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Summer Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University helps students meet their academic needs. Whether you’re a current VCU student or visiting from another university, taking courses during the summer will allow you to get ahead, catch up or repeat a course you’ve struggled with in the past. You can also explore topics that don’t fit in your schedule during the academic year.
We’re confident that you’ll be able to find what you need from more than 1,200 courses offered during 11 different sessions.
Who can attend?
Summer Studies is open to VCU students and visiting students who meet VCU's eligibility requirements.
VCU students
For students currently enrolled in a degree program at VCU, Summer Studies is designed to:
- Relieve enrollment problems in both core curriculum and general education courses
- Offer “bottleneck” courses that are often filled to maximum enrollment during the fall and spring semesters
- Provide the opportunity to repeat courses
- Initiate pilot programs
- Offer a small number of electives to help students meet graduation requirements
Nondegree-seeking students
Nondegree-seeking students can take up to 11 credit hours at VCU during Summer Studies. Students who are currently seeking a baccalaureate degree at another institution must be in good standing at their home institutions and should get approval from their home institutions before registering for classes.
Summer programs
VCU offers these programs during Summer Studies:
English Language Program
The English Language Program offers an intensive university preparation language program for non-native speakers of English and serves international students, U.S. citizens, permanent residents and refugees. ELP offers students three options of study in the summer:
- Complete summer term: A 12-week term that offers students more course choices
- Summer 1: An 8-week term held May to June
- Summer 2: An 8-week term held July to August
Summer study abroad
VCU Education Abroad provides opportunities for students to study abroad during the summer. VCU faculty members lead study-abroad programs with intensive instruction in an international context. Participants earn VCU credit and study subjects ranging from science, business and foreign language to arts, health care and economic development. New programs are created every year.
There are also summer opportunities to study at partnership universities, through program providers and more.
Senior citizens program
The Senior Citizens Higher Education Program allows Virginia residents ages 60 and older to take courses without paying tuition or mandatory fees. The program is offered year-round.