Learn about UCLA Summer Sessions
UCLA Summer Sessions gives undergraduate students the opportunity to take UCLA courses and programs during the summer. It helps students stay on track or get ahead in their degrees by earning additional units, fulfilling major or general education requirements, or exploring new subjects in a smaller, focused term. The sessions allow for flexibility with online classes, are taught by UCLA faculty, and offer the same rigorous academic standards as the regular school year, helping students make timely progress toward their degree.
Read on to learn more about Summer Sessions programs, its benefits, and how your student can participate!
What are the various programs within Summer Sessions?
- Summer Courses: Summer Sessions offers 800+ credit-bearing courses covering all of UCLA’s academic breadth in flexible formats online and in person.
- Summer Fast Pass: This program accelerates students’ progress towards graduation with major and minor course pairings and General Education (GE) fulfillment opportunities.
- College/Professional Summer Institutes: These programs blend academic learning with professional development to set students up for success in fields like film & television, acting and architecture.
What are the benefits of students participating in Summer Sessions?
Three out of four Bruins take Summer Sessions at some point during their time at UCLA for many reasons, including:
- Checking off degree requirements: Summer Sessions gives students a chance to fill GE requirements, complete major prerequisites, or take impacted courses that may otherwise slow their progress during the academic year.
- Flexible programming that works for your summer: The flexibility afforded by online and accelerated courses allows students to tailor the summer around work, travel, internships or other personal plans.
- Saving money: Shorter course lengths mean students can save money; a three-week intensive version of a course costs less than it would during an academic quarter, and graduating early means fewer quarters to pay for!
What’s the biggest myth UCLA students have about Summer Sessions?
Bruins often believe that only students who are behind in their degree progress should participate! While taking Summer Sessions does allow students to make up degree progress if needed, it also helps students get ahead in their degrees earlier in their UCLA careers. Additionally, it offers students opportunities to explore new interests and to start thinking strategically about their academic and professional goals without the usual pressures and constraints of the academic year.
What advice would you give a UCLA student who’s on the fence about taking summer classes?
With shorter course lengths, online flexibility, and the opportunity to save money on their degree, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking UCLA Summer Sessions! With typically several summers available during a student’s UCLA journey, there’s plenty of time to figure out the summer programming that works for your student and to use summer to their advantage, no matter their academic and professional goals.
Enrollment for courses and registration for Summer Sessions programs is now open for UCLA students for 2026. Encourage your student to enroll in courses through MyUCLA or click here to visit our website for more registration information. The Summer Sessions office can be reached at info@summer.ucla.edu.
“I loved the fast-paced classes that allowed me to challenge my academic ability, earn major credit, and expedite the learning experience.” - Bryant (UCLA student)
Our Proud Partners
