Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program
Explore Your Intellectual Passions Before College
At Georgetown, we believe that you’re more than a mind. You’re an individual with unique talents, dreams, and passions. Our long-held Jesuit tradition of cura personalis means "care for the whole person," and our goal in creating these new online courses is to provide a holistic experience for you. As an individual with unique talents, dreams and passions, you deserve the opportunity to develop and refine what makes you you. If you are intrigued by a certain subject and would like to explore it in-depth before college, here is your chance. Georgetown University now offers pre-college online courses for high school students ages 13 and older. Each features dynamic video lessons by renowned Georgetown faculty and access to mentors. The program is available year-round, and the online format enables you to study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Fees
$1495
New This Summer: +Live
For driven high school students with an interest in law and government or medicine, we have an added bonus: +Live!
With +Live, you’ll enjoy structured online sessions on select weekdays. These engaging events span a variety of law and government or medicine related topics that every aspiring student should experience, include invaluable activities with subject-matter experts and course mentors, and encourage collaboration with like-minded students around the world. Cost: $500.
Learn more about Medicine +Live
Learn more about Law & Government +Live
While we’re offering +Live with a focus on medicine or law & government, all students are welcome to participate.
Current Courses Available
Medicine
An Inside Look at Treating Patients
Do you have what it takes to be a doctor? This course is a great place to start. Learn the roles of different medical team members, from physician and nurse practitioner to physician assistants, radiation therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and more. Discover how they manage patient care. Determine how three conditions are treated: a kidney transplant, peripheral vascular disease, and cancer. Finally, see how technology and science are merging for better outcomes.
Law
How To Think Like an Attorney
Ever been intrigued by a television show or movie involving attorneys and dramatic court cases? Here is your chance to see how the profession works from the inside. Learn how to think like an attorney—how to pose the right questions, evaluate evidence, and make decisions based on fact rather than emotion. Interested in pursuing law, or want to sharpen your critical thinking? This course is a must.
International Relations
How the World Works
Natural disasters. Pandemics. Unconventional warfare. Cyber threats. Learn how our world reacts to disasters. Discover why populist movements arise and how they can threaten democracy. Consider how different nations define human rights, and see how technological advances offer both promise and threat. Explore the field of international relations and consider what your role will be in tomorrow’s world.
Surgery
Becoming a Surgeon: Skills, Specialties, and Diseases
Surgeons are a unique mix of scientific curiosity and hands-on dexterity. Have you ever dreamt about becoming a surgeon? Then this course is for you. It offers you a fascinating close-up of the surgical procedures used to treat abdominal conditions. You’ll create your own model of the major organs and the vascular structure of the abdomen. If this opportunity interests you, apply today!
Cybersecurity
Protecting Our Digital Future
Identity theft, ransomware, phishing, denial of service. Cyber threats are as varied as their targets—banks, energy grids, healthcare systems, businesses—even people. The result is a rapidly growing cybersecurity industry. Learn how cyberspace evolved and how cyberattackers take advantage of vulnerabilities online. Discover the protective technologies designed to minimize exposure, and participate in a group discussion around hacking. If you see a future in cybersecurity, this is the place to start.
Psychology
How the Brain Influences Behavior
Ever wonder what triggers your fight or flight response, or how social media affects your psyche? This course explores the science behind how your brain influences reactions and behaviors. Delve into applied neuroscience, from the effects of drugs to the impact of stress on the brain’s chemical pathways. Learn how psychology is applied to effective communication, web design, and marketing. If you’re interested in what makes people tick, this course is for you.
Medical Research
Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries
Whether it’s a vaccine, a breakthrough drug, or a revolutionary treatment, they all came from one thing: medical research. This course will help you understand the process researchers use to set up clinical trials and evaluate evidence. You’ll even design your own study using professional methods. If you’re thinking about a future in medicine, STEM, or pharmaceuticals, this course is for you.
Investing
Becoming an Investor: An Inside Look at Finance
Did you know that global investing is a *$28.5 trillion industry? Whether you’re new to investing or familiar with the field, this course will break down the basic mechanics of financial markets. Hear from industry experts, identify investment products, determine how investments yield returns, calculate an asset’s worth, and explore how the fintech revolution has enabled crypto exchanges. If you envision a future in this fast-paced business, here’s a course for you.
*SOURCE: United Nations Global Trade Update
Entrepreneurship
Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation
Here is a course that will ignite the inner entrepreneur in you. You will learn how to identify the need for your product, discover your audience, understand the competitive landscape, and formulate a unique story that makes your brand memorable. Practice leadership skills, understand the risks involved, and develop a compelling pitch.
Journalism and Media
Journalism and Media in the Digital Age
Content marketer. Social media specialist. Copywriter. Reporter. Digital journalism embodies much more than print and TV stories. This course shares the foundations of the craft—from recognizing an accurate and compelling story, to ethics and laws surrounding it. Explore the reporter’s toolkit, including how to gather facts through skillful interviewing and research. Discover the evolving mix of news platforms—print, digital, video, social media—and craft a news story for the platform of your choice.
International Law
Protecting the World’s Interests
International law began with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. This course reveals how this complex field evolved. We’ll look at events like the Nuremberg Trials, the Gulf War, and the war in Ukraine; plus border disputes and human rights violations. Learn how treaties are ratified, how international laws are enforced, and how conflicts involving genocide are addressed. Thinking of a future in law or global activism? This course is for you.
U.S. Politics and Government
To Form a More Perfect Union
Delve into the American political system and political policy. How does our government adapt to realities like a global pandemic or war; or deal with climate change, economic inequality, or racial injustice? What is the media’s role in these conflicts? Learn how our political system works. Discover potential college majors and career opportunities that provide the foundation to make a difference. If you’re curious about these issues, this course is for you.
Hear From Our Students
Lauren, Georgetown Pre-College Online student from N.Y.“This course is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and learn something new. At a regular high school, you learn the basic universal curriculum. Through a course like this, you can dive into a specific topic that interests you and think about your future. It is asynchronous so it doesn't interfere with other commitments you may have, and the mentors/other students are so friendly. It is a great opportunity for a high schooler to grow, educate, and pique their interests.”
How You Will Benefit
- Online courses are available throughout the year—pick a subject that fits your passion and your schedule.
- Suitable for high school students ages 13 and up so you can start exploring your interests early on.
- Experience what it’s like to take a course designed by Georgetown University faculty while you’re still in high school.
- Flexible learning: lectures by professors are delivered through dynamic videos, so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows—the ultimate in flexibility.
- Work with mentors who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University for your college application.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
All online courses culminate in a special Final Capstone 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.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies.
- Brainstorming to help you prepare for your Final Capstone Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application will require the following:
- Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian
- Why you wish to take this course, and a bit of your story, through writing, video, photos—any media you prefer.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Begin the application processWant to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Answers to Your Questions HereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- Haven’t applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
- Applied to the program and didn’t fill out a scholarship request, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu for assistance.
- Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu for assistance.