Rochester Pre-College Online STEM Courses for High School Students
Explore your interests in STEM before college
Do you have a passion for science, technology, engineering, or math? Interested in exploring some or all of these subjects before college? Here is your chance to do so—with one of the world's leading research universities. The University of Rochester offers online courses in biomedical engineering, personalized medicine, video game design, and orthopedic surgery for high school students ages 13 and up. Each course features engaging video by Rochester faculty 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 discover a variety of academic areas of interest.
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Program Dates
Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13+
Individual Course Fees
$1495
Current courses available
Engineering
Discover our bionic future
Biomedical Engineering: Solving the Body’s Problems Through Technology
Can biotechnology increase our lifespan? Can it make our bodies more functional? Can it heal previously untreatable conditions? Delve into the exciting world of biomedical engineering. Learn about current advances and future potentials—everything from artificial limbs to implantable devices. Think like an engineer for the body.
Digital Technology
From storytelling to design
Intro to Video Game Design
Study the art and technology aspects of video game design, from Atari to XBox and Mobile Gaming. Get hands-on experience with the theories, tech frameworks, and storytelling that are used to design Meaningful Play. Learn how to use GameMaker Studio 2 to customize a templated video game.
Medicine
Learn to read your genes
Personalized Medicine: Customizing Care Through Genetics
Genetic mapping is making treatment more individualized than ever. Step into the brave new world in which genetic science can identify, and in many cases treat, diseases such as addiction, Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder, even acne. If you are interested in pre-med or STEM, this course is a must.
Orthopedic Medicine
A firsthand look at treating bones
Orthopedic Medicine: Treatments & Surgery
Did you know that orthopedic surgery ranks among the *top medical specialties for both competitiveness and compensation? If you’re a highly motivated student interested in medicine, surgery, or orthopedics, then we have the course for you. You’ll study tumors; trauma; and total joint replacement. Learn common orthopedic conditions, how they present in the body, and the broad range of operative and non-operative treatments available.
*Source: Med School Insiders
Hear From the University of Rochester
Advantages you gain from our STEM courses:
- Courses are available throughout the year — pick STEM subjects that fit your passion and your schedule
- Suitable for high school students ages 13 and up — so you can start exploring your interests in science, tech, engineering, and math early on
- Experience what it’s like to take STEM-related courses designed by University of Rochester faculty while you’re still in high school
- Lessons by professors are delivered through videos so that 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 the University of Rochester
3 Learning Advantages Designed for You
1. Flexible Learning
- 100% online, works with your schedule
- Asynchronous: you’ll learn about STEM subjects through engaging videos. Tune in anytime that works for you
- Multiple courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience
- 20-30 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
2. 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 of STEM
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies
- Brainstorming to help as you prepare for your final Capstone project
3. Final Capstone Project
All STEM-related courses culminate in a 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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Apply NowFrequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you get to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're accepted?
Find answers to your questionsUndergraduate Admissions
To learn more about applying to the University of Rochester for your undergraduate studies, visit the Undergraduate Admissions page.
Learn more about Undergraduate AdmissionsScholarships
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.