Early College Summer

Make the Most of Summer 2024 with an Early College Class at FDU!

See the complete list of Summer 2024 course offerings below!

Summer 2024 Session #1 (early July)

Summer 2024 Session # 2 (July into early August)

For the Mini Law School Program which runs from July 29 through August 1, 2024, click 2024 Mini Law School to learn more and to enroll. You may also contact Professor Madelyn Ferrans with questions at ferrans@fdu.edu.

For the College Readiness Program for Students Who Learn Differently, which runs July 8–18 or July 29–Aug. 8, click Summer Experience  to learn more and download an application. You can also contact Professor Dawn Dennis at ddennis@fdu.edu.

FDU’s Early College Summer Program is rated a Top 50 “Best Pre-College Summer Program” by Value Colleges (2021).

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 Teaneck/Hackensack and Florham Park/Madison campuses.

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.

Summer 2024 Session #1 (early July)

BIOL_1060/1061 Genetics and Society (4 credits)

Dr. Andre Wallace 

Is it all in the genes? From your family blueprint (yes, you have one!) to their significance on population health — and even our food supply — genes are the code of all living things. Join us as we explore their importance and potential, as well as some of the ethical considerations they present. 

Course Description 

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, July 1 – July 18; Fri, July 5 as make-up for holiday 
  • TIMES: 9:00 -1:35 p.m.
  • MODALITY: In person (Metropolitan Campus; location TBA) 
  • CAP: 15 

Enroll in BIOL1060 AND BIOL1061

BUSI_1100 Intro to Financial Markets (3 credits) 

Professor Dan Petrie 

Step into the world of professional trading as we demystify market dynamics and delve into what really happens at the sound of the NYSE morning bell. If you’re interested in a career in finance (or just looking to impress your friends with your knowledge of dark pools), this course is your perfect intro. 

Course Description 

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: M-TH, July 1 – July 18; Fri., July 5 as make-up for holiday 
  • TIMES: 9:00 -12:15 p.m.
  • MODALITY: In person (Florham Campus, location TBA) 
  • CAP: 15 

Enroll in BUSI1100

CGDH_2020 History of Graphic Design (3 Credits) 

Professor Janet O’Neil 

From cave paintings to AI-generated ads, graphic design has always been the heart and soul of human expression. But what IS it, really? Join us as we dive into the roots of graphic design to see where it’s been, where it’s heading — and what it is! 

Course Description 

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: July 1 – July 18  
  • TIMES: No class meetings
  • MODALITY: Asynchronous online 
  • CAP: 15 

Enroll in CDGH2020

CHEM 1027/1028 Chemistry for the Global Citizen (4 Credits) 

Professor James Mizvesky 

What’s the matter? Everything! Well, in terms of chemistry it is. That’s because everything that surrounds us is comprised of chemistry’s building blocks. So, when it comes to the most pressing matters impacting our world—from global warming to alternative energy and even our food supply—chemistry is at the heart of both understanding these issues and finding solutions for them. 

Course Description 

This course provides a basic understanding of chemistry knowledge and concepts within the context of everyday life and global issues. Topics addressed will include global warming, acid rain, nuclear and alternate power sources, and other issues relevant to everyday life. Students will develop a basic understanding of chemical concepts and begin to understand the diverse applications of chemistry in society. 

  • DATES: July 1 – August 8 (note the longer session!) 
  • TIMES: Lecture: T, W, and TH, 9:30-11:35am, Lab: T and TH, 1:00-3:30pm
  • MODALITY: In-person (Florham Campus; location TBA) 
  • CAP: 15

Enroll in CHEM1027 AND CHEM1028

COMM_1001 Communication in Everyday Life (3 Credits) 

Professor Christine Foster 

What do TT, chat groups, headline news, team projects, job interviews and family dinners ALL have in common? Communication! Each has different rules of engagement and styles: sometimes an emoji will do — other times we need to read between the lines or dig deeper to find meaning. Get ready to build your communication skills in COMM.1001! 

Course Description 

This introductory course will provide students with a foundation in communication concepts, theory and research, while helping them begin to master practical communication skills, such as listening and critical thinking, using technology to communicate, understanding nonverbal communication, creating persuasive strategies and managing group conflict. Topics will include self-development, interpersonal communication, family communication, group communication, public speaking, media/technology and communicating in the workplace and in public. 

  • DATES: July 1 – July 18  
  • TIMES: No class meetings
  • MODALITY: Asynchronous online 
  • CAP: 15 

Enroll in COMM1001

CREW_1000 Creative Writing Fundamentals (3 credits) 

Professor Courtney Crane 

Do you have a story inside you? Get ready to harness your thoughts and unleash your imagination to create something powerful and even life-changing. CREW_1000 is all about exploring self-expression — supported and inspired by classmates with compelling stories of their own! 

Course Description 

This creative writing course welcomes students who have been writing, those who long to write and those who don’t think of themselves as writers yet — perhaps a scientist, an athlete, a historian, a musician, a mathematician, among others. Whatever their ways of identifying, students will have a rich opportunity to explore self-expression in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. We will discuss how established creative writers may serve as models, how to use creative writing to explore your interests in new ways, how creative writing can enrich your and others’ experience of the world around you and how to learn from one another’s writing as we workshop student writing. We will study and practice creative writing in at least three of the major genres: poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and drama. 

  • DATES: T and TH, July 1 – August 8 (note the longer session!) 
  • TIMES: 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.
  • MODALITY: Remote with Zoom meetings 
  • CAP: 15

Enroll in CREW1000

CSCI 2137 Cybersecurity Fundamentals (3 credits)

Dr. Ihab Darwish 

Hacks. Data breaches. Online identity theft and personal data sold on the dark web. While these events lead to cybersecurity being in the news, there are trillions of data transmissions and transactions every minute of every day that simply could not happen without effective cybersecurity. But what is cybersecurity, and how do IT teams work to ensure data is safe from digital threats? Join us as we explore how it all works. 

Course Description 

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: M-TH, July 1 – July 18; Fri., July 5 as make-up for holiday 
  • TIMES: 9:00 -12:15 p.m.
  • MODALITY: Remote with Zoom Meetings 
  • CAP: 15 

Enroll in CSCI2137

SPAD_2007 Introduction to Esports (3 Credits) 

Dr. JC Kim 

Imagine a sport that regularly draws millions of viewers for a game, played by superstar athletes who aren’t (yet!) household names. While fantasy sports have their place, Esports continue to skyrocket in popularity — as a competitive sport, and the entire industry that supports it. Get an inside look at this billion dollar+ industry! 

Course Description 

This course will provide an overview of the esports industry, its history, current state, and emerging trends. 

  • DATES: July 1 – July 18;  
  • TIMES: No class meetings
  • MODALITY: Asynchronous online 
  • CAP: 15 

Enroll IN SPAD2007

EC Summer Session # 2 (July into early August) 

BIOL_1001/1011 Principles of Modern Biology (4 Credits) 

Dr. Andre Wallace 

Some of the most important challenges facing our world — the environment, sustainable food sources, genetics, medicine, manufacturing and more — depend on modern biology for insight and solutions. Take a deep dive into this exciting field that looks at living matter from multiple specialties. 

Course Description 

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: M-TH, July 22 – August 9 
  • TIMES: 9:00 – 1:30 p.m.
  • MODALITY: In person (Metropolitan Campus; location TBA) 
  • CAP: 15

Enroll in BIOL1001 AND BIOL1011

CGD_1313 Creative Imagery with Photoshop (3 Credits) 

Professor John Cinco 

Is an image REALLY what you’re seeing … or has it been transformed in Photoshop? Whether you start with a photo or an AI-generated idea of one, Photoshop is what design industry pros use to take images from placeholder status to post- or print-worthy (hey, Canvas has its limits). Discover why Photoshop is one of the most versatile and valuable software tools to learn, whether you want to be a designer or video game developer — or simply up your photo editing game. 

Course Description 

This course is an introductory exploration of computer graphics as a technology and a creative medium. Through the use of industry-standard software, Adobe Photoshop, students learn the fundamentals of working with raster editing techniques. The focus is on manipulating images and learning about the production workflow as it pertains to digital imagery. 

  • DATES: M-TH, July 22 – August 9 
  • TIMES: 1:00 – 4:15 p.m.
  • MODALITY: Remote with Zoom meetings 
  • CAP: 15 

Enroll in CGD1313

CRIM_1101 Intro to Criminal Justice (3 Credits) 

Dr. James Jones 

Every day the media report on crime and lawsuits—ranging from criminal assault, victimless crime, and financial fraud—or cases heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. criminal justice system is as extensive as it is complex, and it is ever-changing. In CRIM 1101, we dive into how the criminal justice system works, how it got to where it is today, and how to make sense of it all. 

Course Description 

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: July 22 – August 9  
  • TIME: No class meetings
  • MODALITY: Asynchronous online 
  • CAP: 15 

Enroll in CRIM1101

MUSIH_1106 American Musical Theater (3 credits) 

Professor Allen Cohen 

From Oklahoma and Guys and Dolls to Hamilton and The Book of Mormon, American musical theater has the power to uplift, thrill, and challenge audiences. Whether you love show-stopping dance numbers or haunting ballads, this course will take you through the history and the practice of a quintessentially American art form. 

Course Description 

A survey of the history of contemporary musical theater from its origins in the 19th century through the present day. In addition to lectures and discussions, the course makes extensive use of audio and video materials. 

  • DATES: M-TH, July 22 – August 9  
  • TIMES: 1:00-4:15pm
  • MODALITY: In person with some remote meetings (Florham Campus) 
  • CAP: 20 

Enroll in MUSIH1106

PSYC_2234 Social Psychology (3 Credits) 

Dr. Gregory Tortoriello 

Ever wonder why you dress the way you do or why you dedicate yourself to a particular cause? While psychology studies the mind and behavior, social psychology looks at how your feelings, beliefs and actions are shaped and influenced by the people, environment and society around you. 

Course Description 

Representative theories and selected problems concerning determinants of social behavior. Socialization, attitude structure and change, social norms, prejudice, leadership, and group dynamics. 

  • DATES: M-TH, July 22 – August 9  
  • TIMES: 9:00 -12:15 p.m.
  • MODALITY: Remote with Zoom meetings 
  • CAP: 20 

Enroll in PSYC2234

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