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Earn UW Credits at a Fraction of the Cost!
Summer is an ideal time to make progress on your UW degree requirements. And with significantly lower tuition rates, Madison College is an ideal place to do that!
Why choose Madison College for summer classes?
Cost Savings: You’ll pay much less per credit hour for courses that count toward your UW degree.
Transferable Credits: Many of our summer offerings fulfill University Transfer requirements.
Flexible Options: Build a schedule that suits your life—take classes online and/or at a campus near you.
Lighter Courseload: Part-time enrollment lets you focus on fewer classes—which can help boost your GPA!
Insightful Instructors: Learn from award-winning faculty. Some of them also teach at UW–Madison!
Major Decisions: Undeclared? Our 250+ summer courses are an affordable way to explore your options!
Summer 2025 Courses
Browse our full summer course list below to find the classes you need, then click the links for details—including course description, credit hours and more.
| Subject | Course Number | Course Title | Credits | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | 20809283 | Cultural Anthropology & Human Diversity | 3 | This is a course designed | This is a course designed to introduce you to the ways that cultural anthropologists understand the many ways that humans have come to know their worlds and to use the concepts, skills and theories emerging from cultural anthropology to explore the many ways that members of our one species have learned to make sense of this complex world that we all share. |
| College Success | 20890200 | College Success | 3 | This course provides | This course provides learners with strategies to develop skills for success in college and in life. Learners will work on academic skills such as test taking, note taking, time management, reading, writing, memory, etc. Learners will also work on other success strategies such as personal responsibility, motivation, goal setting, interdependence, emotional intelligence, lifelong learning and self-awareness. Learners apply self-management techniques, explore resource management strategies, practice effective study skills strategies, and learn about ways to improve personal effectiveness. |
| Communications | 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3 | Focuses on developing | Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. |
| ContEd-Arts | 60442602 | Art Welding for Beginners | 0.45 | Take your first step into | Take your first step into art welding! In this introductory class you will learn the fundamentals of welding and plasma cutting by working on a specific project designed by the instructor- think garden sculpture or seasonal décor! |
| ContEd-Arts | 60815774 | Crash Course in Drawing | 0.3 | Do you want to become a | Do you want to become a better artist this summer? This workshop is ideal for those who want to recharge their artistic spirit and confidence in drawing. Through a convenient and condensed series of classes you will gain an understanding of the essential principles of drawing. Ideal for beginners as well as those with experience. |
| ContEd-Arts | 60815758 | Introduction to Portrait Drawing | 0.3 | Drawing the human portrait | Drawing the human portrait has long been a challenging art form and one that requires a sequential approach. The purpose of this class is to provide such sequential approaches as well as the principles of drawing a portrait from a live model, such as establishing the scale, pose, and proportions. If you have ever struggled with drawing the features of the face, this workshop is for you. Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced artists. |
| ContEd-Arts | 60815694 | Watercolor Painting - All Levels | 0.45 | For beginners or continuing | For beginners or continuing students refining their watercolor skills, this class will be filled with technical information, demonstrations, individual instruction and lots of time to paint. Learn brush handling, color theory and watercolor techniques such as washes, glazes and textural effects. Choose subject matter from photos, book references or still lifes as the class explores painting styles from realism to abstract. |
| ContEd-Arts | 60815803 | Whimsical Watercolors: Elevate Your Doodles with Line and Watercolor | 0.15 | Discover the magic of | Discover the magic of combining playful line work with vibrant watercolor in this fun and stress-free class! You'll learn a simple step-by-step drawing method to create charming, lighthearted illustrations. Through approachable watercolor techniques, you'll bring your doodles to life with expressive color and personality. |
| ContEd-Business & Marketing | 47801416 | Technical Writing and Communication | 0.4 | What is technical writing | What is technical writing and why is it so important? Professionals, technical experts, and managers all require communication skills at work. Learn how to effectively communicate with an intended audience to clearly convey your intended information. Apply the principles and guidelines for technical communication through the development and review of documents, graphics and visuals. |
| ContEd-Computer Skills | 47103400 | Computer Skills for Employment Preparation or Update | 0.4 | This course will provide a | This course will provide a variety of topic-based classes using Windows and Microsoft Office. |
| ContEd-Cooking & Cuisine | 60314710 | Bake Bread at Home: Sandwich Bread & Crunchy French Loaf | 0.1 | Discover the joy of | Discover the joy of homemade bread! Create two delicious loaves from scratch. Soft & Fluffy Sandwich Bread – Make a tender, versatile loaf perfect for toast, sandwiches, and more. Master kneading, proofing, and shaping techniques to achieve bakery-quality results at home. Crispy French Loaf – Unlock the art to craft a beautifully golden, crunchy-crusted French loaf with an airy interior. We’ll cover hydration, fermentation, and baking techniques to get that perfect crackle. With step-by-step guidance, tips for working with yeast, and techniques for achieving the perfect texture, gain the confidence to bake fresh bread at home. Fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade bread! |
| ContEd-Cooking & Cuisine | 60314707 | Baking: Cookie Sandwiches | 0.1 | Looking for an upgraded | Looking for an upgraded cookie? These delicious cookies are used to sandwich a decadent filling for a fun dessert. We'll make peanut butter cookie sandwiches, lace cookie sandwiches, and chocolate with salted caramel frosting whoopie pies. |
| ContEd-Cooking & Cuisine | 60314424 | Baking: Yeast Breads | 0.1 | Learn how easy it is to | Learn how easy it is to make bread from scratch when you know the basic bread baking rules. We’ll talk about the theory behind ingredients and how they interact. We’ll discuss how important specific methods are to bread baking and the equipment needed to make a perfect loaf. Then we’ll use those rules to make three breads from one standard recipe. Those breads include pesto pull-apart bread, cinnamon swirl bread, and multi-grain bread. |
| ContEd-Cooking & Cuisine | 60316778 | Big Easy Made Easy | 0.1 | Bring The Big Easy into | Bring The Big Easy into your home with this hands-on class, inspired by one of the world’s great restaurant cities. Sheet pan dinners are as popular as ever, so we’ll take a bayou classic and give it the sheet pan treatment. Add in a couple of side dishes to go along, then finish the evening with a twist on Bananas Foster. |
| ContEd-Cooking & Cuisine | 60314709 | Delicious Fillings: Mastering Pastry Cream, Lemon Curd, & Chocolate Ganache | 0.1 | Take baking to the next | Take baking to the next level with hands-on creation of rich, velvety, flavorful fillings! Home baker or budding pastry chef, create 3 essential fillings for cakes, tarts, pastries, and more. Pastry Cream: Make classic, creamy custard perfect for filling éclairs, cream puffs, and layered cakes. Lemon Curd: Discover this silky-smooth, tangy lemon curd ideal for tarts, cupcakes, and breakfast treats. Chocolate Ganache: Master making glossy, decadent chocolate ganache for drizzling, filling, and frosting. Mixing techniques to troubleshooting common mistakes, gain confidence to create bakery-quality fillings at home. Join this fun and flavorful class—great desserts start with a perfect filling! |
| ContEd-Cooking & Cuisine | 60316820 | Pizza and Pasta | 0.1 | We’ll bring out the pasta | We’ll bring out the pasta rollers for the evening and show you how to make your own fresh noodles, then assemble a couple of easy pan sauces to toss them with. Plus, we’ll see how you can bust out pizza for a crowd in record time. It’s a carb-loaded night of Italian faves! |
| ContEd-Cooking & Cuisine | 60314669 | Wine & Chocolate Pairing Experience | 0.05 | Treat yourself to an | Treat yourself to an evening of chocolate, wine, and good company. We will begin the evening with small tastes of white, milk, and dark chocolate pairing each nibble with a local crafted wine. The Chocolate & Wine Tasting Experience class pairs four premium Wisconsin chocolates and four local Wisconsin wines. This 1.5 hours course is just the thing to give you an in depth understanding of how to truly taste chocolate and wine to best enhance your flavor experience. |
| ContEd-Cooking & Cuisine | 60109644 | Wine and Cheese Tasting | 0.05 | Wine and cheese are a match | Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, but have you ever wondered what wines go best with which cheeses and why? Treat your senses to a night of exploring how the flavors wine and cheese interact to create perfect (or sometimes not so perfect) pairings. You’ll l learn cheese and wine tasting techniques and how to describe and evaluate cheese and wine flavor characteristics, all while enjoying delicious wines and a featured cheese selection from Wisconsin creameries. |
| ContEd-Healthcare Interpreting | 47501405 | Medical Terminology in Spanish | 0.5 | This course is intended for | This course is intended for health care professionals or interpreters working with Spanish-speaking patients but is open to anyone. It focuses on medical technical language in both English and Spanish. Students gain increased familiarity with medical terminology, thereby enhancing patient communication. Medical terminology will be presented according to body systems, clinical specialties, and subspecialties. The student will master both vocabulary and knowledge needed for a wide number of medical settings. |
| ContEd-Music & Dance | 60805689 | Applied Guitar 1 | 0.3 | Learn how to read music and | Learn how to read music and interpret chord diagrams for the guitar as well as basic strumming rhythms/patterns. We will play basic tunes together as a class. Bring your own guitar (preferably acoustic) to each class. |
| ContEd-Related Arts | 60306667 | Beginning Crochet | 0.2 | Crochet is the latest hot | Crochet is the latest hot fiber art and a great hobby for the summer months. In this class you will learn equipment selection, basic crocheting stitches and processes, pattern interpretation, yarn study, perfecting gauge, and joining a seam. We’ll work on fun, useful and interesting projects to perfect your skills. No prior crochet experience is required for this class. |
| ContEd-Related Arts | 60301709 | Macrame for Beginners | 0.1 | Macrame is the art of | Macrame is the art of creating textile using knots rather than weaving or knitting. It is an ancient craft that is easy to learn and a great deal of fun. Join us to learn the basics of macrame and create a fabulous plant hanger that can be used indoors or out. In this 2 hour class you will learn how to estimate materials needed and read a pattern as well as SIX knots that will put you on your way to becoming a macrame artist. |
| ContEd-Sewing & Fiber Arts | 60306681 | Beginning Knitting | 0.2 | Knitting is both a time | Knitting is both a time honored and rapidly growing craft that offers fun, relaxation and the joy of creativity. In this class, you’ll learn how to choose and interpret a pattern and select equipment and yarn. You will also learn to cast on, knit, purl, fix common mistakes, knit in the round, and bind off a project. You will leave the class with finished projects. No prior knitting experience needed. |
| ContEd-Social Science | 47809497 | Bringing Hmong Studies into the Classroom | 0.15 | Explore the rich history, | Explore the rich history, culture, and lived experiences of the Hmong people in this discussion-based course. Designed for educators and curious learners alike, the class will introduce key events and themes in Hmong Studies while providing space to reflect, share, and consider how this knowledge can shape inclusive and informed teaching practices. |
| ContEd-Wellness | 60807742 | Ditch Perfectionism: Get More Done & Stress Less | 0.05 | Perfectionism can be a | Perfectionism can be a major roadblock, especially for women juggling multiple roles. If you’re constantly reworking things, overanalyzing, or feeling like nothing is ever “good enough,” this class is for you. Learn practical ways to break free from perfectionism, get things done faster (without sacrificing quality), and actually enjoy the process. |
| ContEd-Wellness | 60807744 | Workday Recharge for Women: Small Shifts for Big Impact | 0.05 | Your calendar is packed, | Your calendar is packed, your inbox is overflowing, and somehow, you’re supposed to take care of yourself too? In this 3-week series, we’ll cover small but powerful shifts designed specifically for women juggling high-pressure careers. Learn how to stay focused, feel better, and get through the workday without running on fumes. No fluff—just real strategies that fit into your busy life. Week 1: Get the Most out of Your Schedule (Without Burning Out). Week 2: Keeping Stress in Check (Even on the Busiest Days). Week 3: Simple Habits for a More Balanced Workday (That Actually Stick). |
| ContEd-World Languages | 60802697 | Spanish 1 Refresher | 0.5 | This is the perfect class | This is the perfect class for those who have some Spanish language experience but are unsure if they belong in Spanish 1 or 2. Join this class to get a refresher on basic grammar (present tense, pronouns, verbs), greetings, alphabet, plural, colors, numbers, questions, time, foods, and family. This class will have you ready for Spanish 2. This class will be short but intense, so come prepared to remember and learn new things. |
| ContEd-Writing & Publishing | 60801658 | Fiction Workshop: Using Nature in Your Writing | 0.2 | Nature is full of endless | Nature is full of endless possibilities for fiction writers! In this four-week writing workshop, you’ll explore how animals and the natural world can inspire compelling stories, adding depth, drama, and creativity to your writing. Through the study of nature-inspired short stories, guided discussions, and engaging writing prompts, you’ll generate new story drafts while developing a deeper appreciation for the role of nature in fiction. |
| Cosmetology | 31502363 | Advanced Salon Externship | 2 | Students will complete | Students will complete salon services through an externship while working in a community-based licensed establishment under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist. |
| Cosmetology | 31502361 | Basic Salon Services & Externship | 2 | Students will begin client | Students will begin client services in the student salon. They will practice basic services, safety, and infection control. Students will be assessed by cosmetology instructors, interview with community-based licensed establishments, and placed into their externship location. |
| Cosmetology | 10502330 | Cosmetology Concepts | 1 | This orientation course is | This orientation course is designed to maximize the students’ understanding of the cosmetology program prior to first-term enrollment. Students are introduced to the industry and program competencies. Students will be assessed in their preparedness, technical skills, online learning management system, and abilities to increase the chance of successful program completion. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | 99935001 | Credit for Prior Learning Challenge Exam | 0 | Credit for Prior Learning | Credit for Prior Learning offers students the opportunity to earn credit for material they have already learned. One way that students can earn credit is through the completion of a challenge exam. Challenge exams are written by Madison College faculty and vary depending on the subject. Not all courses have the option to complete a challenge exam. Please review the topic descriptions for available options. There is a NON-REFUNDABLE fee of $50.00 for signing up for a challenge exam. You will be charged the fee if you pass, fail, or don’t take the exam. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | 99935002 | Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio | 0 | Credit for Prior Learning | Credit for Prior Learning offers students the ability to earn credit for material they have already learned. One way that students can earn credit is through the completion of a portfolio that addresses the learning outcomes of a course. Not all courses have the option to complete a portfolio. Please review the topic descriptions for available course options. Students attempting to complete a portfolio will be charged a non-refundable fee of $90.00. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | 99935003 | Credit for Prior Learning Skills Demonstration | 0 | Credit for Prior Learning | Credit for Prior Learning offers students the opportunity to earn credit for material they have already learned. One way that students can earn credit is by passing a skills demonstration assessment. Skills demonstration assessments vary depending on the subject. Not all courses have the option to complete a skills demonstration assessment. Please review the topic descriptions for available options. Students attempting to complete a skills demonstration assessment will be charged a non-refundable fee of $90.00. |
| Dental Assisting | 31508313 | Dental Assistant Clinical Experience | 2 | Students apply skills | Students apply skills developed in Dental and General Anatomy, Dental health Safety, Dental Chairside, Dental Materials, Dental Radiography, Professionalism in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic occupational skills. |
| Driver Education | 42812420 | Traffic Safety | 0.4 | This course is a program to | This course is a program to reduce points on your driving record and is available to anyone. This is not for initial licensure or on the road training. Classes are held face-to-face per the Department of Transportation guidelines. |
| Economics | 20809211 | Macroeconomics | 3 | This course introduces | This course introduces students to the study of macroeconomics. The course is designed to provide students with a foundation for understanding macroeconomic issues and policies. Topics include GDP, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and international trade. The course discusses the role of markets, government and central banks in stabilizing the economy, addressing social issues and promoting growth. This course meets the need for college transfer credit. |
| Economics | 20809212 | Microeconomics | 3 | Introduces basic economic | Introduces basic economic principles to analyze economic topics such as the minimum wage, poverty, pollution, the impact of monopoly power, and globalization. Students analyze the economic role of markets and prices, with emphasis on when markets work well and when they fail. Also explore decision-making behavior by consumers and businesses in a variety of economic scenarios, including evaluation of the role of governmental policies to influence economic outcomes. |
| Emergency Medical Services-CE | 47531421 | Basic Life Support Provider CPR | 0.15 | Basic Life Support Provider | Basic Life Support Provider CPR is designed to provide prehospital providers, like EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, as well as healthcare professionals with the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner. Includes Adult & Child CPR AED and Infant CPR. |
| English | 20801201 | English 1 | 3 | The first course in | The first course in communication skills at the college level, developing student abilities in critical reading, writing, listening, and speaking, for both exposition and argumentation. The course emphasizes summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing information from sources, and develops research and presentation skills. The class assumes competence in English grammar and paragraph structure. |
| English | 20801202 | English 2 | 3 | This course is a | This course is a continuation of English 1. Students use advanced research skills to write essays that are informative and persuasive in nature and based on topics from the social sciences and humanities. Students conduct research using secondary library resources but also focus on using qualitative methods to conduct primary research, including observation and interviews. MLA format and one other format (APA or Chicago) will be taught. Students will prepare 25-35 pages of polished writing. |
| English | 20801212 | Ethnic Literature | 3 | Students will read dramas, | Students will read dramas, essays, novels, poetry, or short stories through the lens of race, ethnicity, language, and identity in a multicultural society. Texts include authors identifying as African American, Arab American, Asian American, Jewish American, Latinx, Native American, or multiracial. Readings will represent multiple ethnic groups, but specific authors and genres will vary by instructor. |
| English | 20801204 | Introduction to Literature | 3 | Introduction to Literature | Introduction to Literature gives students the tools necessary to understand, analyze, and appreciate literature by exploring a variety of literary genres and periods. The course also considers broader conversations about the significance of literature and its historical and cultural contexts. Individual sections may focus on a particular literary theme or emphasis. |
| English | 10801197 | Technical Reporting | 3 | Prepare and present written | Prepare and present written, oral, and visual communication products, including instructions, proposals, informal and formal reports. Produce clear, usable communication by incorporating information design principles, arranging content to satisfy diverse audience needs, and presenting visuals for various contexts. Designed as an advanced course to develop collaborative communication practices, information literacy skills, and ethically responsible professional communication strategies. |
| English | 10801195 | Written Communication | 3 | Develops workplace writing | Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content. |
| English-Adult Basic Education | 76851734 | HSED Communications - Module B | 1 | This reading and writing | This reading and writing course meets the communications requirements for the 5.09 HSED program. Both Module A and Module B must be completed to meet competencies of the 5.09 HSED program. In this course, students expand vocabulary, reading, writing and grammar/usage skills that prepare them for the workplace and post-secondary education. |
| IT-Data | 10156105 | AI Fundamentals | 1 | Provides a basic survey of | Provides a basic survey of the importance of AI in the IT industry. This course will discuss broad aspects of AI including types, code generation, and how to validate the results from AI. The course will also present best practices for appropriate and responsible use of AI. |
| IT-Information Technology | 10107111 | Exploration of Information Technology | 1 | Introduces the various | Introduces the various careers available in the vast field of Information Technology and examines the IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist, IT-Cyber Compliance Specialist, IT-Cybersecurity Specialist, IT-Data & Analytics Specialist, IT-Desktop Support Technician, IT-Front End Developer, IT-Network Systems Administration, and IT-Web Software Developer career paths. Students create an individualized career path plan as the capstone project for the course. |
| IT-Information Technology | 10107175 | Job Search Preparation | 1 | Introduction to planning | Introduction to planning and organizing a search for careers in information technology. Activities include the development of a personalized job search plan, resume building, creating a social media presence and a mock interview. |
| IT-Security | 10151102 | IT Security Awareness | 1 | Provides a basic survey of | Provides a basic survey of the importance of IT security awareness and data confidentiality. This course walks users through basic aspects of information security in a very broad, easy to understand way and explains the value of securing data. The course will also present best practices in access control and password policies. NOTE: Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management) required. |
| Kinesiology | 20807266 | Wellness Today | 3 | Contemporary approach to | Contemporary approach to the total wellness concept. It covers fitness and exercise, nutrition and stress management, culminating with personal planning toward lifetime wellness. |
| Nursing Assistant | 30543300 | Nursing Assistant | 3 | This 3-credit theory, | This 3-credit theory, laboratory, and clinical course prepares students for employment as nursing assistants. Students learn communication skills, basic nursing skills, personal care skills, clients’ rights and care of clients with dementias. A supervised clinical experience with direct client care is a major component of the course. Upon completion, the student is eligible to take the certification for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. |
| Paralegal | 10110108 | E-Discovery and Digital Tools | 3 | Students gain experience | Students gain experience working with litigation software and e-Discovery software used for document review and coding. |
| Psychology | 20809233 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | Developmental Psychology | Developmental Psychology covers the principles of human growth and behavioral development, from conception to death. Topics include methods of studying human behavior, theoretical approaches, individual differences, patterns and sequences of development, and relationships with peers and others. |
| Psychology | 10809198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | This science of psychology | This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development. |
| Psychology | 10809199 | Psychology Of Human Relations | 3 | This course explores the | This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job. |
| Reading | 10838105 | Intro Reading & Study Skills | 3 | This course provides | This course provides learners with opportunities to develop study skills and expand reading skills including comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills. Learners apply reading skills to academic tasks and read to acquire information from a variety of sources. |
| Sociology | 10809197 | Contemporary American Society | 3 | This is an | This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills. |
| Sociology | 10809172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies | 3 | This course introduces the | This course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. |
| Sociology | 10809196 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | Introduces students to the | Introduces students to the fundamental sociological concepts, including sociological perspectives, research methods, the significance of culture in society, and the socialization process. Other topics include deviance, the impact of groups on behavior, societal inequities, global changes, the role of social institutions, and social stratification. |
| Speech | 10801198 | Speech | 3 | Explores the fundamentals | Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, supporting evidence, delivery techniques, active listening, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, form the basis of the course. Includes informative, persuasive, and occasion speech presentations. Audience requirements to be determined by individual colleges. |
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Make the Most of This Summer!