Summer Sessions goes virtual with over 100 unique courses
UC Davis Summer Sessions 2026 offers students triple the virtual courses compared to just two years ago with more than 300 virtual courses across Sessions I and II. UC Davis “fourth quarter” also includes multiple sections of high-demand classes, such as Introduction to Communication, Prep for General Chem and Introduction to Brewing and Beer.
Expanded virtual and hybrid classes, new courses and increased support help students get ahead through Summer Sessions, from wherever they spend their summer months.
“There truly is something for everyone, whether you need to focus on that one tough chemistry class, learn a new language or complete a minor,” said Omega Lee, Summer Sessions executive director. “It’s possible to make that happen with UC Davis Summer Sessions.”
Expanded virtual courses
During the pandemic, most classes shifted online and Summer Sessions saw a sharp increase in enrollment. Lee built on that momentum and, backed by results of a 2024 survey that identified demand for more virtual and hybrid options, worked with faculty to increase virtual opportunities. Colleges responded with expanded course listings for this summer, including more courses and broader subject coverage.
Virtual offerings for summer grew from 33 courses in 2024 to more than 100 unique courses in 2026. Students can also choose from 25 hybrid class options this summer.
Enroll soon for Summer Sessions
Summer Sessions I begins June 22. Current students register through Schedule Builder for Sessions I and II and Special Session. New students, visitors from other campuses or universities and community members may apply and register on the website.
Once current students receive their Pass Time email from the Office of the University Registrar, they may enroll in Summer Sessions. Registration remains open through June 25, but Lee encourages students to register early.
“The most popular classes fill up first every summer,” Lee said. “Sign up when your Pass Time opens to improve your chances of getting the courses you need.”
The Courses page on the Summer Sessions website includes details to help students find and search for classes, review new options that support minors and watch instructional videos for registration.
Access popular or new classes with fewer students
“Lower summer enrollments provide students more access to faculty and offer them increased opportunities to get the attention often only afforded in upper-division classes,” Lee said. “A highlight of Summer Sessions is the increased access to popular classes that often quickly fill up during the academic year.”
Curious about popular classes at UC Davis? Design of Coffee — An Introduction to Chemical Engineering often tops the list. This course exceeds 750 to 800 enrollments each year, but summer enrollment drops to about 50 students. Introduction to Brewing and Beer also draws strong interest with smaller summer class sizes.
Business ranks as the newest and most popular major at UC Davis. Summer Sessions offers business courses in accounting, finance and management.
Complete a minor
Three departments offer summer courses that support the completion of a minor.
The Graduate School of Management provides courses that fulfill requirements for two popular minors: business and accounting. These courses are open to all students and also meet requirements for the business major and its four specializations.
The Department of Communications offers courses such as Video Games Theory and Research, Digital Technology and Social Change and 12 additional options. Most classes satisfy portions of the communications minor and General Education requirements.
The School of Education offers four summer courses required for the education minor. Two courses meet core minor requirements, while others serve as popular General Education options for many majors.
Find your Aggie community this summer
Summer is often quieter on campus, but resources and opportunities abound for students who come to campus. Movie nights, lunchtime programming, finals study breaks and game nights take place all summer. Find event information on the website.
The Summer Scholars Writing Academy, launched in 2025, will return for a second year. This six-week program is a collaboration between Summer Sessions and the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center. Enrollment begins in late May.
Registration closes June 26 for Summer Session I and Aug. 7 for Session II. Visit the Summer Sessions website to explore and learn how to enroll. Summer Sessions is a unit of UC Davis Undergraduate Education.