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Stanford for Everyone

Education at Stanford extends far beyond traditional degree programs. Whether you’re 5 or 95, there are pathways to learn, grow, and explore on the Farm.

Expand Your Horizons

Visit new literary worlds. Explore the rapidly changing applications and implications of AI. Build the skills to be a product manager. And don’t be surprised by chance encounters with Nobel laureates.

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Online Learning

More than 1.4 million people around the world access Stanford virtual instruction each year – much of it free.

Stanford Online
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    Learners have accessed online Stanford courses since 2012

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    Free classroom lectures

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    Flexible master’s degree programs

A pioneer in distance education

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Stanford has been a distance education innovator since 1954, when the School of Engineering launched a part-time master’s degree program for engineers from General Electric, Hewlett Packard, Stanford Research Institute, and Sylvania.

In 1969, as the distance model evolved, Stanford Engineering established the Stanford Instructional Television Network (SITN) and began broadcasting graduate engineering courses on television microwave channels.

In 1991, decades before Zoom and other online meeting apps, Stanford, through SITN, became the first university to use two-way video for instruction.

A track for every level of engagement

Stanford Online provides access to the learning you’re looking for – whether you’re upskilling for significant career transformation or simply following a spark of curiosity.

Stanford courses just a click away

Discover a world of ideas and knowledge with Stanford faculty and guest instructors.

Online courses Visit the Stanford Online website for more information about courses offered.
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‘Code in Place’

More than 30,000 learners around the world have taken Stanford’s intro to programming course, which has lectures available in English and Spanish.

Explore the free course Learn what makes Code in Place so special by visiting the website for more information.

Adult and Continuing Education

Explore topics in the liberal arts, creative writing, wellness and health, and professional development. Courses are available year-round with no formal application process – and many are taught by renowned Stanford faculty.

Stanford Continuing Studies Visit the Continuing Studies website to learn more about courses and registration.
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Classes on campus

Engage directly with the energy of campus through in-person and hybrid classes.

On-campus courses Visit the Continuing Studies website to learn more about courses taught on campus.

Master of Liberal Arts

Advance and refresh your critical thinking through courses in art, history, literature, music, philosophy, political science, science, and theology. This part-time graduate degree program for adults holds classes in the evenings and offers a flexible academic schedule. The degree is typically completed in five years.

Stanford MLA Vist the Stanford MLA website to learn more about the program.
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Distinguished Careers Institute

The Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute provides a unique opportunity for accomplished individuals, transitioning from their primary careers, to spend a year at Stanford to discover, connect, and get inspired for their next chapter.

Distinguished Careers Institute Visit the Distinguished Careers Institute website for more information.
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Youth and College Programs

Programs across campus offer education and enrichment for preschool, K-12, and post-secondary students.

K-12 programs Visit the Stanford Community Engagement website to learn more about K-12 programs.
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Stanford Summer Session

High schoolers, undergrads, and grad students from Stanford and around the world study alongside each other in this eight-week on-campus program.

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Stanford Online High School

Academically advanced students learn in live, online classes taught by dedicated instructors in this selective independent school for grades seven through 12.

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Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Academically motivated pre-college students engage with advanced subjects rarely taught in school and explore their passions by diving deep into cutting-edge topics in the humanities, sciences, math, and engineering.

Summer experiences

Athletic, artistic, and academic programs give young learners the opportunity to engage with life on the Farm and build relationships with Stanford faculty, staff, and student mentors.

Summer camps Visit the Stanford Community Engagement website to learn more about summer camps at Stanford.
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    Camp Cardinal

    Experienced counselors, innovative programming, and daily activities help kids build skills and confidence.

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    Stanford Athletics Camps

    From baseball and cross-country to tennis and water polo, young athletes benefit from Stanford coaching expertise.

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

Rising high school juniors and seniors grow as scholars, writers, and citizens in a three-week, on-campus summer program led by Stanford faculty.

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    Stanford AI4All

    Rising high school sophomores with an interest in AI’s transformative potential learn through lectures, research projects, and live company demos. This two-week summer program is offered in both in-person and online formats.

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    Stanford Middle School Scholars Program

    Open to U.S. middle school students from low-income backgrounds, this free program prepares students for a rigorous high school education with a three-week online summer course and weekly after-school meetings, also online, during the fall.

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    Stanford University Mathematics Camp

    Advanced students with an exceptional interest in math are immersed in mathematical thinking and problem-solving while learning about math history and scientific applications. Residential and online sessions are available.

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    Stanford Doerr School Young Investigators

    Local high school students interested in sustainability, Earth, and environmental sciences work one-on-one with scientists while serving as interns in research groups and laboratories on the Stanford campus.

Opportunities for community college students

Hands-on research internships, leadership development, and career mentoring for students from Bay Area community colleges and beyond.

College programs Visit the Stanford Community Engagement website to learn more about opportunities for current college students.

Community college internships at nano@Stanford

No prior experience is required for these paid internships for community college students that run year-round. Students work in a cleanroom or mass spectrometry lab to collect and report data while getting a close-up view of cutting-edge research in nanoscale science and engineering.

Executive and Enterprise Education

Tailored, transformational learning for mid- to late-career professionals looking for lifelong growth and impact.

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Graduate School of Business

Elevate leadership skills, discover sustainable business growth strategies, and experience Silicon Valley’s culture of innovation through Stanford GSB Executive Education’s courses and customizable programs.

Stanford Law School

Share expertise and discuss solutions to the most challenging issues facing business executives, policymakers, and legal practitioners today in programs that explore the law’s intersection with business, policy, and conflict resolution.

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Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

Gain a deep understanding of the sustainability landscape, connect with like-minded leaders, and effectively integrate sustainability into your company’s strategy through the Strategic Sustainability Leader Program – co-created and taught by faculty from Stanford Graduate School of Business and Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

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Stanford School of Engineering

Stanford’s enterprise programs deploy multidisciplinary research and industry expertise in innovation, technology, and business to help teams, organizations and communities thrive in today’s continuous state of transformation. Educational programs can be tailored to an organization’s specific needs in terms of focus, delivery method, and time commitment.

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