It’s a Wake Forest SPS Summer: 5 Reasons to Start Your Program This Summer

Summer is a time for fun, sun, and if you’re a working professional, getting things done. 

Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS) wants you to do all three—have fun with loved ones, spend time in the sunshine, and get started on the next step of your professional journey.

The best way to do that? With our graduate programs that are designed to meet the needs of working adults all year long.

We want to make it easier and more accessible than ever to take the leap and start on that graduate degree you keep pushing off. 

Here are five reasons to enroll for a summer start date (May 8th) at Wake Forest SPS: 

1. Flexible Schedule

One of the biggest advantages of starting in the summer (or anytime!) is Wake Forest SPS’s unique schedule. Semesters are broken into two “mini semesters” where courses are 7.5 weeks long, instead of the traditional 15 weeks.  

Summer semester starts May 8th, and the first mini semester runs through June 29th. Taking one class during this time gives you a jumpstart on your degree without sacrificing your personal and professional commitments. 

BONUS: Since all of our classes are 100% online and asynchronous, there’s nothing stopping you from having a bit of fun and seeing the world while taking a course. 

2. Business as Usual for Wake Forest SPS 

It’s common for summer courses to be condensed for the sake of the time—not at Wake Forest SPS. Year round, we offer classes that are 7.5 weeks long. So even though you’re taking a summer class, you will still be getting the same high-quality course in the same amount of time as the fall or spring.

“The idea of taking summer courses felt overwhelming, but I’m grateful I pursued them,” explained Christopher Sullins, a student in Master of Communications program who is set to graduate in May 2025. “The quality of instruction and academic focus has been consistent across each term, making it hard to distinguish between courses taken in the summer and those during the regular academic year.”

3. Summer Specials

A core value of Wake Forest SPS is making programs accessible and affordable to a variety of adult learners. We want graduate school to be an exciting step, not a financial burden. 

To help you make that first step, we have two unique offerings for students who enroll to start in summer 2025: 

• Waived application fee ($50 value)
• 50% reduced tuition deposit  ($250 value)

Securing your spot in the program at a significantly lower upfront cost can help you better manage your finances as you prepare for your graduate studies.

4. Priority Registration Advantage

Starting your graduate degree in the summer gives you a logistical edge. 

Summer applicants receive priority registration once course enrollment opens (March 10th), ensuring that you get the first pick of classes and can build a schedule that fits your needs. Many students take advantage of this to snag spots in courses that typically fill up in the fall or spring. 

5. Scholarships Available

Finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your education. Wake Forest SPS offers scholarships for summer applicants, providing an excellent opportunity to reduce your tuition costs.

You may qualify for financial assistance that makes earning your graduate degree even more affordable.

To learn more, talk to a Student Success Manager today.  

Are You Ready for a SPS Summer? 

Make summer 2025 that summer you do it all—fun in the sun and making the leap to advance your career, expand your knowledge, and achieve your professional goals.

Learn more about our graduate program offerings. Have a question? Let us know.