Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program

Where Your Future Begins

As a high school student who is motivated to change the world, we invite you to consider the pre-college online program offered by the University of Notre Dame. Designed to empower brilliant and energetic thinkers, courses feature dynamic video lessons by renowned faculty, and access to mentors. Best of all, study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace, since the program is available year-round. This is a great opportunity for you to explore your passions and prepare for college.

Program Dates

Choose the course length that works for you: 2-week and 4-week sessions

Eligibility

For students ages 13 and up

Individual Course Fees

$1,495

Current Courses Available

Cell representing biology

Biology: The Impact of Genetic Mutations

Why is evolution important in biological systems, and how does it explain why cancer cells exist and recur? In this course, you’ll explore genetic mutations, learn the process of gene editing, and the way it is used for therapeutic purposes. You’ll consider the mechanisms and limitations of immunotherapy and other therapies used to treat cancer. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in STEM or medicine, this course is a great first step.


Graph depicting the ebbs and flows of business

Business: From Startup to Success

What are the risks and costs of starting a business? What is your value proposition? And how do you identify your target customer? This course answers these questions and more. You’ll consider legal, accounting, and financial risks, how to write a business plan, and the strategies that enable you to take the business public. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, and aspire to launch a business, this course is for you.


Lady justice representing law

Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer

How do lawyers think and reason? They apply rules to facts. In this course, you’ll learn the method of legal analysis known as IRAC (issues, rules, application, conclusion). You’ll discover major issues in criminal law, constitutional law, sports law, and intellectual property law; and analyze the U.S. legal system and how it compares to legal systems in other countries. Finally, you’ll create a brief for a hypothetical client asserting your position.


Brain and synapses to represent psychology

Psychology: Understanding the Self and Our World

How do we process and use information about social experiences? What kinds of feelings and biases influence how we engage with other people? Psychology helps us understand human behavior, and how the brain influences it. Get an introduction to psychological theories and principles that explore human motivation, behavior, and emotions to gain understanding of each person’s “self.” Whether you envision a future in the field of psychology, or any profession that involves people, this course is a great fit.


Student sitting in front of computer completing a Notre Dame pre-college course

How You Will Benefit

  • Courses are available throughout the year—pick subjects that fit 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 Notre Dame faculty while you’re still in high school.
  • Lessons by professors are delivered through dynamic videos, so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows.
  • Work with mentors 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 Notre Dame for your college application.

Three Learning Advantages Designed for You

Capstone Project

All courses culminate with a 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:

  • Expertise in your course’s particular field.
  • Encouragement and direction on all assignments. 
  • Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies. 
  • Brainstorming to help you prepare for your capstone project.

Flexible Learning

  • 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
  • You’ll learn through engaging video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you.
  • Multiple courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience.
  • 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and activities per course, including  multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Boy sitting at computer applying to a Notre Dame pre-college course

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 application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Want to know more?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch!

Frequently asked questions

When will you find out if you’ve been accepted? How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time will you get to complete a project?Answers to your questions are here.

Admissions

Our application is simple. You can expect a prompt decision.

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. 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, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
  • Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.nd.edu for assistance.