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College Courses for High School Students

Strengthen your college application, stand out among other applicants, and get a head start on your college education—all while you're still in high school.

Why Enroll in College Courses While Still in High School?

Insider Access to a Personal College Advisor

You'll benefit from having a dedicated college advisor who will assist you in selecting courses that align with your educational goals and personal needs. Plus, you'll be taught by the same expert faculty members who teach in our highly ranked academic programs, helping you feel more prepared for college and knowledgeable of how course topics apply to the real world. 

Flexible & Convenient Courses

You won't have to forego any aspect of your high school experience to get a jumpstart on your college career. That's because all of our courses are offered online and do not require you to meet on a certain day or time. You'll have the flexibility to complete coursework whenever it's most convenient for you, but still have the support you need for academic success. Your advisor can discuss with you and your family how we develop your personal success plan.

Cutting Costs and Accelerating Your Career

Courses for high school students are offered at a significantly reduced tuition rate. And by getting a jump start on general education requirements, you can begin to take your programmatic coursework when you officially start at Widener (or any college of your choosing) and potentially graduate early!

  • Reduced tuition rate: $500 per course

Courses Available to High School Students by Term

UALH 100 – Intro to Healthcare Professions (3 Credits)

Health and health care represent an increasingly, varied set of professional fields. Individuals, prepared in allied health can find themselves, with careers in community clinics, research, hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, insurance, agencies, and advocacy groups (to name just a few). This entry-level course explores the diverse career options available to those with, degrees in allied health. 3 semester hours 
 
UANT 105 – Cultural Diversity (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the study of human cultural diversity. By examining different cultural systems from around the world, students learn concepts and methods for investigating why humans think and behave the way they do. This course provides students with the competence to live and work with people from different cultural backgrounds. It also enables students to see the world through a different cultural lens and reflect critically on the cultural beliefs and practices that govern their own lives. Topics include race, ethnicity, nationalism, language, gender, sexuality, religion, warfare, political organization, economic systems, migration, healing, kinship, marriage, and the family. 3 semester hours 
 
UCJ 105 – Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

A general introduction to the study of the American system of criminal justice. The crime problem, the police, the judicial system, and correctional agencies are examined. Both the legal and behavioral realities of each stage of the criminal justice process are discussed and analyzed. 3 semester hours 
 
UPSY 105 – Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)

A general introduction to scientific psychology, including biological psychology, development, learning, memory, psychological disorders, and social psychology. Psychology majors must receive a C or better in this course to satisfy psychology major requirements. 3 semester hours 

UMUS 101 – History & Literature of Music I (3 Credits) 

An introduction to the language of music and a survey of music in Western civilization from the Middle Ages through Bach.

Spring I I 2023 (7-week courses from January 9, 2023, to February 28, 2023) 
 
UAH 102 – Art History II 
A survey of the major visual arts-architecture, painting, sculpture- from the Renaissance to the present. Offered in the spring semester every year. (3 credits) 
 
UALH 111 – Medical Terminology 
Allied health, like any other professional discipline, has its own specialized lexicon. Those in the various fields of allied health must understand this shared language not only to interact with other professionals but also to carry out career responsibilities. In this entry-level course, students learn and practice medical terminology-from anatomy and physiology to diagnostics and technology. (3 credits) 
 
UIS 101 – Intro to Personal Computers
This course introduces microcomputer applications as tools for productive automation of work. It introduces the computer system and the operating system. It instructs the student in the rudiments of three popular software applications-word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation graphics. (3 credits) 

Spring II 2023 (7-week courses from March 13, 2023, to May 2, 2023) 
 
UHIS 122 – American Civilization II 
American Civilization II surveys the history of the United States from 1877 to the present, with emphasis on how major economic, political, and social changes affected the lives and values of Americans. The focus is on how the processes of industrialization, immigration, and urbanization transformed American life from a parochial, homogeneous, rural, and agricultural experience to an urban, industrial, multicultural nation in an increasingly interdependent world. The class examines the kinds of evidence that historians use to reconstruct the past and challenges students to think analytically about historical sources to learn how people made sense of and shaped modern American civilization. (3 credits)
 
UIS 105 – Intro to Computer-Based Systems 
This course provides an overview of computer-based systems and how they support organizational strategy. Additional concepts include systems development and management, database, analytics, process management, project management, security, and ethics. Hands-on learning using in-demand software demonstrates how technology can provide the individual and the organization with a competitive advantage. (3 credits)

Full Spring 2023 (15-week courses from January 9, 2023, to May 5, 2023) 
 
UBIO 101 – Principles of Biological Systems
An introductory course designed to emphasize the established principles common to all known forms of life. Topics for discussion include the origin of life forms (abiogensis) on this planet, and the evolution and operation (metabolism and self-perpetuation) of such forms of life at various levels of biological organization. Comprehension of the principles including complementarity between structure and function is emphasized throughout. (4 credits) 
 
UENG 101 – Reading, Thinking, & Writing 
Success in college calls for curiosity, engagement, and a willingness to be challenged, as well as having a strong foundation in reading, writing, and thinking. First-year students at Widener begin their college career with ENGL 101, a course designed to prepare undergraduates for serious academic inquiry, full participation in the intellectual life and mission of the university and sustained self-directed learning throughout the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to select a section of ENGL 101 focused on a particular theme or topic. Through a variety of challenging reading and writing assignments engaging with the topic of choice (including a common reading), students become more careful and discerning readers. They will express insights and craft sustained arguments supported by carefully chosen evidence from primary and secondary material, and they will strengthen their ability to ask questions, evaluate, and synthesize complex information and draw conclusions. (3 credits)

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How to Enroll in College Courses

You'll need to submit an application first. Our application is free and takes just a few minutes to complete.

  • Have a recent copy of your high school transcript ready to upload. 
  • Complete the application at go.widener.edu/apply by choosing Continuing Studies and High School Student. 

Once you apply, we'll be in touch to assist you in enrolling in courses that will put you on the inside track to success.

Apply Now

Accelerated College Program

Apply to our Pride Scholars Accelerated College Program and work with a Widener Student Success Advisor to plan your college coursework while still in high school. You can earn up to 30 college credits, saving time and significantly reducing your college tuition costs. 

Start Exploring Widener for Your College Experience

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Browse Our Programs

With your gen eds already banked, dive into a major that interests you. Graduate early. Or use the time to study abroad, gain more on-the-job experience, or delve into cutting-edge research. You'll graduate with the confidence to launch your career.  

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Earn a Bachelor's + Master's in 4 Years

Take advantage of the credits you've accrued in high school by using your four years at Widener to accelerate to a master's degree—earning you a job advantage, higher compensation, and the skills to advance your career.  

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Tuition & Financial Aid

You want the best fit—and the best education you can afford. Through scholarships, grants, and financial aid, we make this possible.

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Student Experience

You’ll know it when you feel it. The sense of belonging. The thrill of shared purpose. The excitement of life in a community that feels like a second family. Take a sneak peek of student life at Widener. 

Get in Touch

Have questions? Feel free to email or call our Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies for more information. Provide your contact information and one of our advisors will call you!