Get Ahead with UMass Amherst's Winter and Summer Session Courses

Ah, winter break. The perfect time to relax, reconnect with friends and family, and... make progress toward your academic degree!

Campus may be quiet during the winter break, but opportunities for learning abound. UMass Amherst offers a wide selection of courses for undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree students between traditional semesters, during both winter and summer breaks. All courses are taught online for maximum flexibility and convenience while offering the same high-quality educational experience students expect from UMass Amherst.

UMass Amherst Seasonal Session courses are offered through UMass Flex, providing an endless opportunity to take hundreds of fully online classes that adapt to students’ evolving needs throughout their academic experience.

Why Take Courses in the Winter and Summer?

Whether you’re a current student at UMass Amherst or another institution, our winter and summer sessions are the perfect time to earn extra credits. With hundreds of course offerings to choose from, taking advantage of winter and summer sessions can help you stay on track to graduate, as well as manage your course loads more effectively throughout the rest of the academic year. If circumstances have caused you to fall behind on credits—or if you’re looking to graduate early—taking courses during the summer and winter is an efficient strategy to help you achieve your goals. Plus, for non-UMass students, credits are easily transferrable to your home institution. These courses are also great options for non-degree students looking to learn something new or brush up on their skills.

For Damion Middleton, who is pursuing an interdisciplinary degree focused on film through UMass’s University Without Walls, taking two courses at UMass related to his major in summer 2024 has allowed him to accelerate progress toward his bachelor’s degree. He took Introduction to Film Studies, and Montage and Video Editing.

“Both courses were very informative and useful. The curriculum was easy to follow, and the instructors were dedicated and helpful,” he said.

What Is the Winter and Summer College Experience Like?

All Seasonal Session courses are taught by experienced UMass Amherst faculty and maintain the same high standards as courses taught during the university’s fall and spring semesters. However, these seasonal courses are condensed into an accelerated six-week format, allowing you to make the most efficient use of your time between traditional semesters. And because they’re taught online, you can work toward your credits while enjoying a ski vacation, lying on the beach, or just from the comfort of your own home.

According to Middleton, “Seasonal Session courses are shorter so they move fast! As long as you’re prepared for this, you can work to stay on track and it’s manageable.

Summer courses are offered during two, six-week sessions between May and August. Winter courses are offered from mid-December through late January. Hundreds of courses are offered in each session, spanning a wide range of disciplines. These include both core courses required for your major as well as electives. Take courses in areas such as accounting, biology, computer science, history, and more. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy smaller class sizes in these seasonal courses.

Middleton advised, “Taking courses you have a passion for will make it a fun experience. Take a little time every day to review your upcoming assignments so you don’t miss anything. And communicate with your instructor; they are typically happy to assist you.”

How Do I Learn More About Winter and Summer Session Courses?

Connect with your academic advisor to explore how summer and winter session courses can help you fulfill graduation requirements and stay on track to achieving your degree. Whether you're a UMass Amherst student or attending another institution, these sessions offer a flexible way to enhance your educational journey!