Summer Pathways Program
Dates: June 6-Aug. 1, 2026
The College of Engineering’s Summer Pathways Program is an eight-week residential experience designed to help you begin your engineering journey with confidence. Whether you’re exploring engineering for the first time of looking to build on existing strengths, the program offers a supportive environment where you can gain a meaningful head start.
Through early progress in your degree plan, engaging hands-on STEM experiences and immersion in the collaborative culture of the College of Engineering, you’ll build strong momentum before the fall semester even begins. Throughout the program you will:
- Participate in hands-on lab activities
- Form connections with faculty, staff and future classmates
- Become familiar with key campus resources
- Strengthen your academic, social and personal readiness
Program benefits
Participants in the Summer Pathways Program receive a range of resources designed to promote academic excellence:
- Engineering-specific mentorship from current engineering students and faculty
- Hands-on lab experiences in state-of-the-art facilities, focusing on real-world application of concepts
- Skill-building workshops for study strategies, time management and career readiness
- Early access to campus facilities, computer labs and engineering-specific advising staff
Academic pathways: Earn college credit
Participants earn up to six credit hours that count directly toward their engineering degree requirements. Students select one Core Track based on their major and may add the Calculus Readiness component to ensure a strong foundation in engineering math.
- Select a Core Track (4 credit hours)
- Track 1: CMP_SC 1050: Algorithm Design and Programming
- Track 2: CHEM 1400 & 1401: General Chemistry and Lab
- Add the Calculus Readiness Component (2 credit hours)
- MATH 1140: Trigonometry
Note: this course is offered as an add-on to either Core Track option. It is highly recommended to solidify your foundation for Calculus 1, regardless of your prior experience with trigonometry or pre-calculus.
Key dates and timeline
- Applications open: Jan. 2 2026
- Priority deadline: Feb. 1, 2026
- Participant commitment deadline: April 1, 2026
- Program: June 6-Aug. 1, 2026
- Move-in: June 5 or June 6, 2026
- Mandatory program kickoff: June 6, 2026
- Move-out date: Aug. 1, 2026
Cost and funding opportunities
The College of Engineering is committed to making Summer Pathways accessible to as many students as possible. While all eligible students are welcome to participate, a limited number of fully-funded spots are available to reduce financial barriers.
Fully-funded opportunities (limited availability)
- FREE tuition and fees for up to six (6) credit hours in foundational STEM coursework
- FREE housing and meals for the duration of the program (double occupancy in a campus residence hall)
Funding opportunities are awarded through a holistic review process that considers academic preparation, motivation for engineering and how the program may support a student’s transition to college.
Open participation for all interested students
Students who are not selected for funding, or who choose to self-fund, are encouraged and welcome to participate.
Self-funded participants receive the same courses, mentorship, lab experiences and program activities as funded students. This model ensures that any student seeking an early engineering experience has the opportunity to join the program.
Information about tuition costs can be found on the Cashiers Office website. Depending on individual circumstances, some students may qualify for summer financial aid, which is determined through FAFSA and university aid policies.
Why participate without funding?
Self-funded students gain:
- A strong academic foundation
- Early progress toward their engineering degree
- A supportive community before the fall semester
- Confidence in navigating STEM coursework
- Direct connections to faculty, staff, and campus resources
Program participation, whether funded or self-funded, offers a transformative start to your engineering journey.
Academic pathways: earn college credit
Participants earn up to six credit hours that count directly toward their engineering degree requirements. Students are enrolled in one of the following course tracks, based on their declared major and placement scores:
Course
- MATH 1500: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (5 credit hours)
- CMP_SC 1050: Algorithm Design and Programming (4 credit hours)
- CHEM 1400 & 1401: General Chemistry and Lab (4 credit hours)
How to apply
The Summer Pathways Program is intended for incoming first-year students who have declared an engineering major for the upcoming fall semester.
- Apply to Mizzou
- Submit your application to the University of Missouri and select an engineering major. If you have questions about your application, please contact Mizzou Admissions.
- Verify admittance
- Once admitted, accept your offer and complete any additional required steps.
- Apply to the Summer Pathways Program
- Submit the Summer Pathways Program application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.