The College Hack They Do Want You To Know

Taking classes . . . in the summer? It might sound strange, but earning a few credits in the summer is a great way to fast-track or get back on track with your degree plans.

We've expanded our summer catalog, adding more online and condensed (five-week) classes than ever before, in response to student demand. Haven't thought of summer term as an option? Here are the top three reasons why you should.

Get ahead.

Starting a program this fall, and want a head start? Knocking out a few core courses like Writing or Math over the summer will make next year's workload a bit easier – and graduation a bit closer. Some program requirements fill up fast and can be hard to get, but you could start the year with them already done, and be one term closer to the finish line.

Get back on track.

Completing a two-year degree in two years can be challenging. Maybe a required class filled before you could register for it. Maybe you had to drop class earlier in the year, or didn't get the grade you'd like – it happens! – but you still want to stay on schedule. Summer term is your chance to get caught up.

Get it over and done.

It could be a really hard class, or a required one that's not the most inspiring to you. In either case, getting it done over the summer has its advantages. Challenging classes can benefit from your only focus, and make an upcoming term easier by lightening the load. Knocking out reqs and pre-reqs in the summer, with tons of online and five-week options, just makes a lot of sense.

Photo of a student lying on the lawn

 

Get the Most Out of Your Financial Aid

You have several options available to you for summer term, including potential increases to Pell grants and LBCC Foundation scholarships. (Don't forget to complete your 2026-27 FAFSA!) Speak with our Financial Aid office for details - we're here to help.

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Sample Summer Playlists (no headphones required)

Still trying to wrap your head around the idea of attending college in the summer? Maybe an example or two will help. Here are a few hypothetical "playlists" for how summer term could look. Your goals might be different, but these examples will give you the right vibe.

Playlist #1: "Gettin' Ready (to Transfer)"

Who's it for? Students wanting to complete several requirements for seamless transfer to Oregon State or another four-year university.

  • WR 121Z - Composition 1 (online or face-to-face)
  • MTH 111Z - Precalculus 1 (online or face-to-face)
  • GS 108 - Oceanography (online or face-to-face)
  • ANTH 110 - Intro to Cultural Anthropology (online)
Playlist #2: "Gettin' Pumped (for Healthcare)"

Who's it for? Students in pre-healthcare, looking to finish multiple pre-reqs before the program work kicks into high gear.

  • CRS 130 - Medical Terminology (online)
  • BI 112 - Cell Biology for Health Occupations (face-to-face)
  • NUTR 255 - General Human Nutrition (virtual)
  • WR 121Z - Composition 1 (online or face-to-face)
  • MTH 95 - Intermediate Algebra (online or face-to-face)
Playlist #3: "Getting Squared Away (in CTE)"

Who's it for? Students needing to fulfill requirements for a trades program or industry certification; these classes often overfill during the normal academic year.

  • MTOL 191 - Intro to Manual Machining (face-to-face)
  • NDT 261 - Intro to Metallurgy (face-to-face)
  • MT3.803 - Industrial Safety (online)
Playlist #4: "Getting Down (to Business)"

Who's it for? Business students needing important classes that are always in high demand.

  • BA 275 - Quantitative Methods (online)
  • BA 270 - Business Process Management (online)
  • BA 226Z - Intro to Business Law (online)

One-Hit Wonders

Even if a full playlist of classes isn't for you, taking a single class -- possibly one that's so popular it might fill before you get to it -- could be a smart, low-impact strategy. Here's a small sample of particularly in-demand classes that could be your jam for the summer.

  • ART 263 - Digital Photography (online)
  • ENG 102 - Intro to Global Young Adult Literature (face-to-face)
  • GS 108 - Oceanography (online or face-to-face)
  • MUS 105 - Intro to Rock Music (online)
  • PH 104 - Descriptive Astronomy (face-to-face)
  • R 103 - Religions of Eastern World (online)
  • WR 241 - Creative Writing: Fiction (face-to-face)

 

Check out the entire Schedule of Classes