Explore your interests before college
Case Western Reserve Pre-College Program
If you have a passion for certain subjects and would like to explore them in-depth before college, here is your chance to do so with one of the nation's premier research institutions. For nearly 200 years, Case Western Reserve University has prepared ambitious students for their futures—in that spirit, we offer our pre-college online courses, designed for high school students ages 13 and up. Each course features video lessons by Case Western Reserve instructors and access to mentors. The program is available year-round, and the online format lets you study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace. This flexibility allows you to take multiple courses and explore a variety of subjects.
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Program Dates
Multiple two- and four-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13+
Individual Course Fees
$1495
Current Courses Available
Neuroscience and Medicine
Inside the Brain and Nervous System
How does your brain transmit messages to keep everything running? What happens when a neurological disorder appears? What are today's advanced treatments for neurological disorders? These questions are at the heart of this field. In this course, you’ll discover how neuroscience ignites developments in medicine. If science, medicine, psychology, or other STEM subjects excite you, take this educational adventure. Learn through engaging video lessons by CWRU instructors Barbara Kuemerle, Ph.D. and Ashley Nemes-Baran, Ph.D.
Engineering
From 2D Sketch to 3D Model
Do you like to build things? Are you interested in the techniques engineers use to go from two-dimensional sketches to three-dimensional models and finished products? Would you like to learn skills that can serve as a basis for a future in video game design, architecture, robotics, or engineering? Get started with this course. Learn through engaging video lessons by Case Western Reserve instructors Ainsley Buckner and Jason Bradshaw.
Science
Astrophysics and Evolutionary Biology: The Origins of Life
How did the universe and life begin? Why do some species survive, while others perish? Delve into the history of the cosmos. If you’re thinking about a future in STEM, medicine, or even law or business, you’ll be able to answer the most basic questions about how our universe and life evolved. Learn through engaging videos by CWRU instructors, Dr. Patricia Princehouse and Dr. Glenn Starkman.
Business
Social Entrepreneurship: The Business of Helping Others
Is it possible to apply innovative entrepreneurial thinking for the social good? This course shows how creative companies are doing just that. You’ll see how social entrepreneurs get started, build a value proposition, find customers, identify problems, and create solutions. If you’re thinking about majoring in business, see yourself as an entrepreneur, or value social responsibility, this course is a must. Learn through engaging videos by CWRU instructors Michael Goldberg and Megan Buchter.
Biomedical Engineering
An Introduction to Medicine’s Future
Biomedical engineering is a game-changer for medicine and technology. It operates at the intersection of engineering design and science, helping to make possible everything from joint replacements and heart transplants to prosthetic limbs and implantable organs. If you’re thinking about a future in this growing field of science and technology, here is your starting point. Learn through engaging video lessons by Case Western Reserve faculty Matt Williams.
How you will benefit
- Online courses are available throughout the year—pick subjects that fit your passions and your schedule
- Suitable for high school students ages 13 and up so you can start exploring your interests early on
- Experience what it’s like to take a course designed by Case Western Reserve University instructors and professors while you’re still in high school
- Lessons by professors are delivered through videos so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows—the ultimate in flexibility
- Receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience
- For each course, earn a Certificate of Completion from Case Western Reserve University
Hear From Case Western Reserve University
Hear From Our Students
I have taken two Case Western online classes, and both have been an amazing experience. The difficulty level is perfect for the age the class is intended for. The work could be done at your own pace, so if you were busy one day, you could easily make up for it another. The work load was not to overpowering and I could do things outside of the class a lot. The methods they use to teach things, making them interactive and not just staring at a screen, will help me remember the things I learned for a very long time. - Sautter, Case Western Reserve Pre-College student from OH.
If you are really passionate about a topic and you want colleges to know that, then definitely take one of Case Western's courses. Not only are they very beneficial with their content, but they are also very fun and enjoyable to participate in. - Anurag, Case Western Reserve Pre-College student from IL.
3 Learning Advantages Designed for You:
Flexible Learning
- 100% online, works with your schedule
- You’ll learn through engaging video. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- Multiple courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience.
- 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and activities per course, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors
- Engage with fellow students online from around the world
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Expertise in your course’s particular field.
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies
- Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your final project
Final Project
All courses culminate in a special final project that allows you to:
- Demonstrate what you've learned in a presentation
- Get feedback from your mentors on your work
- Choose from a variety of topics covered in your course to show what you’ve learned
- Use any media you prefer—text, video, photography, PowerPoint
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
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Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.