Top 10 reasons to enroll in Summer Term 2026
The weather might still get frightful, but enrollment for UW–Madison Summer Term is delightful – and now open!
Designing your perfect summer doesn’t mean you have to choose between relaxing and reaching your academic goals. Whether you’re looking to lighten your fall course load, finish your degree or explore a new subject, Summer Term is built to fit your life.
Here are the top 10 reasons to make Summer Term part of your plan:
1. Stay on track for graduation.
By picking up a few credits in the summer, you can ensure you hit those major milestones without the stress of a heavy semester in the fall or spring.
2. Design a personalized schedule.
With sessions lasting 3, 4 or 8 weeks, you have options. Want to take a course in May and have the rest of the summer free? The Early 4-Week Session is for you. Prefer a slower pace? Enroll in one of the 8-week sessions to balance school with other priorities.
3. Choose from hundreds of online options.
You don’t have to be in Madison to be a Badger this summer. Take courses while traveling, working a summer job or heading home to see family. Our online experience is interactive and engaging, using the latest tools to keep you connected to faculty and classmates.
4. Take some general education requirements.
You can use the summer semester to check off mandatory courses — like Quantitative Reasoning (QR) or Communications (Comm B) credits — freeing up future semesters for specialized electives and high-level courses.
5. Focus on a challenging course.
Some subjects deserve your undivided attention. By taking organic chemistry or a complex math course during the summer, you can focus on a single subject rather than juggling it with other courses.
6. Work on a certificate.
Summer is a perfect time to make progress on a certificate. In just a few short weeks, you can develop more specialized knowledge to bolster your major area of study and stand out to future employers. Explore certificate choices and plan your path.
7. Lighten your future workload.
Taking 3–6 credits now means perhaps you can take 12 credits in the fall or spring instead of 15. This gives you more time for student organizations, research, part-time work or simply enjoying the Wisconsin experience during the traditional academic year.
8. Find unique experiences.
Academic departments get creative during the summer. From internships and research to travel and immersive learning, Summer Term offers unique opportunities that can leverage smaller group sizes and outdoor experiences.
9. Apply for scholarships.
UW–Madison offers several scholarship opportunities specifically for Summer Term to help make your goals more affordable. From the Undergraduate Scholarship for Summer Study to funding for housing or unpaid internships, these awards help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. Act fast: Applications are due April 5!
10. Savor summertime in Madison.
If you are in town, there is nothing like a Madison summer. Between classes, you can study on the Terrace, enjoy a scoop of Babcock ice cream or take a break to hike or bike around the lake or partake in water activities through Wisconsin Hoofers or the Wisconsin Union.
Summer Term gives you the best of both worlds: academic rigor and a legendary #MyBadgerSummer to collect core memories.
Ready to design your summer? Talk to your advisor and check out the Summer Term course search to find courses that fit your schedule and goals. Don’t miss your chance to make progress toward your degree while enjoying everything summer has to offer!
Post written by Lisa Bauer.
Categories: News, Summer Term