Learn about Summer 2025 Pre-College opportunities at UMass Amherst. Our residential and online pre-college programs are designed to give you a preview of the UMass student experience, including college-level academics and being part of a learning community of high school students from all across the U.S. and the world. Our programs feature faculty-led courses, state-of-the-art facilities, and the #1 campus dining in the U.S., as ranked by the Princeton Review.
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The UMass Amherst Summer Design Academy provides an opportunity for high school students interested in architecture, landscape architecture, urban or interior design to learn more about these professions and experience the kinds of activities that take place in a university design program.
The Design Academy's interactive educational experiences include sketching, design exercises, model-making, the introduction to graphic and 3D computer programs, a visit to an architecture office, as well as lectures and reading discussions.
Students will create strong portfolio material that can be used for college applications to university design and architectural programs.
Students attending the Summer Design Academy in person will receive a materials kit (included in program fees).
There are three ways to participate:
- a residential option for students who will stay on the UMass Amherst campus or the UMass Mt. Ida Campus for the three weeks
- a commuter option for local students who will come in to campus each day
- an online option
The UMass Department of Architecture is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in higher education, and in the profession of architecture. Students of color who cannot meet the financial obligations of the Summer Design Academy (SDA) are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. Please see Tuition & Fees to learn how to apply.
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In Person Schedule: M - F, 9am - 4pm. This course is offered at the UMass Amherst campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.
Online schedule:
Schedule: Live, synchronous sessions will meet Monday - Thursday 1:00 - 4:00pm (Eastern). Plus asynchronous work as assigned.
Attendance
Students attending the online program are expected to attend all class sessions live in real time. In order to prioritize the health and well-being of participants, eligibility is restricted to applicants residing in time zones where class hours do not extend beyond midnight. Please use a time zone converter to check when class sessions will meet in your time zone.
Dates:
In Person @ UMass Amherst: June 29 – July 19, 2025
In Person @ UMass Mt. Ida campus: June 29 – July 19, 2025
Three-Week In Person Intensives: (includes $125 materials fee):
$5,927 residential / $3,410commuter
Online: July 14 - August 1, 2025
Three-Week Online Intensives: $2,845
Students attending the Summer Design Academy online will be provided with a materials list to purchase on their own.
*Program fees listed above include tuition and room & board.
*All programs require submission of $45 application fee.
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