Online Courses for High School Students - Programs & Courses

Get a head start on college by earning credits from Cornell online

As a student in this highly regarded Ivy League program, you'll have the chance to

Immerse yourself in fascinating Cornell University courses
Work closely with leading Cornell faculty members
Earn 3 to 12 credits and a Cornell transcript
Improve your college study skills during rigorous, well-designed classes
Prepare for college applications with one-on-one admissions counseling
Connect with a diverse group of motivated high school students from around the world

It's a great chance to experience college academics, explore potential majors, and plan for your future, all without leaving home.

During the summer and winter, you can select from dozens of regular undergraduate Cornell courses in subjects such as architecture and the arts, business and hotel management, health and humanities, international relations, science and technology, social change, veterinary medicine, and more.

Most online courses are delivered via the web-based learning system Canvas. Generally, you'll interact with the instructor and other students via email, discussion boards, interactive chat rooms, video conferences, and/or phone.

Some classes are offered synchronously (live and on a predetermined schedule) while others are asynchronous (pre-recorded and on your own schedule). Learn more about synchronous (sync) and asynchronous (async) instruction modes.

The grades and credits you earn will be recorded on an official Cornell transcript and can generally be applied toward an undergraduate degree at Cornell or another school, at that institution's discretion.

For Winter 2025

You'll choose a three-week course offered from January 2 to 18 (see the calendar).

Check out this webinar hosted by the Precollege director about the Winter Online Precollege Studies Program.

View Winter Session courses

For Summer 2025

You'll be able to choose from three- and six-week sessions (see the calendar). You'll be on a fast-paced schedule, learning 15 weeks of college coursework in a condensed period.

View Summer Session courses (2025 courses will be added in the new year)

Note: Cornell is committed to compliance with all export control regulations, including U.S. sanctions. Any individual located in the following regions must receive written approval from Cornell’s Export Control and Compliance Officer prior to enrolling in an online course: Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

Technical requirements

Program highlights

Learn from anywhere.
Take a fascinating college course at an Ivy League university.
Study with a Cornell faculty member.
Get a head start on college by earning credits and enhancing your study skills.
Work with students from around the world.
Meet William Kim, a Cornell Precollege alum and incoming Cornell freshman

Faculty

Our programs offer you the rare opportunity to work closely with some of Cornell's most distinguished instructors. Under their guidance, you'll develop the critical thinking and writing skills essential for success in college.

Student experiences

"The class was very interesting and while it was condensed to three weeks, it was still very informative without being too heavy. The fact it was online made it very appealing for me since I am an international student and, even though I’m not a a Cornell University student, I had the great opportunity to learn from the university."

"My online course was AWESOME! The professor was very easy to reach out to for help. Her video lectures were clear and a great resource. The course provided transferrable skills that I can put on my resume."