15 Winter Courses for High School Students
Taking academic or skill-based courses before college can be an excellent way to boost your profile as a high school student. By completing certifications in a subject you care deeply about, you can demonstrate initiative to college admissions officers and build skills that will strengthen your college applications. Completing such courses can help you showcase subject mastery while providing practical experiences that you can talk about in your college essays.
For students looking to stay productive during their breaks, winter courses offer a great opportunity. Running between December and March, these short-term programs are offered by universities, online learning platforms, and professional instructors across a variety of fields. Whether you’re interested in coding, science, writing, or design, winter courses for high school students provide flexible virtual and in-person options to keep learning and gain credentials. Below are 15 winter courses for high school students.
15 Winter Courses for High School Students
1. BIO-90012 Marine Biodiversity: Coral Reef Ecology and Conservation - UC San Diego
Location: Online
Cost: $1,500
Dates: February 10 – March 5
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: 9th–12th grade students, minimum age 14 by program start
This course explores coral reefs, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, and introduces you to the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape these habitats. You will examine reef formation, food web dynamics, and the resilience of coral ecosystems under threats such as climate change and human activities. Through interactive sessions, you will learn survey techniques for reef monitoring and contribute to citizen science projects using Allen Coral Atlas and NOAA databases. Taught by instructor Nicole Yen, this live online course provides both scientific foundation and practical conservation experience, serving as a prerequisite for Tier 2 pre-college courses.
2. MATHLA – Linear Algebra from Elementary to Advanced - Johns Hopkins University (Coursera)
Location: Virtual (Coursera)
Cost: $98 (approx.) for course, $399 for Coursera Plus annual subscription
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: No strict prerequisites
This Johns Hopkins University specialization in linear algebra consists of three courses that cover key undergraduate topics such as vectors, matrices, systems of linear equations, determinants, eigenvalues, symmetric matrices, and quadratic forms. Throughout the program, you engage with lectures, readings, quizzes, and special projects like investigating Markov Chains and the Google PageRank algorithm, gradually working from simpler to more complex dimensional examples. The course encourages active participation through discussion forums where learners can interact with peers and instructors. By completing the specialization, students will build valuable skills in problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and matrix analysis that are highly applicable to fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and economics.
3. MITx: 6.431x – Probability: The Science of Uncertainty - MIT (edX)
Location: Online via edX
Cost: None to audit; $300 for verified MITXcertificate (discounts may apply)
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: No strict prerequisites, background in basic probability and mathematical reasoning is recommended
This course offers an introduction to probabilistic frameworks, random processes, and statistical reasoning to help you understand and manage uncertainty in practical situations. Key topics include probability models, Bayesian inference, Poisson processes, Markov chains, and foundational statistics. Throughout interactive sessions, you collaborate on problem sets to enhance your mathematical reasoning, data analytical skills, and statistical modeling capabilities, skills highly sought after in finance, engineering, and AI domains. The probabilistic models are taught in an intuitive yet mathematically sound way, without relying on traditional theorem-proof structures, promoting a deep and accessible understanding of the concepts.
4. BIOMI 1720 Biomedical Terminology - Cornell University
Location: Online (synchronous)
Cost: $5,820 ($1,940 per credit)
Dates: January 2 – 18
Application Deadline: Early Fall
Eligibility: All high school students
This intensive winter course introduces you to the Greek and Latin word elements that form the basis of specialized terms in medicine, law, and biology. By learning the rules of word formation and root meanings, you will gain the ability to recognize the meaning of unfamiliar words in technical and scientific contexts. The course is particularly valuable if you are preparing for standardized exams such as the SAT, GRE, MCAT, TOEFL, or LSAT, and provides a strong foundation for pre-medical, pre-veterinary, and pre-law tracks. Taught by Professors Dwight Bowman and Hannah Roisman, this synchronous online course emphasizes vocabulary building as a practical academic and professional skill.
5. Stanford Online: CME 102 – Ordinary Differential Equations for Engineers
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,514 per credit unit.
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Strong background in single-variable calculus | Prior completion of either MATH21 - Calculus or prior earning of a score of 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam
This Stanford Online course covers both analytical and numerical approaches to solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) specifically for engineering applications. You will learn techniques to solve linear and nonlinear first-order ODEs, second-order ODEs, and apply Laplace transforms, alongside numerical methods using MATLAB, including finite differences, multi-step methods, and stability evaluations. Emphasizing practical engineering problems such as spring-mass systems, Newton’s laws of motion, and boundary value challenges, this course equips students with essential skills to model dynamic systems, a foundational expertise for careers in mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering.
6. 6.0001x Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python – MIT (edX)
Location: Online via edX
Cost: None ($99 for certificate)
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: All high school students
This course, offered by MIT, introduces students to fundamental concepts of computer science and programming with Python. You learn about the role computation plays in solving problems and develop confidence in writing small programs to achieve practical goals. The course covers topics such as Python programming language basics, simple algorithms, data structures, testing and debugging, and an informal introduction to algorithmic complexity. Unique features include interactive finger exercises integrated into the lectures, problem sets, quizzes, and a final exam, all designed to reinforce learning and build programming skills. You engage in hands-on programming assignments where they implement their own Python functions, cultivating computational thinking and problem-solving abilities.
7. BERP-B-90016 BioEngineering Research Project B – Research - UC San Diego
Location: Online or Hybrid (with home lab kit)
Cost: $2,600 (Online), $3,000 (Hybrid) + possible $500 lab fee (3.00 Pre-College units; ~$50 supplies; international shipping fees may apply)
Dates: January 10 – March 1
Application Deadline: December 18
Eligibility: 9th–12th grade students who have a minimum GPA 3.0 | Must be at least 14 years old for online courses | Completion of BE-BOAT, BE-ROW, and BERP-A required
In this course by UC San Diego, you will implement your approved proposal through hands-on experimentation and data collection. Working with a collaborating bioengineering lab, you will analyze results, develop a scientific abstract and research paper, and prepare a professional presentation of your work. Weekly lectures, discussions, and lab meetings provide guidance, while home lab kits allow you to perform experiments remotely. Taught by Professor Robert L. Sah, this program emphasizes independent research, critical thinking, and preparation for science fairs or academic conferences.
8. CS50x Introduction to Computer Science - Harvard University (edX)
Location: Online via edX
Cost: None to audit, $149 for verified HarvardX certificate (discounts may apply)
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: All high school students
This course, taught by Professor David J. Malan and the Harvard CS faculty, introduces you to computer science and the art of programming. You will explore problem-solving through algorithms, abstraction, data structures, security, and software engineering, while gaining experience with C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Assignments include real-world inspired problem sets in domains like cryptography, finance, biology, and gaming. By completing nine problem sets and a final project, you can earn a certificate and even pursue college credit through ACE recommendations. CS50x combines rigorous academics with accessible teaching, making it one of the most celebrated entry-level programming courses worldwide.
9. LAW-90021 Intellectual Property Law and Policy: Part 1 - University of Pennsylvania (edX)
Location: Online via edX
Cost: None to audit; $169 for verified certificate (discounts may apply)
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: All high school students
This course explores the foundations of intellectual property (IP) law and its role in shaping innovation and creativity. You will examine patent law in depth while also surveying key debates around copyright and trademarks. Weekly modules guide you through the legal framework, theory, and policy implications of IP, with case studies ranging from patents on smartphone designs to trademarked fashion symbols. By completing graded assessments, you can earn a PennX certificate and build a strong foundation in legal reasoning and policy analysis. This course serves as Part 1 of a two-part series, with Part 2 focusing on copyright and trademarks.
10. LAW-90022 Intellectual Property Law and Policy: Part 2 - University of Pennsylvania (edX)
Location: Online via edX
Cost: None to audit; $169 for verified certificate (discounts may apply)
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: All high school students
This second part of PennX’s IP law series explores copyright and trademark law in theory, practice, and policy. You will study seminal legal cases and learn how doctrines such as fair use, trademark infringement, and dilution shape creative and commercial industries. Modules also examine the limits of current IP protections, including how they apply in cyberspace, and explore proposals for reform and alternative approaches to intellectual property. Taught by Professor R. Polk Wagner, this course provides a deeper understanding of how law interacts with innovation and culture, making it valuable for students interested in law, policy, or creative industries.
11. RHET-90023 Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking - Harvard University (edX)
Location: Online via edX
Cost: None to audit; $209 for verified HarvardX certificate (discounts may apply)
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: All high school students
This course, based on Professor James Engell’s Harvard class Elements of Rhetoric, introduces you to the theory and practice of persuasive communication. You will analyze speeches by prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Margaret Chase Smith, and Ronald Reagan to explore how rhetorical structure and style influence public discourse. Through writing exercises and speaking practice, you will learn to construct compelling arguments, recognize logical fallacies, and strengthen your persuasive voice. With a focus on both writing and public speaking, this course equips you with critical communication skills that are applicable in academic, civic, and professional settings.
12. MITx: 18.06x – Linear Algebra – MIT OpenCourseWare
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students having basic knowledge of vectors, matrices, and three-dimensional coordinate systems
This free MIT OpenCourseWare covers matrix theory and linear algebra, with a focus on applications in fields such as physics, economics, engineering, and data science. Key subjects include systems of equations, vector spaces, determinants, eigenvalues, and singular value decomposition. You engage with comprehensive materials, including lecture and problem-solving videos by MIT instructors, summary notes, problem sets with solutions, and computational examples that often utilize tools like MATLAB or Julia. The course also explores practical applications like Fourier transforms and Markov processes. Through these activities, you will develop skills in matrix analysis, computational modeling, and problem-solving, which are essential for advanced areas such as machine learning and engineering.
13. CS-ALG-01: Data Structures and Algorithms - University of Illinois (Coursera)
Location: Online via Coursera
Cost: $399 for Coursera Plus annual subscription
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: All high school students
This course is focused on teaching fundamental concepts of efficient data organization and problem-solving techniques in computer science. It covers key topics such as arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, hash tables, sorting, and searching algorithms, along with algorithm complexity analysis. You will learn how to implement these data structures, analyze their efficiency, and solve complex computational problems using them. The course involves activities like coding exercises, quizzes, hands-on programming assignments, and peer-reviewed projects to reinforce understanding. Its unique features include a flexible, self-paced learning format and instruction from experienced university faculty, making it accessible worldwide. By completing the course, you will develop skills in designing optimized algorithms and analyzing computational complexity.
14. UC NUTM01 Serving a Healthy Diet - Tufts University
Location: Online (on-demand, asynchronous)
Cost: $300; group discounts are available
Dates: August 1 – January 15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This course explores the science of healthy eating and the role of diet in preventing chronic disease. You will study dietary patterns that promote long-term health and examine the nutritional properties of foods such as leafy greens, beans, berries, and proteins. Modules cover food sourcing, preparation, and cultural considerations in meal planning, as well as smart substitutions for diverse dietary needs. Taught by a team of Tufts nutrition faculty, including Diane McKay, Alice Lichtenstein, Paul Jacques, and Tim Griffin, the course combines scientific evidence with practical application. By the end, you will be able to design nutrient-rich, flavorful, and culturally responsible meals while earning continuing education hours if desired.
15. MED-90024 Human Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Cases - Harvard University (edX)
Location: Online
Cost: None to audit; $209 for verified HarvardX certificate (discounts may apply)
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: All high school students
Developed by Harvard Medical School faculty, this course introduces musculoskeletal anatomy through five clinical case studies. You will follow hypothetical patients from initial injury to the operating room, observing physician-patient interactions, radiology analyses, and narrated surgical procedures. Anatomy modules feature cadaver dissections, histology, and imaging to explain the structures underlying each case. With content designed in collaboration with orthopedic surgeons and radiologists from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the course provides an authentic glimpse into medical training. By completing case-based exercises and anatomy labs, you will gain practical knowledge of musculoskeletal systems while developing critical thinking skills in diagnosis and clinical reasoning.
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