By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern

Summer break doesn’t have to slow down your goals — it can be a chance to explore something new, stay on track, or even get ahead.

Running May 18 through August 6, 2026, Summer Session includes a variety of course formats, with 4, 6, 8 and 12-week options. This flexibility allows students to build a schedule that works around internships, jobs or travel.

For many students, summer is one of the most practical times to make progress. It can be an opportunity to complete required courses early, lighten your fall schedule or try a subject outside your major.

Taught by Illinois faculty, these online courses allow you to earn credit while learning from anywhere.

Here are 10 courses to help you get ahead this summer:

ACCY 200: Fundamentals of Accounting (3 credit hours)
Build a foundation in accounting principles and learn how financial information is used in real-world decision-making. This course is designed for non-business majors and introduces core concepts in a practical, accessible way.

THEA 101: Introduction to Theatre Arts (3 credit hours)
Explore the world of theatre through acting, directing, design and playwriting. This course also includes a survey of theatre history and diverse voices in performance.

SBC 510: Messaging Strategy (3 credit hours)
Learn how to create effective and persuasive messaging across different platforms. This course focuses on communication strategy, audience engagement and content creation for both traditional and digital media.

PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology (3 credit hours)
Examine the fundamentals of human behavior, including memory, learning, perception and emotion. This course provides a strong introduction to psychological concepts and research methods.

NEUR 313: Drugs, Brain and Behavior (3 credit hours)
Understand how drugs affect the brain and influence behavior. This course explores the relationship between neuroscience and real-world issues related to substance use.

JOUR 200: Introduction to Journalism (3 credit hours)
Learn the foundations of journalism, including media ethics, storytelling and writing techniques. This course emphasizes clear communication and the role of media in society.

FSHN 101: The Science of Food (3 credit hours)
Explore how food systems work, from nutrition and chemistry to safety and regulation. This course provides a broad overview of how food impacts health and society.

CW 100: Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credit hours)
Develop your writing skills through poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Students will explore storytelling techniques and apply them through guided practice.

DANC 100: Introduction to Contemporary Dance (3 credit hours)
Discover contemporary dance through movement, discussion and performance analysis. No prior dance experience is required.

GWS 201: Race, Gender and Power (3 credit hours)
Examine how race, gender and power shape society, culture and identity. This course explores these themes through topics such as media, technology and social systems.

Check out the full list of courses on the Online Course Search page and find one that interests you.(Make sure to select the Summer 2026 box to see all available courses and check back often for updates.)

For more information, visitIllinois Online’s Summer Session page.