Summer courses are traditionally offered as a supplement, enrichment or review of a main academic course. Programs are offered on a variety of subjects, and usually take somewhere between a few weeks to three months to complete.

What is a summer course in applied arts? The applied arts are, like the applied sciences, theoretical practices with practical applications. Examples include architecture, culinary arts and product design. Over the term of the class, one might expect to engage in several long sessions involving a mixture of group work, studio time, field projects, independent study or lectures, depending on the specific focus being explored. Many programs are designed for secondary and undergraduate students to take during the traditional summer break from classes.

Students of a summer course might find that these programs offer smaller class sizes, more interaction with fellow students or more field work when compared to programs offered during the spring or fall terms. This could lead to greater understanding of the subject at hand along with improved personal study habits and deeper relationships with peers.

Summer courses tend to be widely disparate in terms of tuition costs. This could be due to several factors, including the school, the amount of fieldwork or materials required and the level of the classwork. Check with each institution before applying.

Secondary school students might find that involvement in interesting summer courses helps develop a portfolio and show commitment to a focus when applying to bachelor's programs. This increased commitment early in an academic career might accelerate success, even in a competitive field such as the arts. Students at the undergraduate or graduate level could conceivably take an applied arts summer course to broaden their horizons, explore a specific topic in more detail, gain access to a visiting professor or simply speed up the acquisition of a degree. Those who complete a course may become interns, work-study participants or tutors.

This tool can help you find the course that fits you best. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.