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    Human Origins Credit Course
    In-person Program

    Human Origins Credit Course

    by Northwestern College Prep

    An anthropology credit course exploring human evolution, genetics and biological diversity through undergraduate study at Northwestern.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Human Origins Credit Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Rising juniors/seniors; GPA 3.0/4.0

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16-18

    Location / Region

    Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States

    Cost

    $6,936; $11,766

    Duration

    6 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    BiologySocial Sciences
    Accommodation: Residential shared double rooms
    Meals: Residential: three meals daily
    Latest verified cycle: Summer 2026
    Campus experience: Classes alongside university students
    Credit / Outcome: One Northwestern credit unit
    Instructor: Sofia C Carrera
    Sessions / cadence: Tue/Thu 10:00 am-12:30 pm; 5 hours/week

    Human Origins Credit Course summary

    Human Origins connects evolutionary theory, genetics, fossils and primate comparisons to questions about human behavior and diversity. It offers an undergraduate academic experience rather than a general introduction to campus life.

    Students study alongside university students and work toward college credit. The strongest fit is someone curious about both biological science and the social conditions that shape human lives.

    What is Human Origins Credit Course?

    Human Origins is Northwestern's ANTHRO 213-0 undergraduate Anthropology course, offered to College Preparation Program students through the School of Professional Studies. It examines the evolution of the human species and the biological variation seen in the modern world.

    Students connect evolutionary theory and genetics with fossil evidence, non-human primates and adaptations that enabled humans to spread globally. The classroom experience places high school participants alongside Northwestern and visiting university students, with university-level expectations for commitment and involvement.

    Why Succeed highlights Human Origins Credit Course

    • The course joins biological and social explanations of human diversity, making it a useful bridge between science and Anthropology.

    • Studying alongside university students offers a concrete test of readiness for undergraduate academic expectations.

    • Successful completion produces a university credit record that students can discuss with a future college.

    • Residential and commuter options combine subject study with college-readiness workshops and campus resources.

    Who is Human Origins Credit Course for?

    Best for

    Students who want to connect evolution and genetics with human behavior, culture and diversity, and are ready for independent undergraduate study.

    Not ideal if

    You want a lightly structured enrichment experience or need frequent absences, since attendance and academic responsibility matter to the final grade.

    Is Human Origins Credit Course worth it?

    This course can be worthwhile if you want to test a serious interest in biological Anthropology through undergraduate study. Its value comes from connecting scientific evidence with questions about human diversity and experiencing the expectations of a university classroom.

    The commitment deserves careful consideration because the course is graded and requires consistent attendance. Treat potential credit transfer and admissions benefits cautiously: a future college decides whether to accept the credit, and Northwestern does not promise undergraduate admission through participation.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $6,936; $11,766; includes One undergraduate credit class., Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops., Free sixth-edition e-book and InQuisitive access for Summer 2026., Residential option: residence-hall accommodation and three meals daily., Northwestern library resources and free Writing Place tutoring..

    Accommodation

    Residential shared double rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three meals daily

    Provider details

    Review the Northwestern College Prep provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    6 weeks; Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Human Origins Credit Course need?

    Effort level

    High; undergraduate study with five scheduled class hours weekly.

    Best started

    Allow four to six weeks before a future application deadline for writing and transcripts, and longer if testing or visa arrangements are needed.

    Main challenge

    Managing academic work independently while balancing campus activities.

    Typical preparation

    • Refresh basic ideas about evolution and genetics so you can connect them to human biological variation.

    • Draft the personal statement around a rewarding academic experience and your reasons for choosing this subject.

    • Request official transcripts early and plan attendance around both weekly class meetings.

    • If studying internationally, discuss the two-class F-1 requirement before committing to travel.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in biological Anthropology before college.

    What do students do on Human Origins Credit Course?

    You study how human evolution connects to present-day biological variation, moving from evolutionary foundations to fossil and primate evidence. The course then examines global dispersal and the social and ecological conditions shaping human populations.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Build a foundation in evolutionary theory and genetics.

    2. 2

      Examine fossil evidence and comparisons with non-human primates.

    3. 3

      Explore biological and behavioral adaptations associated with global human dispersal.

    4. 4

      Analyze how status, nutrition and disease shape biological variation.

    5. 5

      Connect the course with college-readiness workshops and optional campus activities.

    Human Origins Credit Course dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    1 April 2026

    General Summer 2026 College Prep application deadline.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22 June-2 August 2026

    Reference date

    Check-in and orientation

    21 June 2026

    Residential check-in 3:30 pm; commuter check-in 5-6 pm; orientation 6-7 pm.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Rising high school juniors and seniors.

    • Completed sophomore or junior year of high school.

    • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

    • Official transcripts in English.

    • English proficiency results when primary language or schooling is not English.

    • Commuters must stay with a responsible adult over 18.

    • International F-1 students generally must enroll in two credit classes.

    • Medical insurance is required during the program.

    How much does Human Origins Credit Course cost?

    Application fee

    $60 — Nonrefundable.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter course total: $6,936 — Calculated from $5,781 tuition plus the $1,155 program fee.
    • Residential course total: $11,766 — Calculated with six weeks of room and board.
    • Deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable; credited toward the total and due three weeks after acceptance.
    • Tuition scholarship: Domestic US rising seniors with financial need and strong academic and extracurricular achievement.
    • Former-student fee waiver: $60 waiver — Returning CPP applicants must complete the fee-waiver form.
    • Conditional international insurance: $402 — Calculated for six weeks when an international student lacks US-based medical insurance.

    What's included

    One undergraduate credit class., Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops., Free sixth-edition e-book and InQuisitive access for Summer 2026., Residential option: residence-hall accommodation and three meals daily., Northwestern library resources and free Writing Place tutoring.

    How to apply to Human Origins Credit Course

    1. 1

      Review the college-credit requirements on Northwestern's College Prep admissions page.

    2. 2

      Prepare approximately 500 words about a rewarding academic experience and your interest in the selected program.

    3. 3

      List extracurricular activities with dates, descriptions and your role.

    4. 4

      Arrange official English-language transcripts and submit proficiency results when required.

    5. 5

      Complete the program application and pay the $60 application fee or obtain an approved waiver.

    6. 6

      After acceptance, activate NetID, set up guest access and email, pay the deposit and complete SchoolDoc registration.

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    What does Human Origins Credit Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Evolutionary theory and genetics

    Establish a framework for understanding human biology through evolution and genetics.

    Fossils and primate comparisons

    Examine fossil evidence and non-human primates to investigate human evolution and sociality.

    Adaptation and global dispersal

    Study adaptations that enabled prehistoric human populations to spread around the world.

    Human biological variation

    Explore how status, nutrition, disease and ecological conditions shape variation within and between populations.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Human Origins Credit Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Tuesday class

    Attend Human Origins at 1810 Hinman, seminar room 104.

    Thursday class

    Attend the second weekly meeting, using local Evanston time.

    Who teaches on Human Origins Credit Course?

    The Summer 2026 Human Origins instructor is Sofia C Carrera. Northwestern's credit courses use Northwestern-affiliated instructors who expect the same commitment from College Prep participants as from university students.

    Where do students stay on Human Origins Credit Course?

    Residential plan

    • Shared double rooms: Live with a same-gender-identity College Prep roommate in an air-conditioned university residence hall.
    • Three daily meals: The required dining plan provides three meals daily, with vegetarian, vegan and special-diet support.
    • Residential staff support: Staff live in the hall, organize activities and enforce nightly check-in at 10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11 pm Friday-Saturday.
    • Study and social spaces: Residence halls provide common lounges, quiet study rooms and wireless internet.

    Non-residential plan

    • Local living arrangements: Commute from home or nearby relatives while staying with a responsible adult over 18.
    • Activities and campus community: Commuters can join the Get Ready Series, excursions and other program activities.
    • Meal purchases: Commuters can purchase meals at Norris University Center.

    Roommates are assigned; students may explore independently with checkout and curfew requirements.

    What happens after Human Origins Credit Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn one Northwestern credit unit through successful completion.

    View the course grade and unofficial transcript in CAESAR.

    Request an official university transcript.

    Build foundations for further study of evolution and biological Anthropology.

    Use college-readiness workshops to prepare for undergraduate academic life.

    Credit acceptance is determined by the receiving institution; participation does not guarantee Northwestern admission.

    Where does Human Origins Credit Course take place?

    Human Origins meets in anthropology seminar room 104 at 1810 Hinman on Northwestern's Evanston campus, north of Chicago beside Lake Michigan. CTA buses and trains connect Evanston with Chicago, and Metra serves surrounding suburbs.

    Families arrange airport transportation; College Prep does not provide airport transfers.

    Human Origins Credit Course FAQs

    The course examines evolutionary theory, genetics, fossil evidence, non-human primates, human adaptations and biological variation shaped by social and ecological environments.

    Successful completion normally earns one Northwestern credit unit, typically equivalent to four quarter hours or two and two-thirds semester credit hours elsewhere. Credit transfer is not guaranteed.

    The college-credit track admits rising high school juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. English proficiency testing is required when the applicant's primary language or secondary schooling is not English.

    Yes. College Prep credit students take undergraduate courses alongside Northwestern and visiting university students, with the same expected commitment and involvement.

    Yes. Commuters may live locally or stay with relatives, but must be housed with a responsible adult over 18 throughout the program. They can join academic and social activities and purchase meals at Norris University Center.

    Residential students share a double room with another College Prep participant of the same gender identity. The required dining plan provides three meals daily while on campus, and students cannot choose their roommate.

    The class uses Essentials of Biological Anthropology and InQuisitive. The Summer 2026 class was offered a free sixth-edition e-book and free InQuisitive access, with access instructions given on the first class day.

    No. The program can provide college-level academic experience, but participation alone does not guarantee undergraduate admission to Northwestern.

    Alternatives to Human Origins Credit Course

    Compare these adjacent options if your interests lean toward environmental biology, broader biological sciences or the social sciences.

    Alternatives to Human Origins Credit Course

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Human Origins, Anthropology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, 2026 Summer: Class Descriptions - Northwestern University
    • International Students, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Campus Life, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Pre-College Summer Programs for Credit: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Admission, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Tuition and Fees, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • FAQs, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • College Preparation Program — Summer 2026 Student Handbook
    • Human Origins: Northwestern University School of Professional Studies

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Session dates checked

    • Class timetable checked

    • Admissions requirements reviewed

    • Cost calculations reviewed

    • Scholarship criteria reviewed

    • Residential policies reviewed

    • Credit outcomes checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.