Baylor University Announces Innovative Summer of Discovery Online Courses

Discounted summer course bundles advance academic goals for current students, incoming freshmen, rising high school seniors

Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-709-5959
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WACO, Texas (April 17, 2020) – With travel and activity restrictions changing summer plans for many students, Baylor University today announced its 2020 Summer of Discovery, an innovative collection of discounted summer course bundles for current students, incoming freshmen and rising high school seniors in an online environment to help them advance toward their academic goals.

“I’m so proud of Baylor for rolling out this innovative Summer of Discovery. It’s relevant, it’s focused toward Baylor’s current and future students, who we care so much about, and it’s a sign of an institution’s ability to adapt and innovate quickly to meet students where they are during these challenging times,” said Jessica King Gereghty, assistant vice president of undergraduate admissions and enrollment. “It is important for Baylor University to be the leader in Christian higher education research opportunities for our students, even in advanced high school levels.”

Classes will be taught online by Baylor faculty in the supportive Christian environment that is a hallmark of a Baylor education. Students will learn alongside their peers and also have the assurance that these classes will support most degree plans and majors. For rising high school seniors, Baylor’s Summer of Discovery offer opportunities to take online Baylor courses at discounted rates for college credit and potential early admission to the University.

Summer of Discovery courses will be available across multiple summer sessions and also are discounted from regular tuition, with discounts increasing as the number of classes taken increases. Students may choose to attend as many of the summer sessions as supported by their Summer of Discovery track:

• May Minimester (May 13-June 1)
• Summer 1 (June 2-July 7)
• Summer 2 (July 9-Aug. 12)

“Many students are home, and they might not have that summer job or internship or be able to attend summer camps,” King Gereghty said. “The Baylor Summer of Discovery provides discounted summer course offerings, including advanced level courses for our current students that will help them get ahead on their degree. In fact, taking these summer courses could help them graduate early, which provides another major affordability advantage.

“For Baylor’s incoming freshmen and rising high school seniors, instead of saying you have to wait to engage with the Baylor family, we’re embracing students now – right where they are. We want them to get engaged with the Baylor community and our exceptional faculty and see for themselves if they are Baylor Bears while they complete courses online from home this summer,” she said.

Course bundles through the Baylor Summer of Discovery are meant to serve the broad needs of students. Academic advisors can help students select the combination of courses that is best for their academic progress within the discounted tuition price.

Current Baylor students receive greater discounts as the number of classes taken increases:

• Take 6 hours or less at regular summer tuition $1392/hour.
• Take 7-9 hours at a discounted tuition of $1000/hour – up to $3,528 in savings.
• Take 10+ hours at a discounted tuition of $750/hour – $6,420 or more in savings.

Current students access courses through their regular advising and registration process. Taking summer classes also can help students add a minor or certification and eliminate worry about classes transferring from another college, King Gereghty said.

Entering first-year students who want to get a jump start on their Baylor experience with classes taught by Baylor faculty also will receive greater discounts as they take more classes:

• Take 6 credit hours at a discounted flat tuition rate of $3,500 and save nearly $5,000 on regular summer tuition.
• Take 9 credit hours at a discounted flat tuition rate of $5,000 and save more than $7,500.

“Incoming students will be able to experience Baylor alongside new friends who will be a part of their lives on campus,” King Gereghty said.

Rising high school seniors hoping to get a head start on their college careers will receive tuition discounts as well:

• Take 6 credit hours at a discounted flat tuition rate of $3,500 and save nearly $5,000 on regular summer tuition.
• Take 9 credit hours at a discounted flat tuition rate of $5,000 and save more than $7,500.
• No ACT or SAT required. A high school transcript is all that is needed.

The Baylor Summer of Discovery will make it easy for rising high school seniors to get started on their academic pursuits.

“Students will be able to explore their interests and see how they can impact a world changed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” King Gereghty said. “These online course bundles will help students get ahead on core course requirements that will apply to a range of Baylor degrees, but are also transferable should they decide to attend another university.”

Students who successfully complete nine hours of course credit with a 3.0 GPA or higher will earn conditional admission to Baylor University as part of the 2021 entering class. In addition, these students will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their first year at Baylor.

For more information, visit the Baylor University Summer of Discovery website at www.baylor.edu/discovery.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.