Enroll in ENGR_1301

FILM_2250 Screenwriting (3 credits)

Professor TBA

Students learn the basics of screenplay structure, character development, dialogue, rising and falling action, conflict and resolution by writing scripts and reading and analyzing successful screenplays. Students complete short scripts. A high school student only course.

  • Dates: June 30-August 8
  • Time: Monday and Thursday, 11:00am-2:10pm
  • Modality: Hybrid; meeting in-person on the Florham Campus (location TBA) and remotely via zoom
  • Cap: 12

Enroll in FILM_2250

PSYC_2204 Child Development (3 credits)

Dr. Andrew Eisen

The course explores that growth and development of children in terms of sensorimotor, intellectual and social behavior. Scientific findings and theoretical viewpoints presented with implications concerning the child for the family, school, and community.

  • Dates: June 30-August 8
  • Time: Monday and Wednesday, 12:00-3:00pm
  • Modality: Hybrid; meeting in-person on the Metropolitan Campus (location TBA) and remotely via zoom
  • Cap: 10

Enroll in PSYC_2204

3-Week Courses

All 3-week courses are high school student only courses.

Session #1 (6/30-7/18)

BIOL_1060/1061 Genetics and Society (4 credits)

Dr. Andre Wallace

An introduction to genetics with emphasis on the impact of new developments in genetic technology on the individual and society. Transmission of genes in families, genetic counseling and reproductive decisions, treatment and diagnosis of inherited disease, genes in populations and current topics —such as cloning, stem cell research and genetically modified foods — will be discussed.

  • Dates: M-TH, June 30 – July 18
  • Times: 9:00 -1:35 p.m.
  • Modality: In-person on the Metropolitan Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 15

Enroll in BIOL_1060/1061

BUSI_1100 Introduction to Financial Markets (3 credits)

Professor Dan Petrie

This course offers an introduction to the functioning of financial markets and the fast-changing field of market microstructure. We will examine career paths and on the equity trading side, the course covers major exchanges such as NYSE, Euronext and Nasdaq OMX, and new players such as BATS and Direct Edge/ISE. Students also learn about dark pools, options and futures exchanges, electronic bond trading platforms and currency trading systems. In addition, the course provides a summary of different market structures, the role of market participants, different order types, trading strategies and trading externalities. The course draws on theories and tools from economics and behavioral finance, current institutional practices and market regulation. The course also examines fundamental and technical analysis to help students understand how to invest their capital.

  • Dates: June 30-July 18
  • Times: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 -12:15 p.m.
  • Modality: In-person on the Florham Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 15

COMM_2861 Communicating Through Media (3 credits)

Professor Christine Foster

Social media, streaming services, browsers, movies, tv, radio, journalism – all, and more, are modes of mass communication. How do mass media organizations influence you? What is the quality of information available through mass media? How do mass media organizations respond to and influence change?

  • Dates: June 30-July 18
  • Times: No class meetings
  • Modality: Asynchronous; fully online
  • Cap: 15

Enroll in COMM_2861

CSCI_2157 Cybersecurity Fundamentals (3 credits)

Dr. Ihab Darwish

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential principles, technologies, and practices that form the backbone of effective cybersecurity. In an era where digital threats continue to evolve, this course equips participants with the foundational knowledge required to build a solid understanding of cybersecurity concepts. The course explores the role of IT governance in maintaining a resilient cybersecurity posture and the ethical considerations in cybersecurity.

  • Dates: June 30-July 18
  • Times: Monday through Thursday, 4:00-7:15pm
  • Modality: Remote with Zoom Meetings
  • Cap: 15

Enroll in CSCI_2157

LITS_2112 Comic Books and Graphic Novels (3 credits)

Dr. Kenneth Sammond

Examination of the literary, cultural and social significance of the graphic novel, its initial rise and its rising popularity as a literary medium: emphasis on the origins of the genre and its relationship to comic-book writing; exploration of comparative relationships between the graphic novel and other popular genres such as science fiction, the detective novel; historical fiction and fantasy literature.

  • Dates: June 30-July 18
  • Time: No class meetings
  • Modality: Asynchronous; fully online
  • Cap: 15

Enroll in LITS_2112

Session # 2 (July 22-August 8)

BIOL_1001/1011 Principles of Modern Biology (4 Credits)

Dr. Andre Wallace

This course will cover the basic principles of biology using evolution as the unifying theme of a study of biologically important chemicals, the structure and functions of cells and organisms, and the diverse forms of plants and animals. The interactions of individuals and populations are examined to better understand humanity’s impact on the environment.

  • Dates: July 22 – August 8
  • Times: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 – 1:30 p.m.
  • Modality: In-person on the Metropolitan Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 15

Enroll in BIOL_1001/1011

HSCI_1111 The Exciting Future of Pharmacology in Delivering New Treatments (3 credits)

Professor Paul Cavanaugh

This course will explore some of the key moments in the history of drug discovery and development; how new therapies (e.g., small molecules, biologics, and vaccines) are discovered, developed, and approved for marketing in the U.S.  Most important, students will learn about the careers and roles of who makes this all possible.  The necessary teamwork of basic scientists, medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, regulatory specialists, bioengineers, and healthcare professionals (e.g., PharmDs, MDs, DOs, DMDs, and RNs who are all trained in pharmacology) will be reviewed.

  • Dates: July 22-August 8
  • Times: TBD
  • Modality: In-person on the Florham Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 15

UNIV_2002 Global Issues (3 credits)

Professor Marc Martorana

In this course, students develop essential aspects of critical thinking and apply those skills in evaluating international systems, environmental issues, and human rights questions. Not only will this course demonstrate the global dimensions of crucial contemporary issues, it will also develop the relational thinking that students will be expected to exercise in other academic contexts and throughout the rest of their personal and professional lives. In other words, this course is as much about how to study and think about global problems and relationships as it is a course about specific global issues.

This is a special summer section open to New Jersey High School Students who will be entering their Junior or Senior year and are able to attend classes on the scenic Florham Campus. Integration will occur with experiential activities and optional field trips and events with visiting international high school students.

  • Dates: July 31, Aug. 1, Aug. 2, Aug. 5, Aug. 6, and Aug. 8 (please note the special dates!)
  • Times: Times TBA, mostly a full day schedule
  • Modality: In-person on the Florham Campus (location TBA)
  • Cap: 15

Enroll in UNIV_2002

Is there a course you would like to see us offer to high school students for the Summer of 2025? We would welcome your input and ideas!

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Contact Information
For More Information
FDU Office of High School Programs
Early College Programs
201-692-6504
earlycollege@fdu.edu