15 Fall College Courses for High School Students
Taking a college-level course in high school can give you a valuable head start on your academic journey. These courses allow you to explore advanced topics in your field of interest and enhance your college applications by showcasing intellectual curiosity to admissions officers. By engaging with rigorous coursework, you can prepare for future academic, research, or internship opportunities.
College courses provide exposure to university-level teaching, research, and projects, allowing you to earn advanced placement. Some of these courses also offer the opportunity to earn college credit, which may be transferable once you begin your undergraduate studies. Enrolling in fall college courses for high school students helps you develop critical skills and connect with university faculty.
Below, we have listed 15 fall college courses for high school students.
15 Fall College Courses for High School Students
1. CHEM 105: Concepts in Chemistry - Hudson Valley Community College
Location: Online (Hudson Valley Community College, New York State)
Cost: Not explicitly mentioned; usually requires school approval and likely tuition fees charged via the high school or program
Dates: September 2 – December 19
Application Deadline: May need to be coordinated with the high school
Eligibility: High school students going into their junior or senior year in Fall at any New York State high school
The Hudson Valley Community College CHEM 105: Concepts in Chemistry course for high school students covers fundamental principles of chemistry such as matter and measurements, atomic structure, periodic properties, molecules, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, reactions in aqueous solutions, thermochemistry, and gases. You engage in problem-solving activities, critical thinking exercises, and laboratory techniques to make and interpret scientific measurements. You will also learn to write and balance chemical equations, understand chemical bonding theories, and explore gas laws. Unique features of the program include virtual lab manuals and the use of online platforms for lecture and laboratory work, making it accessible remotely. Through this course, you develop analytical, quantitative, and scientific communication skills.
2. ANPS 1190 ZRA: Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Location: Hybrid (On campus in Burlington, VT + online lab)
Cost: Varies depending on several factors, check here
Dates: August 25 – December 5
Application Deadline: August 29
Eligibility: PACE High school and pre-college students preparing for health sciences or related fields
This course is the first in a two-semester sequence introducing the structure and function of the human body. You will begin with cellular biology and tissue characteristics, then explore the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems in depth. Instruction combines three weekly lectures with online laboratory assignments and quizzes, allowing you to build both theoretical knowledge and applied lab skills. The course emphasizes developing a shared anatomical and physiological vocabulary, predicting relationships between structure and function, and connecting coursework to real-world health and disease contexts. Assessment includes four non-cumulative exams, weekly quizzes, and online lab assignments. This course provides a rigorous foundation in human biology while preparing you for further study in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields.
3. BE-BOAT: Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture (MCTC) – UC San Diego
Location: Online
Cost: $2,700 (includes home laboratory kit; approx. $50 additional supply cost; international shipping fees may apply)
Dates: October 4 – November 22
Application Deadline: September 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 with a minimum GPA of 3.0; at least 14 years old for online participation (15+ for in-person formats)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to mammalian cell and tissue culture, blending scientific theory with hands-on practice through home-based laboratory kits. You will learn how to plan, prepare, and administer solutions for propagating mammalian cells, visualize cultured tissues using digital microscopy, and analyze growth through biochemical assays. Coursework includes two hours of lecture and discussion each week, 1–2 hours of office hours, and 3–6 hours of homework, supplemented by flexible office sessions. You will also gain experience with essential lab tools, including micropipettes, serological pipettes, culture plates, and microscopes, helping you build competencies relevant to fields such as biotechnology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
4. PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy - Hudson Valley Community College
Location: Online (Hudson Valley Community College, New York State)
Cost: Not explicitly mentioned; usually requires school approval and likely tuition fees charged via the high school or program
Dates: September 2 – December 19
Application Deadline: May need to be coordinated with the high school
Eligibility: High school students going into their junior or senior year in Fall at any New York State high school
The Hudson Valley Community College PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy course for high school students provides an overview of fundamental philosophical ideas and questions. You explore topics such as ethics, logic, metaphysics, and epistemology, examining how humans think about knowledge, existence, and morality. The course involves activities like critical reading and analysis of philosophical texts, writing essays to articulate arguments, and participating in discussions to deepen understanding of diverse viewpoints. You develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, learning how to construct logical arguments and evaluate complex ideas thoughtfully. This foundation prepares students for higher education and enhances their ability to engage in thoughtful discourse.
5. ANTH 1100 A: Cultural Anthropology
Location: On campus (Fleming Museum 101, Burlington, VT)
Cost: Varies depending on several factors, check here
Dates: August 25 – December 5
Application Deadline: August 29
Eligibility: PACE high school and pre-college students interested in anthropology, global studies, or the social sciences
This introductory course explores cultural anthropology through the study of diverse societies, traditions, and worldviews. You will learn how anthropologists use fieldwork-based methods to analyze cultural practices, systems of social organization, and responses to contemporary global issues. By engaging with case studies from around the world, you’ll gain insight into how culture shapes human experience and interaction. The course emphasizes critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and the development of analytical tools that can be applied to both academic study and real-world contexts. This course provides a strong entry point into the social sciences while earning transcripted college credit.
6. MARI-90080: Marine Biology – Mammalian Chemistry and Genomics – UC San Diego
Location: Hybrid (Online + In-person in San Diego, CA)
Cost: $3,000
Dates: September 29 – December 6
Application Deadline: September 24
Eligibility: 10th–12th grade students
This hybrid research course examines the impact of environmental exposures on marine mammals, including dolphins and sea lions, by integrating water chemistry analysis, genomics, and fieldwork in San Diego Bay. You will participate in both virtual and in-person sessions, where you’ll deploy Composite Integrative Passive Samplers (CIPS) to detect pollutants, measure water quality parameters, and analyze tissue samples from mussels and oysters. Lab components include chemical profiling, metagenomic sequencing, and comparative analyses using archived specimens of marine mammals. Through this work, you’ll investigate how industrial pollutants influence marine mammal health, while gaining experience with advanced tools like Nanopore sequencing and bioinformatics software.
7. BIOL-40049: Applied Bioinformatics and Biostatistics – UC San Diego
Location: Online
Cost: $2,000
Dates: September 29 – December 5
Application Deadline: September 24
Eligibility: 10th–12th grade students who have completed Fundamentals of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics (or Introduction to Bioinformatics and Statistics), AP Biology, and Pre-Calculus (Statistics recommended)
In this course, you will analyze fruit fly neurobiology data, including behavioral, genomic, transcriptomic, and metagenomic datasets, while learning advanced concepts in statistical design, hypothesis testing, and data visualization using R. Coursework includes twice-weekly synchronous sessions combining lectures and computer labs, supplemented by independent analysis and scientific writing assignments. A highlight of the course is the opportunity to collaborate with researchers on projects that may lead to authorship in a peer-reviewed scientific manuscript. By the end, you will have gained practical experience with bioinformatics databases (NCBI, PDB, UCSC Genome Browser, DAVID, STRING), performed RNA-Seq and metagenomic analyses, and presented your findings at an end-of-course online symposium.
8. CS109x: Introduction to Data Science with Python – Harvard University
Location: Online
Cost: None to audit; $299 for verified certificate
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: High school students with prior Python and basic statistics knowledge
Taught by Harvard faculty, this self-paced course introduces you to Python for data science workflows. You will practice building regression models (linear, multilinear, and polynomial) and classification models (kNN, logistic), while using essential libraries such as pandas, numpy, matplotlib, and scikit-learn. The curriculum highlights key machine learning concepts, including overfitting, regularization, and uncertainty assessment. Weekly coding assignments reinforce your ability to design data pipelines, visualize results, and evaluate models effectively. By the end of the course, you will have reproducible Python coding skills and a working knowledge of core machine learning methods that prepare you for further study in data science and AI.
9. ARTH 1420 A: Art History after 1300
Location: Williams Hall 301, Burlington, VT
Cost: Varies depending on several factors, check here.
Dates: August 25 – December 5
Application Deadline: August 29
Eligibility: PACE high school and pre-college students interested in art, history, or cultural studies
This introductory course surveys Western art and architecture from the Renaissance to the present. You will study major works of painting, sculpture, and architecture, while analyzing style, form, technique, and historical context. Topics include the legacy of Greco-Roman antiquity, art in religious practice, political expression and censorship, and the role of art as a catalyst for social change. Coursework emphasizes developing skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, and written communication through assignments and discussions. By the end of the semester, you will be able to identify significant artworks, understand their cultural and political significance, and engage with ongoing debates in art history. This course is ideal if you want to deepen your appreciation of visual culture.
10. ENG 101: Introduction to Literature: The Young Adult Novel – Oregon State University
Location: Online (offered through Oregon State University Ecampus)
Cost: Tuition fees apply but not explicitly stated; contact OSU directly for exact pricing
Dates: Late September – December
Application Deadline: Not specifically listed on the page; recommended to apply several weeks before the term begins
Eligibility: High school students who meet OSU's admission requirements for college credit courses
The Oregon State University ENG 101 course, "Introduction to Literature: The Young Adult Novel," is designed to explore the themes, characters, and storytelling techniques found in young adult literature. The course covers topics such as genre analysis, character development, narrative structure, and social issues addressed in young adult novels. You will analyze popular YA books, participate in discussion forums, write critical essays, and create presentations on specific themes or authors. Throughout the course, you will develop critical reading and analytical skills and improve your writing ability.
11. FED 101: Fundamentals of Engineering – New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Location: Online and in-person at Newark, NJ (NJIT campus)
Cost: $1,320 + $60 non-refundable application fee; textbooks additional)
Dates: September 6 – December 13
Application Deadline: September 3
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance | Completed Algebra II with “B” average or higher | Counselor recommendation required
The NJIT course FED 101: Fundamentals of Engineering introduces high school students to core engineering concepts and design tools used in creating devices and systems. You study basic engineering design elements, processes, measurements, and product/project development, with practical hands-on experiments in multidisciplinary engineering areas. Activities include team-based open-ended engineering projects, computer-aided design and simulation, technical writing, and oral presentations. The program also includes peer learning with other high-achieving students, instruction by NJIT faculty recognized for teaching excellence, and earning college credits applicable to undergraduate degrees. Skills developed include engineering problem-solving, project management, communication, and technical proficiency with design software.
12. ASCI 1400 OLR: Intro to the Horse
Location: Online
Cost: Varies depending on several factors, check here.
Dates: August 25 – December 5
Application Deadline: August 29
Eligibility: PACE High school and pre-college students; no prior horse experience required
This introductory course provides a broad overview of horses, beginning with their evolution and domestication and progressing to modern breeds, uses, health, and management. You will study equine anatomy, physiology, diseases, and care practices while also exploring the cultural and historical significance of horses. The class is delivered through 21 asynchronous modules, each with quizzes, interactive discussions, and assignments, allowing for flexibility in pacing. Evaluation is based on weekly posts and end-of-module assessments, with a focus on developing practical knowledge as well as appreciation for the horse-human bond. By the end of the course, you’ll have a foundational understanding of equine science and insight into career opportunities in animal and veterinary sciences.
13. ME 217: Mechanical Engineering Dynamics – Oregon State University
Location: Online (OSU Ecampus)
Cost: $1,796 ($449 per credit)
Dates: Late September – December
Application Deadline: Not specifically listed on the page; recommended to apply several weeks before the term begins
Eligibility: High school students who meet OSU's admission requirements for college credit courses
The ME 217: Mechanical Engineering Dynamics course at Oregon State University introduces and applies concepts of kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies with applications to engineering mechanical systems. Topics covered include the motion and forces of particles and rigid bodies, Newton's laws, work and energy principles, impulse and momentum, and dynamic analysis of mechanical systems. You engage in activities such as solving dynamic mechanics problems, analyzing real-world mechanical systems, conducting experiments or simulations to observe motion and forces, and applying computational tools for dynamic modeling. You gain skills in problem-solving, mechanical system analysis, critical thinking, and the use of engineering software tools that prepare you for advanced study or engineering careers.
14. ACTG 120: Personal Finance - Hudson Valley Community College
Location: Online (Hudson Valley Community College, New York State)
Cost: Not explicitly mentioned; usually requires school approval and likely tuition fees charged via the high school or program
Dates: September 2 – December 19
Application Deadline: May need to be coordinated with the high school
Eligibility: High school students going into their junior or senior year in Fall at any New York State high school
This course covers essential topics such as budgeting, taxes, consumer credit, insurance, investments, retirement savings, and estate planning. You engage in activities like creating and managing a personal budget, analyzing credit reports to improve credit scores, exploring different investment options, and planning for major life expenses like buying a home or funding education. The course stands out for its practical, real-world approach, helping students develop skills to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives. By completing this course, students gain financial literacy skills that include budgeting, borrowing wisely, insurance decision-making, retirement planning, and estate management, preparing them for responsible money management in adulthood.
15. BHSC 1340 A01: Human Cell Biology
Location: Rowell Health 113, Burlington, VT
Cost: Varies depending on several factors, check here
Dates: August 25 – December 5
Application Deadline: August 29
Eligibility: PACE high school and pre-college students pursuing health sciences or biomedical fields
This course combines lecture and laboratory work to introduce you to molecular and cellular biology using human cells as the model system. You will study cellular structure, function, and physiology while developing practical lab skills that are foundational for careers in medicine, research, and allied health fields. Lab sessions emphasize hands-on experimentation and reinforce core topics covered in lectures. The course is designed for students preparing for biomedical or health sciences, and it builds a strong grounding in how cells operate, preparing you for advanced study in anatomy, physiology, and molecular biology.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Apply now!
Image Source - University of Vermont Logo