Make Your Summer Count: How LSU Courses Can Help You Get Ahead

Summer courses are a smart investment in any student’s academic journey, providing opportunities to stay on track, explore new interests, boost GPA, or accelerate graduation.

With fewer distractions and flexible options, LSU students can focus, grow, and make meaningful progress toward their degree—all while saving time and money in the long run. 

Catch Up or Get Ahead

A major benefit of summer coursework is its direct impact on graduating on time.

“LSU students who take a summer course are two times more likely to graduate in four years than those who don’t,” said Jacqueline Bach, Vice Provost for Academic Programs & Support Services.

Staying on track helps students avoid extending their time at LSU, saving both time and money. Graduating on time or early offers financial and personal benefits, especially for those pursuing double majors, graduate school, or job opportunities.

A Focused Academic Environment

Summer courses at LSU are typically offered in shorter, more intensive formats, allowing students to focus on fewer classes without the usual distractions of a full course load. For those looking to improve their GPA, the summer term is an ideal time to retake challenging courses, with more focus and fewer competing priorities.

“Summer classes tend to be smaller, which often means more individualized attention, easier participation, and stronger relationships with professors,” said Becca Thompson, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Success.

This environment allows for deeper discussions and better support, which can enhance both academic understanding and professional development.

Students also benefit from flexible learning options, including online courses, which enable them to continue their academic progress while working, traveling, or living off campus in the summer. This makes it easier for students to balance academics with other commitments, helping students stay on track and achieve their goals.

Gaining Real-World Experience

Summer enrollment can also open doors to experiential learning opportunities, such as undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad programs. These experiences deepen subject knowledge, build faculty connections, and provide hands-on experience that sets students apart in competitive job markets. 

“Students who take summer courses can continue to take advantage of on-campus opportunities such as undergraduate research,” said Sarah Ferstel, Director of Undergraduate Research.

Ricardo Mendoza, a junior studying theatre performance, participated in LSU’s study abroad program at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland last summer, where he had an experience that had a lasting impact on his growth as a performer.

“LSU Abroad afforded me the opportunity to see a world that I could have never imagined. Going to the Edinburgh Fringe changed my life as a performer and will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Mendoza reflects. 

Exploring New Interests and Expanding Knowledge

Summer term can also provide space for students to pursue minors, certificates, or elective courses that do not fit easily into their fall or spring schedules. It can be a time for exploring interests, whether that means diving into a new subject area, building additional qualifications, or simply rediscovering the joy of learning in a more focused setting.

“Staying academically engaged through the summer can help students maintain study habits, especially after a rough semester or long break,” Thompson said.

The summer term can help students maintain focus, strengthen their study habits, and set themselves up for success in the coming semesters. 

A Smart Step Toward a Stronger Future

Ultimately, summer courses at LSU allow students to move forward with purpose and prepare for what comes next—whether that’s a final semester, graduate school, or future job opportunities.

By enrolling in summer courses, LSU students are choosing to invest in themselves and their futures.

To learn more about summer options at LSU and begin planning your academic path forward, visit lsu.edu/summer. 

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