Course Descriptions
The 2020 Summer Academies will be offered entirely online. We have an exciting lineup of courses taught by Sacramento State professors and industry professionals. Please take a look at the course descriptions and schedule.
And remember: we hope to be back on campus for 2021.
Special for Summer 2020: We are providing a scholarship voucher of $50 or $100 applied toward each class a student selects.
*The scholarship voucher will be applied during registration.
Here are the online academies for 2020:
Coding
July 27 – July 31, 1 - 5
p.m.
Cost: $305* ($205 after scholarship voucher is
applied)
Register here
for Coding
Learn the basics of computer programming: how do you tell a
computer to do math, how does a computer make decisions or
multi-task? Students will see their logic and reasoning come
alive on the screen. The Coding Academy provides a solid
understanding of how programming languages are used to build
applications. A wide variety of industries – from information
technology to science and the arts – depend extensively on
professionals with coding and computer science skills. This
online course will set students on an exciting path to being a
computer scientist.
The course will use Flowgorithm to teach basic concepts and
then advance to Java and other languages. Students will need
a computer and webcam to access the course and participate in
class activities.
Instructor: Professor Devin Cook from Sacramento State’s
Computer Science Department
Cyber Security
June 22 – June 26, 8:30
a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $305* ($205 after scholarship voucher is applied)
Register here
for Cyber Security
Explore vulnerabilities in the cyber world, the threats
posed by hackers and how we should protect and defend ourselves
against cyber attacks. The Cyber Security Academy is going
to be an interesting and inspiring online course.
“I’ve accumulated rich experience teaching online, and I look forward to teaching high school students once again this summer.” – Jun Dai, Sacramento State Professor
Students will get to know the fundamentals of popular
network services and see how they can be hacked and leveraged by
attackers based on concrete demonstrations. Students will
see how cyber security works, gain valuable hands-on
experience and have a lot of fun in this class.
Students will need a computer and webcam to access the
course and participate in class activities.
Instructor: Professor Jun Dai from Sacramento
State’s Computer Science Department
Data Science
July 27 – July 31, 1-5
p.m.
Cost:$305* ($205 after scholarship voucher is
applied)
Register here
for Data Science
How is digital information from our daily lives, from retail
purchases to doctor’s appointments, being stored and ultimately
used? In the Data Science Academy students will explore data
science as a new occupation, a profession that uses data to
understand or influence people’s behavior. Students will learn
the essential stages of data science, how data is
collected, the tools used to cleanse data, the use of
statistics and algorithms and the role of data
visualization. During this online course, students will also
use a sociological lens to explore how our increasingly digital
lifestyle changes our world.
Students will gain hands-on experience through computing labs. A
computer and webcam are required to access the course and
participate in class activities.
Instructor: Professor Anna Baynes from Sacramento State’s
Computer Science Department
Digital Forensics
June 22 – June 26, 8:30 a.m.
– 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $305* ($205 after scholarship voucher is
applied)
Register here
for Digital Forensics
The rapid development of information technology (IT) has
increased the need for digital forensics. Digital devices
such as computers and mobile phones are commonly used for crimes
now. Law enforcement, enterprise networks, attorneys and private
investigators depend on digital forensics professionals to
investigate criminal and civil cases. The Digital Forensics
Academy will expose students to the techniques and tools
used in digital forensics.
“I look forward to starting this practical and fun journey with our new digital investigators!” - Xiaoyan (Sherry) Sun, Sacramento State Professor
The online class will be a combination of digital forensics
principles and hands-on practices.
Professor Xiaoyan (Sherry) Sun, who’s leading the
academy, has taught online digital forensics classes at both
the undergraduate and graduate level. “Together, let’s explore
the fascinating world of digital forensics, analyze digital
evidence, recover deleted data, and learn how to hide and reveal
secret messages.”
Students will need a USB drive that is 2 GB or smaller (500 MB or
1 GB works better), plus a computer and webcam to
access the course and participate in class activities.
Instructor: Professor Xiaoyan (Sherry) Sun from Sacramento
State’s Computer Science Department
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
July 27 – July 31, 8:30 a.m.
– 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $305* ($205 after scholarship voucher is
applied)
Register here
for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Academy will
provide valuable insights into what it takes to turn a great
idea into a reality. Students will brainstorm ideas in our “new
normal” environment, whether it’s a new service or smartphone app
or something convenient for restaurants or retailers.
Students will work online individually or in groups, practice
their pitches and receive professional coaching from local
businesses. Virtual tours include Hacker Lab Sac and the
Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento
State. As a final project, students will pitch their ideas in a
friendly competition before a panel of judges and an audience via
ZOOM.
Students will need a computer and webcam to access the course and
participate in class activities.
Instructor: Haley Myers Dillon, director of
Sacramento State’s Parents & Families Program, who also
organizes the annual STRONG entrepreneurial competition for Sac
State students
Future Teachers
July 27 - July 31, 1-5
p.m.
Cost: $305* ($205 after scholarship voucher is
applied)
Register here
for Future Teachers
The Future Teachers Academy is for students who are interested in
exploring the field of education. Students will participate
in workshops and hands-on activities, interact with
school teachers and learn how to create and present a mini
lesson. Explore different teaching methods and instructional
tools that meet the learning needs of children in face-to-face or
virtual learning environments. In this online course, students
will get a better understanding of the profession of teaching,
what teachers do and the rewards and challenges that
come with teaching. Students will also learn the process and
procedures of becoming a teacher in California. See how
teaching can change the world.
Students will need a computer and webcam to access the
course and participate in class activities.
Instructor: Professor Chia-Jung Chung, Sacramento State’s
Department of Teaching Credentials (Educational Technology
Instructor for Future Teachers)
Hospitality and Tourism
July 27 – July 31, 8:30 a.m.
– 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $305* ($205 after scholarship voucher is
applied)
Register here
for Hospitality and Tourism
How is the hospitality and tourism industry responding in this
new environment? The Hospitality and Tourism Academy will
look at trends in the industry, both domestic and international,
and new ideas in travel, dining and leisure
accommodations. Students will meet professionals in the industry,
take virtual tours of some of the most beautiful places in
California and the world and discover exotic attractions
right here at home. Learn about the educational and training
requirements to be successful in this industry. Turn your
passion for travel, food and people into a rewarding career in
hospitality and tourism.
Students will need a computer and webcam to access the course and
participate in class activities.
Instructor: Professor Abhijeet Shirsat from Sacramento State’s
Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration
Presentation Skills for College
July 27 – July 31,
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $150* ($100 after scholarship voucher is applied)
Register here
for Presentation Skills for College
If you thought a digital world could prevent you to having to
speak in front of a group, we have some news for you…public
speaking and presentations are still required, even if they now
occur digitally. This course will cover what to include in a
presentation, tips for improving delivery, what NOT to do and the
opportunity to receive feedback in real time from peers and
instructors. This course will help to develop these skills so
that you will be successful in college.
Instructors: Professor Rustin Vogt from Sacramento State’s
Mechanical Engineering Department and Kelly Siefkin, director of
development at the College of Continuing Education and
Sacramento State’s Alumni Association