Summer Institute FAQs

Yes. Study at the Swarthmore campus – which includes course and lab work as well as independent study - carries two units of Bread Loaf credit, which can be applied to a Bread Loaf master’s degree, transferred to another graduate or undergraduate program, or counted as 60 hours of professional development.

Like our courses at Oxford, the two-unit tutorials at the Institute require substantial independent work. Before we admit new or returning students to these campuses, we do an extra review to make sure applicants are ready for the academic challenge. If we decide that you’re not yet ready, you’ll have an opportunity to make another campus choice.

No. The Institute is designed as an opportunity for you to immerse yourself fully in the hands-on exploration of humanities. The learning experience is concentrated and intensive. The standard load of two units is the max.

Mid-December. If you are interested in attending the Institute but won’t be sure until you see the course descriptions, we advise you to select the Swarthmore campus now since space is limited. You can switch to another campus later if you’d prefer.

Swarthmore dates and fees are posted on our website in the fall. Financial aid is applicable to the Institute regardless of whether you are earning credit for the master’s degree or for continuing education.

Yes. If you live in the Philadelphia area, you can easily commute to Swarthmore for the three weeks of the session. Regional trains run between the Swarthmore campus, Philadelphia, and stops in between roughly every half-hour.