Terp Young Scholars

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Dive into architectural design this summer with a hands-on introduction to the design process. This course offers an overview of key design fields like architectural practice, historic preservation, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Through a mix of lectures, media workshops, and in-studio project work, you'll experience life as a UMD architecture student while gaining valuable insights to guide your career decisions. You will learn essential design principles and representation techniques by developing your own ideas through studio projects. Over the course of three weeks, you will produce a collection of architectural drawings and physical models that showcase your ideas in a final design portfolio. The dynamic studio environment fosters growth, allowing you to collaborate with current architecture students and immerse yourself in the creative process. Experience new ways to see the world through architectural design thinking.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

ARCH150 Studio Fee: $140. Covers the following: T-square; adjustable triangle; pencil sharpener; metal straight edge; tracing paper for draft design layouts; architectural scale; Sobo® white glue; self-healing cutting mat; white eraser; X-acto® knife with blades; Pentel Sign®, or thin nib Sharpie® pens; sketchbook, plain paper; assorted pencils; cardboard sheets; and white cardboard sheets. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Turn your creative ideas into reality in this hands-on pre-college digital design and fabrication course. Explore how architects, designers, artists, and engineers use tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and CAD software to create models, prototypes, and full-scale projects. Working in the University of Maryland’s MAPP Fabrication Labs, you’ll learn Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino) and gain real-world experience transforming digital designs into physical creations. Perfect for high school students interested in architecture, design, engineering, or digital art, this summer course combines creativity, technology, and innovation. You’ll develop your technical and design-thinking skills while discovering how 3D modeling and fabrication are reshaping our world. By the end, you’ll have hands-on experience, new technical skills, and a deeper understanding of how imagination meets innovation.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

ARCH151 Studio Fee: $100. Covers the following: sketchbook, calipers, 6” ruler, measuring tape, PPE: safety glasses, mask, etc. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction can only participate via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Immerse yourself in the writing of fiction and poetry that encourages creativity while expanding knowledge in this online course. Hone your writing craft in a nurturing, interactive environment while developing skills that help uncover your own distinctive voice. You will read great poems and stories from across cultures, refine your skills through close reading, radical revision, and the delivery of constructive criticism on peer work. Sessions emphasize assigned readings, writing, analysis, and discussions of craft. Students receive careful, detailed responses to their writing from both instructors and peers. Sessions are also devoted to studio time spent reading and writing. You will share your original writing in a supportive workshop setting and discover new approaches to revision. This course is offered through the Jiménez-Porter Writers' House in the College of Arts and Humanities. It is open to both domestic and international students, aiming to amplify the voice of writers from across the globe. This course fulfills the following General Education requirement: Scholarship in Practice (DSSP).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

Course Meeting Times: To be announced. (July 13 - 31, 2026)

This summer, step into the world of college-level writing with an immersive program designed just for high school students! Whether you love storytelling, want to master academic essays, or hope to stand out in college applications, this course will help you find your voice and sharpen your skills. Through interactive workshops and personalized feedback, you’ll learn how to craft powerful essays, think critically, and write with clarity and confidence. You’ll explore both creative and academic writing styles, practice the habits of successful college writers, and build a polished portfolio to showcase your best work. By the end of the program, you’ll leave not just a stronger writer but a more confident thinker ready to tackle future essays, research projects, and college-level challenges with ease.

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

Course Meeting Times: To be announced. (July 13 - July 31, 2026)

Experience the excitement and reward of arguing, and perhaps winning your client's case in court. Mock Trial is designed for students who are interested in learning practical techniques for shaping the evidence, using the law, and exploiting the courtroom to create a coherent and convincing case theory. By the end of the course, students will have learned to prepare witnesses, deliver convincing direct examinations, effectively cross-examine witnesses, raise and overcome evidentiary objections, and select the strongest facts to persuasively present to a judge and jury. While classes will include explanatory lectures, the emphasis will be on learning through student exercises and by students observing and analyzing the performances of others. This hands-on course will culminate in two civil mock trials where students will act as an attorney in one of the cases and as a witness or juror in the other. Whether you’re considering a future in law, public speaking, or leadership, Mock Trial will help you think critically, argue effectively, and speak with confidence.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Behind every great business is a story—and accounting is the language that tells it. In this course, you’ll learn how companies track their finances, make informed decisions, and measure success. You’ll explore how financial statements are created, what they reveal about a company’s performance, and how to interpret the numbers to understand the bigger picture. Whether you’re interested in business, entrepreneurship, or simply want to strengthen your financial literacy, this course offers a practical foundation in one of the most valuable skills you can learn.

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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This course introduces students to the dynamic world of game design and the business value chain that drives the gaming industry. You’ll explore how games evolve from creative concepts to successful products through interconnected stages of design, production, marketing, and distribution. Emphasizing cross-functional collaboration, the course highlights how creative, technical, and business teams work together to develop engaging player experiences and sustainable business models. You will gain an introductory understanding of game design principles, core business practices, and the management of modern creative enterprises. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, you'll learn how to balance innovation, technology, and teamwork while addressing challenges in bringing a game to market. By the end of the course, you'll better understand how creativity and commerce intersect and develop valuable problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills applicable to any future career path.

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Ready to take charge of your future? This course will help you unlock your leadership potential and explore what truly drives you: your passions, goals, and purpose. You’ll think like an entrepreneur, learning how to turn big ideas into real-world impact. Working with a team of your peers, you’ll tackle problems you care about, research what people need, design a business model, and pitch your own innovative venture. Along the way, you’ll dive into the “CEO of ME, Inc.” framework, using powerful tools like the Strategic Initiatives Matrix and Business Model Canvas to help you plan your next steps and build win-win relationships. Whether you dream of starting your own business, leading a project, or just figuring out your next big move, this course will help you make it happen. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: Scholarship in Practice (DSSP) and Big Questions (SCIS).

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school junior or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Discover how computer science shapes the world around us! In this hands-on course, you’ll explore the creative and technical sides of computing—from designing user-friendly apps and programming in Python to diving into Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Build real skills, tackle exciting projects, and get a taste of what it’s like to be a future computer science major. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: Scholarship in Practice (DSSP).

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Discover how the human body really works in this hands-on introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Designed for students curious about careers in medicine, nursing, or health science, this course explores how our major organ systems function and what happens when things go wrong. Through hands-on activities in a lab environment, you’ll dive into interactive experiments like measuring vital signs, typing blood, assembling skeletons, and performing organ dissections. Along the way, you’ll connect scientific concepts to real-world health challenges and hear directly from professionals working in healthcare and research. By the end of the course, you’ll not only understand the science behind the human body but also gain confidence, curiosity, and a clearer sense of your future path in the health sciences. It’s the perfect foundation for anyone ready to explore the fascinating world of human physiology.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above. Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school biology.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Step into the world of criminal justice and uncover how our legal system really works - from the police on the streets to the courts that uphold the law and the correctional systems that shape what happens next. This engaging course takes you behind the scenes of the three pillars of justice — policing, courts, and corrections — and explores how they’ve evolved. Through real-world examples and current issues, you’ll examine key topics such as juvenile justice, offender reentry, and the challenges of maintaining justice in a modern democracy. You’ll also learn how law enforcement agencies are organized and managed, and how policies, training, and public trust all contribute to keeping communities safe. Whether you’re interested in law, government, public service, or social change, this course will give you a strong foundation in how justice is administered and inspire you to think critically about fairness, responsibility, and leadership in society. This course fulfills the following General Education requirement: History and Social Sciences (DSHS).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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How can we spot bias in movies, track how rumors spread, or understand why inequality happens? The answer lies in data, and in this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to use it to uncover the stories hidden in the numbers. Data science is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers today, and this course gives you a powerful introduction to the field. You’ll learn how to analyze, visualize, and model real-world data, from small samples to massive datasets with hundreds of thousands of points. Using coding and computational tools, you’ll explore fascinating questions, then dive into your own data project to make discoveries that matter to you. No prior programming experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore! Offered by the A. James Clark School of Engineering, this course is perfect for high school students who love problem-solving, technology, or using data to make a real-world impact. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: Scholarship in Practice (DSSP) and Big Questions (SCIS).

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above. Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school algebra I and high school algebra II.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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What brought down two brand new Boeing 737’s in the span of two months? Was the Challenger spacecraft disaster preventable? Why did Hurricane Katrina have such devastating results for New Orleans? What went wrong during the design phase of the Hyatt Regency skywalks that caused their collapse within months of their opening? What have we learned from past disasters? What are the ethical implications for engineers and managers alike? To answer the question “Why do things fail?” we must look beyond the specific conditions that cause a single point or a single component to fail. In this course, we will, of course, study how individual components fail, but a much greater emphasis will be placed on the myriad of other reasons why things fail. We will learn how to design structures with specific performance goals in mind, we will predict their failure points, then we will build them, test them, and compare our results with our predictions. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: Natural Sciences (DSNS) and Big Question (SCIS). This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: Natural Sciences (DSNS) and Big Question (SCIS).

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above. Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school algebra I and algebra II (or precalculus or higher) before enrolling in this course.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Step into the world of public health and medical research in this interactive, three-week summer course! Designed for high school students who’ve completed biology or chemistry, this class gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how real clinical studies work. You’ll get hands-on experience practicing skills such as taking vital signs, collecting simulated samples, documenting procedures, and preparing lab materials. You’ll also discover how research studies are designed, from collecting and protecting data to understanding the chain of custody and teamwork that keeps clinics running smoothly. Workshops connect you directly with healthcare and research professionals, helping you explore careers in medicine, nursing, public health, and more. No prior research experience is needed, just curiosity and enthusiasm! By the end, you’ll walk away with new skills, confidence, and a clearer sense of the paths you can take in healthcare and research.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above. Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) either high school biology or high school chemistry before enrolling in this course.

ENVH125 Supply Fee: $40. Covers materials used in the course. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Step into the future where technology and the planet meet. In this hands-on course, you’ll explore how generative AI tools like ChatGPT can help solve real environmental problems. Discover the science behind artificial intelligence, unpack the ethical questions it raises, and learn how to train and use AI models responsibly. Then put your skills to work by analyzing a real-world environmental challenge and designing a nature-based solution using AI innovation. You’ll collaborate with classmates, build practical tech skills, and leave with a deeper understanding of how technology can help protect our planet. Whether you’re passionate about climate change, computer science, or creative problem-solving, this course will show you how your ideas and AI can make a difference.

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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See our planet like never before: from the perspective of space. In this course, you’ll explore how satellites help scientists map and monitor Earth’s changing environments. Using authentic satellite images and data, you’ll study how technology tracks melting glaciers, rising ocean temperatures, deforestation, expanding cities, and changes in vegetation caused by climate shifts. You’ll discover how satellite observations reveal the story of climate change, natural disasters, and the human impacts on the planet in ways we could never see from the ground. Through interactive lessons and discussions, you’ll learn how space technology helps us protect our planet and plan for the future. Perfect for students interested in environmental science, geography, or technology, this course combines science, exploration, and real-world impacts to show how innovation can help us understand and care for Planet Earth. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: Natural Sciences (DSNS) and Big Question (SCIS).

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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How do apps like Google Maps know the fastest route? How do scientists track climate change? In this hands-on course, you’ll dive into the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS): powerful tools that help us understand the planet through data and mapping. You’ll learn how to collect, analyze, and visualize geographic data to solve real-world problems in society, government, and business. Using easy-to-learn mapping software, you’ll create digital maps, work with geospatial databases, and discover how data shapes the world around you. This course is ideal for students who love technology, the environment, or discovering how data connects people and places.

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

GEOG373 Laboratory Materials Fee: $40. Covers materials used in the course. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Are you considering a career involving computer science or programming? Try geocomputing! This course is your gateway to mastering Python, the versatile programming language that’s revolutionizing data analysis and visualization in geography and environmental sciences. From coding novice to confident programmer, you’ll focus on developing a solid understanding of basic programming techniques that you’ll be able to transfer and apply broadly across programming languages, including variables, looping, conditional statements, nesting, math, strings, and other concepts. In addition, you’ll develop a proficiency in manipulating spatial data sources within the context of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a rapidly growing career and research field. No prior programming experience is required or expected; just bring your curiosity and watch as the digital landscape unfolds before you!

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

GEOG276 Laboratory Materials Fee: $40. Covers materials used in the course. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Become a Health Detective! Why do some communities thrive while others face preventable illness? How do our environment, jobs, and global systems shape human health? In this eye-opening course, you’ll dig into these big questions and uncover what keeps people and communities healthy. Through interactive activities and virtual “field trips” to labs, programs, and research sites, you’ll explore real-world health challenges, from disease prevention to environmental health, and use data and evidence to design creative community solutions with your peers. This course is perfect for curious high school students interested in medicine, global health, environmental science, policy or making a difference in people’s lives. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: History and Social Sciences (DSHS) and Understanding Plural Societies (DVUP).

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Discover what it takes to be a world leader in this hands-on exploration of the field of international relations with this online course. Using the major theories of international relations, find out how the international system works in an intensive, interactive exploration. Learn why nations go to war and why they make peace and whether the nature of the international system is inherently hostile or inherently collaborative. Finally, consider how countries react when new issues, threats, risks, and opportunities emerge in the international arena. This course is offered through the Department of Government and Politics in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: History & Social Sciences (DSHS) and Understanding Plural Societies (DVUP).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Travel back to the Middle Ages: a time of knights, castles, cathedrals, and epic transformations. This course explores how Europe developed between the fall of Rome and the dawn of the Renaissance, tracing the rise of kingdoms, the growth of cities, and the influence of religion on everyday life. You’ll study how faith, art, and politics shaped medieval society, examining everything from Gothic architecture and illuminated manuscripts to the power struggles between monarchs and the church. Along the way, you’ll meet the thinkers, builders, and rebels who helped create the foundations of modern Europe. Through primary sources, discussions, and creative projects, you’ll uncover how medieval people lived, worked, and imagined their world. This course offers a fascinating look at how centuries of change, conflict, and creativity continue to shape our culture today. Perfect for students who love history, art, literature, or fantasy worlds, and want to understand the real stories behind them. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: History & Social Sciences (DSHS) and Scholarship in Practice (SCIS).

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Let the magic of comics help you navigate the world of medicine and STEM communications! Narrative art can transform the way we understand medicine, health, and the human experience. This creative, hands-on course explores the growing field of Graphic Medicine, where comics meet healthcare to share powerful stories about illness, healing, and resilience. You'll read and analyze thought-provoking graphic novels and comics that explore everything from medical history to personal journeys of trauma and recovery. Then, you'll use your skills as STEM communicators to create your own illustrated pieces to express how visual storytelling can bring empathy and emotion into the world of science and medicine. No prior art experience required! Perfect for students interested in art, storytelling, psychology, or healthcare, this course blends creativity and STEM to show how pictures and words together can help us understand medicine and ourselves in an entirely new way! 

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

HONR108G Supply Fee: $35. Covers materials used in the course. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Discover how art and technology come together through creative coding. This hands-on course introduces you to the principles of computer science using projects that blend programming with visual design, sound, and interactivity. You’ll experiment with algorithmic image creation, animation, and game design while learning how to think like both a coder and an artist. Using beginner-friendly tools, you’ll explore how code can be used to tell stories, create experiences, and solve problems in innovative ways. Along the way, you’ll discuss real-world questions about the ethics, impact, and possibilities of technology, from artificial intelligence to digital art. No prior coding experience is needed, just curiosity and creativity. Whether you’re interested in computer science, art, or design, this course will give you a strong foundation in programming and a chance to see how imagination can come to life through technology.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above. Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school algebra I before enrolling in this course.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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From TikTok trends to breaking news, blockbuster films to viral memes, media is everywhere, shaping how we see the world and how the world sees us. In this dynamic course, you’ll dive into the history, theories, and impact of mass communication, exploring how newspapers, TV, radio, film, books, and digital platforms have evolved and influenced society. You’ll get an inside look at how media and technology interact, discovering how stories are created, shared, and consumed, and how they shape culture, politics, and identity. By learning to think critically about the media you use every day, you’ll gain tools to understand your world better and help change it! This course fulfills the following General Education requirement: History and Social Sciences (DSHS) or Scholarship in Practice (DSSP).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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How have texting, tweeting, and Zooming changed the way we communicate? This course dives into the fascinating world of digital language: how slang spreads online, how emojis convey tone, and how new platforms shape how we talk and connect. You’ll explore how technology transforms everyday communication while uncovering long-standing patterns of language change and diversity. From memes and group chats to video calls and social media posts, you’ll analyze real examples of how people express themselves online, and what that says about identity, culture, and creativity. Through discussions, mini research projects, and digital language experiments, you’ll gain a new appreciation for how flexible and inventive human communication can be. Perfect for students curious about language, culture, psychology, or technology, this course shows that studying how we talk is really studying how we live. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: Humanities (DSHU).

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Why do some people rise to the occasion while others feel crushed by pressure? What’s really happening inside your brain and body when you’re anxious before a test, nervous before a game, or juggling a busy schedule? In this fascinating course, you’ll uncover the science behind stress: how it works, why it exists, and how you can take control of it. Students will explore the biology and psychology of stress, delving into how the nervous system and hormones trigger the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. Through interactive lessons, you’ll see how stress can actually help you focus, perform, and grow, but also how too much of it can affect your health, mood, and motivation. Students will analyze real-world examples, conduct simple experiments, and learn evidence-based strategies to manage stress in healthy, practical ways. From mindfulness and breathing techniques to goal setting and time management, you’ll discover how science-backed habits can help you stay balanced, confident, and resilient.

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above. Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school biology.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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If you love science, enjoy big questions, and want to explore how curiosity, logic, and imagination can change the way we see the world and ourselves, this is the course for you! What is time? What does it really mean to be alive? How does the vast universe we see emerge from the tiniest building blocks of matter? In this thought-provoking course, you’ll explore some of the biggest mysteries at the crossroads of science and philosophy and discover how both fields work together to help us understand our place in the cosmos. You’ll learn to think critically, question deeply, and evaluate evidence like a true philosopher-scientist. Through discussion, reflection, and exploration, you’ll strengthen your ability to reason, analyze complex ideas, and appreciate the wonder of discovery itself. This course is offered by the Department of Philosophy, which is developing a new Bachelor of Arts in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. This course fulfills the following General Education requirement: Humanities (DSHU).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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How do racism, sexism, and other systems of inequality shape the way people think, feel, and interact? Why do privilege and oppression still influence daily life, and what can we do about it? In this eye-opening course, you’ll explore the psychology behind social inequality, learning how the world around us shapes our beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Through robust discussions, research, and current events, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how culture and identity affect mental health, relationships, and communication. You’ll also examine how bias forms, how stereotypes impact society, and how individuals and communities can work toward greater equity and inclusion. A key part of the course involves self-reflection: learning to recognize your own experiences and perspectives while developing empathy for others. This course fulfills the following General Education requirement: History and Social Sciences (DSHS).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Welcome to Social Psychology! This course explores people's thoughts, feelings, and behavior, and how all these things are influenced and shaped by social factors and contexts. We will investigate and explore how we interact with ourselves, others, and the world around us. We will ponder the following questions: Who are we in groups? How does an individual function due to social factors and influences? How much of an individual's functioning is based upon that social influence? We will also ponder whether general differences exist, whether power always corrupts, and whether violent media makes us violent. This course is also about how social psychologists think, what they do, and what their research results mean. This course will help you become a better critical thinker, writer, and consumer of science, so that when you see a social media post, advertisement, or an article purporting some promise, phenomenon, or fact, you're motivated to pause and question, perhaps find scholarly research, and learn that there's more to the story. This course fulfills the following General Education requirement: History and Social Sciences (DSHS) or Scholarship in Practice (DSSP).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Step into the world of design and discover how our cities, neighborhoods, and urban planning come to life! Get a hands-on introduction to four exciting fields that come together to shape the world around us: architecture and urban design, community planning, historic preservation, and real estate development. These areas work together to create more sustainable and vibrant places to live, work, and play.
You’ll learn how experts in each field tackle real-world challenges using our unique approach to sustainability — one that considers social, cultural, environmental, economic, and design impacts. Through interactive lessons and case studies, you’ll not only understand the basics of each discipline but
also see how they connect and work together in real life. Whether you’re interested in designing buildings, improving neighborhoods, or protecting history, this experience will open your eyes to the many ways you can shape the future. This course fulfills the following General Education requirement: Scholarship in Practice (DSSP).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above. Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) one high school English or communication course.

RDEV150 Supply Fee: $45. Covers materials used in the course. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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What makes Latin America one of the most vibrant and complex regions in the world? This course invites you to explore that question through an exciting mix of culture, politics, and social change in the 21st century. We’ll dive into how countries across the region have rebuilt democracy, sought justice for past conflicts, and shaped new futures. Instead of seeing Latin America as one single story, we’ll uncover the rich variety of voices, traditions, and perspectives that make it so diverse and dynamic. From film and literature to music, social media, and the environment, you’ll analyze how Latin Americans express identity, resist injustice, and connect with global issues. Get ready for a course that blends creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness, perfect for students curious about the world and passionate about making sense of it. This course fulfills the following General Education requirement: Understanding Plural Societies (DVUP) / Cultural Competence (DVCC).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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How can we teach and understand climate change in ways that inspire action, respect diverse perspectives, and build hope? This course explores how climate science can be taught in inclusive, creative, and transformative ways by bringing together both Indigenous Knowledges and western science.
Through five dynamic modules, you’ll examine climate from many angles: scientific, cultural, historical, emotional, and artistic. Together, we’ll dive into big topics like the Anthropocene, biodiversity, ocean health, environmental justice, colonialism, and the power of climate communication. You’ll also learn how to make climate education more engaging and accessible, whether in classrooms, communities, or online. We’ll explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL), place-based education, and the ethics and creativity involved in teaching about our changing planet. Hands-on experiences, like creating digital stories, will help you connect knowledge with action. By the end, you’ll have the skills, confidence, and perspective to teach and talk about climate change with accuracy, cultural awareness, and optimism for the future. This course fulfills the following General Education requirements: Big Question (SCIS) and Understanding Plural Societies (DVUP) / Cultural Competence (DVCC).

Course Prerequisite(s): Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.

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Ready to take your writing to the next level? This three-week course helps high school students build confidence and skill as writers, whether you’re crafting a story, a research paper, or your future college essay. You’ll explore different styles of writing, learn how to develop your own voice, generate strong ideas, and express them clearly and persuasively. Through interactive workshops, peer feedback, and targeted guidance, you’ll gain the tools to write with purpose and adapt your style for any audience. Your final project lets you apply what you’ve learned to a piece you’re passionate about: from an op-ed or personal narrative to a college essay or interview article. By the end, you’ll leave with sharper writing skills, practical strategies for success, and the confidence to tackle any writing challenge ahead.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school freshman or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Step behind the curtain and discover how designers turn imagination into onstage magic. In this hands-on course, you’ll explore the building blocks of creativity: line, form, rhythm, texture, contrast, scale, and space, while learning how each element helps bring a story to life. You’ll experiment with color, composition, and light while creating your own design projects inspired by artworks and performances from around the world. Along the way, you’ll see how scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and media designers collaborate to transform a script into a full theatrical experience. This course is perfect for students who love art, storytelling, theatre, or design and want to see how creativity and problem-solving come together behind the scenes. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the artistry that makes every great performance unforgettable.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

THET116 Lab Fee: $75. Covers materials used in the course. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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Discover the freedom of dance improvisation and creating movement in the moment. In this engaging studio course, you’ll explore new ways to move, think, and express yourself through dance. You’ll experiment with time, space, energy, and shape, learning how to connect your body, imagination, and personal voice. Through group activities, solo explorations, journaling, and creative projects, you’ll build confidence and develop your own movement style in a supportive, collaborative environment. Each class invites you to take creative risks, let go of perfection, and find your unique approach to storytelling and performance through movement. Whether you’ve been dancing for years or are just curious to try something new, improvisation helps you grow as an artist, performer, and creative thinker.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

DANC109 Lab Fee: $25. Covers materials used in the course. This is an additional charge to all registered students.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.

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This course introduces students to the exciting field of forensic science, the scientific backbone of criminal and medico-legal investigations. Students will explore the history of forensic science and learn how modern scientific techniques are used to analyze evidence and uncover the facts behind deaths and other crimes.  Through engaging examples and demonstrations, the course highlights how biology, chemistry, and other sciences are applied in real-world investigations. Designed as a survey course, you’ll receive a broad overview of forensic methods and the types of scientific knowledge professionals use when working with law enforcement and the legal system.

This course is ideal for students who enjoy science, are curious about criminal investigations, or are considering future studies or careers in forensic science, medicine, law, or related fields.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a rising high school sophomore or above.

Package Option: Students who select a course offered in person can participate only via the Campus Option and must reside within commuting distance of the University of Maryland. No housing is provided.