About The Program
The Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program offers flexible, asynchronous academic enrichment for high school students ages 13 and older. Taught by renowned faculty and industry experts, these global online courses allow students to explore potential college majors and build a compelling resume for upcoming university applications without sacrificing current high school coursework or extracurricular activities. It’s an opportunity to gain a head start on college: enhance your skills and build your confidence to take your next academic step.
13+
Open to students ages 13 and older
6
Courses across 3 academic areas
100%
Online and self-paced
Year-round
Available throughout the year
What is the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program?
The University of Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program helps high school students get ahead and explore subjects before stepping onto a college campus. These virtual, enrichment experiences fit seamlessly around a busy schedule and are built around independent discovery.
You can choose from three flexible cohort durations depending on your availability throughout the year: 1-week, 2-week, 4-week sessions.
Within each course, you will watch dynamic video lessons designed by Notre Dame faculty and hear from active industry experts. You will complete your asynchronous coursework with the direct support of an assigned mentor and finish your experience by creating a final Capstone Project.
Upon successfully completing all curriculum requirements, you will earn an official Certificate of Completion from Notre Dame—providing a concrete academic milestone to highlight on upcoming college applications.
Is the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program Right for You?
These courses are crafted for high school students ages 13 and up who want to start exploring their interests early on. This 100% online learning format is an ideal match for your goals if you are interested to:
- Hear from top Notre Dame faculty and experience college-level concepts while still in high school.
- Test out potential majors to clarify your long-term academic and career ambitions before committing.
- Showcase your personal drive, motivation, and finish a Capstone Project on upcoming college applications.
- Balance 20 to 30 hours of flexible instruction around school coursework, extracurricular activities, or commitments.
How Does the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program Work?
Flexible Learning
Every course is built around full asynchronous delivery, meaning there are never any required live meeting times or fixed logging windows. All video lessons are designed by renowned Notre Dame faculty members who bring their research insights directly to your screen. You have total authority over your learning schedule—enabling you to watch dynamic lectures, complete interactive modules, and submit assignments at your own individual pace from any time zone in the world.
Personal Industry Mentorship
Independent learning does not mean navigating your studies in isolation. Throughout your chosen cohort, you are paired with a dedicated industry mentor who provides structural guidance, answers clarifying questions, and delivers personalized feedback on your work. You will also hear from working experts who offer real-world context regarding how your academic theories apply to modern industry challenges.
The Final Capstone Project
Your learning journey culminates in an independent Capstone Project designed to showcase your new skills. Rather than sitting for a traditional exam, you will demonstrate your understanding by creating an independent presentation, case study, or project layout in a creative format of your choosing. Upon completion, you will receive valuable constructive insights and an individualized evaluation from your assigned mentor.
What Subjects Can Students Study?
Students can choose an individual course or maximize their learning experience by exploring multiple subjects throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Course tuition is $1795 with no additional fees. Need-based scholarships are available for students who qualify.
Yes. You’re encouraged to take multiple courses to explore different academic areas. The flexible, self-paced format makes it easy to take more than one course without conflicting with school, extracurriculars, or other commitments.
Successfully completing your course rewards you with an official Certificate of Completion from Notre Dame for each individual course finished.
Earning this credential and completing your final Capstone Project provides a powerful return on your investment by allowing you to:
- Strengthen College Applications: Showcase a finished Capstone Project to admissions committees as proof of your ability to handle challenging concepts.
- Build Your Resume: Gain a distinct milestone and a concrete academic project to highlight on upcoming applications, internships, and resumes.
- Clarify Your Major: Save time and future tuition dollars by discovering your academic passions before stepping onto a college campus.
Designed for ultimate flexibility, the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program features remote, asynchronous learning cohorts scheduled across the annual calendar. By contrast, our traditional on-campus summer sessions require students to visit or live on campus during summer season for a fully structured, location-dependent academic experience.
The program is open to students ages 13 and older. You can start as early as middle school or continue through your senior year of high school.
Yes. Need-based scholarships are available for students who demonstrate high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. You can apply for a scholarship during or after the application process.