College Now
College Now is an opportunity to receive free college credits through CUNY institutions, open to juniors and seniors. These classes are typically offered after school and/or on Saturdays, with online and in-person options available.
Hunter, BMCC and John Jay are official partners, which means that Beacon students receive priority admission, however students can apply to programs at the other CUNY campuses as well. Due to the popularity of these courses, we recommend applying as soon as possible in order to secure your preferred course and scheduling options.
Opportunities for summer courses are typically posted here in March and April, with Fall courses posted in May and June and Spring courses posted in November and December. Check back here throughout the year for additional options are they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes, however you can only fill out the official CUNY College Now Application once. If you have already filled out the official application, you must email the second college you are applying to with your class options or fill out their own application (if they have one).
Can I take more than one class a semester?
Yes, as long as the classes are at different colleges and the times of the classes do not conflict with each other.
I submitted an application. What happens now?
Most of the College Now programs accept students on a rolling basis, so keep an eye on your email for additional information after your application has been submitted (please also check your spam/junk email). Some schools require you to confirm your spot in the class.
How do I get college credit for these classes?
Your future attending college will likely require you to send an official transcript from the CUNY institution in order to consider awarding the college credits. You should only initiate this process once you know what college you will be attending and you can learn more about how to send your official transcript here.
Will this appear on my Beacon transcript?
No. While prior to the 2022-23 school year, Beacon was able to add these courses to your transcript, we found that in some cases colleges were hesitant to award college credits when the course appeared on a high school transcript. To avoid any delay in receiving college credits, you must send an official transcript from the issuing institution (see link above).
How will the colleges I’m applying to know that I took this course?
You will be asked on your college applications if you are currently or have ever taken a course for college credits. You will be able to add the name of the institution and course, and in some cases the grade. If you would like an unofficial transcript sent to your colleges as well, you can fill out this form, to share a copy with the College Office who can send your transcript via Naviance.
Hunter College Now Summer Science Institute
Classes take place Mondays - Thursdays between July 11th and August 15th.
Open to current 10th and 11th graders who meet the requirements.
Physics: 12:00 - 3:50pm, in-person instruction
Chemistry: 12:00 - 3:50 pm, in-person instruction
Statistics: 2:00 - 3:50pm, in-person instruction
Epidemiology: 12:00 - 1:50pm, hybrid instruction
Geology: 2:00 - 3:50 pm, hybrid instruction
Learn more and apply here!
John Jay College Summer Classes
July 8, 2024 to August 4, 2024
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Criminal Justice BS 101—3 credits: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
Mon & Thur 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM OR Mon & Thur 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM (in person)
This course is an introductory survey of the American criminal justice system with a view to its social and institutional context, and its structure and functioning. The course provides an overview of the foundations and components of the criminal justice system, including (substantive and procedural) criminal law, police, courts and corrections. The main emphasis will be placed on the criminal justice process, and how the various institutions of criminal justice interact. Key issues will be addressed as they arise at different stages of the process, such as the conflict between crime control and due process, and conflicts related to, for example, gender, class and ethnicity.
Psychology 101—3 credits: Introduction to Psychology
Mon & Thur 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM OR Mon & Thur 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM(in person)
This course is a survey of the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Topics to be covered include research methods and applications in Psychology’s major areas of study: thought, memory, learning, personality, social processes, human development, psychological disorders, and the biological bases of behavior.
Sociology 101—3 credits: Introduction to Sociology
Mon & Thur 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (in person)
This course provides an overview of the theoretical frameworks and data-collection methods that sociologists use to analyze political trends, economic developments, and cultural changes in society. It investigates the many ways that society may influence the attitudes and actions of individuals and entire groups.
Learn more and apply here!
BMCC Summer Classes
July 8, 2024 to August 8, 2024
Admission is on a first-come-first-serve basis, prioritizing partner school applicants
CED 201 Career Planning - 2 Credits
Monday-Thursday 10:00am - 12:00pm (Online Synchronous)
MAT 150 Introduction to Statistics - 4 Credits
Monday-Thursday 9:00am - 3:00pm (in person)
Students must pass MAT 161.5
PSY 100 General Psychology - 3 Credits
Monday-Thursday 10:00am - 12:00pm (Online Synchronous) 75 in ELA coursework
TRS 201 Introduction to Translation and Interpretation Theory - 3 Credits
Monday-Thursday 10:00am - 2:00pm (in person)
VAT 100 Introduction to TV and Film - 3 Credits
Monday-Thursday 10:00am - 3:00pm (in person)
Learn more and apply here!
City College Summer Classes
July 1, 2024 to August 1, 2024
Registration Deadline: May 6th
Applications of Psychology in the Modern World: Course number: PSY 10200 Credits: 3 Days: Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
An introduction to the study of human development and learning, personality and motivation, sex differences, attitudes, aggressions, interpersonal attraction, behavior in groups and work settings, abnormal behavior and its treatment. Emphasizes on the ways in which psychological theory and research can be applied to individual and social problems. Students are responsible for submitting research papers on related topics.
Explorations in Architecture: Course number: AES 19903 Credits: 3 Days: Monday– Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This architecture and design program involves a series of exercises that incorporate issues of critical thinking, aesthetics, structural integrity and the inherent properties of materials. There will be readings that correspond to the curriculum. Students will be assigned design projects that will culminate in an exhibition, presentation and critique.
*Introduction to Journalism (HYBRID): Course number: MCA 23300 Credits: 3 Days: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This course introduces students to the basics of reporting and writing for the print and broadcast media. A hands-on course, students learn the rigors of journalism through covering stories.
United States Politics and Government: Course number: PSC 10100 Credits: 3 Days: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
An overview of American government. Analysis focuses on three major areas: the Constitution and the debates of the Founding era, America's political institutions and processes, and the political behavior of the American public. Attention is also paid to major public policies. This course is 3 credit college course and 1 high school credit that may be equivalent to the NYC DOE U.S. History and Government course (check with your high school).
Learn more and apply here and here.
Brooklyn College Summer Classes
General Science 2020: Aquatic Environmental Ecology
Budding marine scientists: Brooklyn and other NYC boroughs are surrounded by water! This course explores the critically important and biologically diverse waterways of Jamaica Bay and other local waterways, and studies key ecological issues related to plants, people and (other) animals who share them. Course fulfills a CUNY Pathways requirement. Class meets at Brooklyn College 4 days weekly (Mondays through Thursdays), 10am-3:00pm, for 4 weeks, July 8 th - August 1 st with two trips to local waterways for field research and experience.
General Science 2050: Urban Environmental Studies
College readiness = environmental and social awareness too! Work with college students, faculty and community members learning how environmental and social justice connect, and how they relate to YOU! Where does your food come from, and what determines who has access to healthy, affordable food? Who “owns” public space, land, water, and other essential resources? What’s consumer culture, and how does it shape our lives? How are “ordinary” people (like us!) addressing environmental and social justice issues in NYC’s communities? What can YOU do in yours? Class meets at Brooklyn College 4 days weekly (Mondays through Thursdays), 9:30am-12:30pm July 8 th - August 15th . Course includes frequent hands-on experience in local gardens, and weekly field trips.
Sociology 3605: Social Movements (remote)
People’s movements, such as the US Civil Rights and Women’s movements, have organized collective action around shared political goals. This class will investigate civil rights struggles from the 1950’s to present. A focus on the local will reveal familiar, nearby places in a new light, through virtual field trips and other activities that explore their deep histories, connecting them to young people’s current, lived experiences and to ongoing, civil rights struggles. Class meets remotely 4 days weekly (Mondays through Thursdays), 10:00am-1:00pm, for 6 weeks, July 15th - August 20th . Class is fully online but synchronous, so students must be in virtual attendance during class time.
SPECIAL Opportunity: Math 1006 College Algebra for Health Careers
Considering a career in a health field? Get ahead by completing a college level math course required for most degrees while exploring health career possibilities. Develop your algebra skills, earn transferable college math credit with the support of excellent Brooklyn College faculty and tutors, and explore health fields firsthand through class trips. Students who successfully complete this course and final departmental exam will be deemed CUNY proficient in Math when applying to any CUNY college! Course also fulfills CUNY Pathways Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning requirement (a required course for any CUNY undergrad). Applicants must have completed or be completing high school Algebra I and II. Class meets at Brooklyn College July 15th -August 20th Monday thru. Thursday. 10:00am-12:30pm AND recitation Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00pm-2:00pm. Career workshops every Wednesday after class 1:00pm-4:00pm. Culminating health careers fair August 8 th . Students who successfully complete the course, attend career workshops and final event will receive a $1500 tax exempt SYEP stipend (separate SYEP application/acceptance NOT necessary).
Learn more here and apply using this form. Send completed form to JGluck@brooklyn.cuny.edu.