By Erin May, Executive Director of Extended Learning

If you’re a full-time college student or post-bacc working toward a competitive graduate program, summer isn’t just a break, it’s an opportunity. With Doane University’s Open Learning Academy summer sessions, you can still enjoy the sunshine and travel, while accomplishing your goals. 

Why Take Summer Courses?

Summer is one of the smartest times to knock out course prerequisites, stay on pace for college graduation, or move you one step closer to your next goal–whether that’s medical school or a graduate health program. Instead of juggling a course overload, summer courses are focused and accelerated, helping you complete credits in as little as 5 or 8 weeks.

That means fewer distractions, faster progress, and more momentum heading into fall.

Not All Summer Courses are Created Equal

At Doane University’s Open Learning Academy, you’re not choosing between flexibility or quality, you get both.  You’ll take online accredited and transferable online courses that meet the same academic standards and outcomes  as on-campus courses. 

Our online courses in biology, chemistry, and physics are often hard to complete during the summer, with scheduled in person labs, but with our online science courses you can complete your science lab courses from anywhere at any time. Yes, even from that beach rental you’ve been eyeing. 

Our STEM courses incorporate a mix of at-home labs, lab kits and virtual labs to create a full laboratory experience from anywhere at any time.   

Flexible Online Courses that Fit Your Summer Schedule

Doane University’s Open Learning Academy has designed courses that work best for you. Both formats are designed to help you succeed.

Online Self-Paced (5 Weeks) Start in May or July

  • Move through coursework on your schedule
  • Guided deadlines to stay on track
  • Ideal for travel, work, or unpredictable routines

Online Instructor-Led (8 Weeks) Start in June

  • Structured deadlines 
  • No set lecture times
  • Perfect if you prefer accountability

Designed for Real Life

Summer learning should fit into your life, not take it over.  That’s why Open Learning courses are: 

  • 100% online courses
  • Supported by faculty and 24/7 online tutoring
  • Built with no textbook fees

You can travel. Work. Spend time with family and friends.  And still make meaningful academic progress towards college graduation and strengthening your academic profile for graduate school.   

Ready to make your summer work for you? Explore our online summer course options with Doane’s Open Learning Academy: https://web.doane.edu/open-learning/summer-sessions

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