8-Week Terms
Focusing on Student Success
WCTC has implemented an exciting new year-round academic calendar that offers courses in 8-week timeframes. You’ll be able to build on your academic momentum and complete your education in less time – getting you out into the workforce sooner.
- Finish a class in 8 weeks, rather than the traditional 16 weeks.
- Complete more credits each semester, and earn your degree faster.
- Engage with instructors and classmates for the same number of hours, but in fewer weeks.
Each academic year will include five 8-week terms: one in summer, two in fall and two in spring. Two shorter terms are available in winter and summer. There are short breaks between each of the five 8-week terms. Start dates may vary by program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 8-week format allows part-time students to focus their efforts on one to two courses at a time while having the opportunity to accumulate more credits each semester.
Full-time students can maintain their current courseload each semester, but spread out over two 8-week terms. They can also take advantage of more courses offered during the summer term for an additional 8 weeks of learning each year.
Financial aid will continue to be awarded based on how many credits you take each semester. In order to be eligible for financial aid, program students should register for both 8-week terms in a given semester at the same time. For example, you will need to register for both Fall 1 and 2 to have the equivalent of a full-time credit load.
During the fall and spring semesters, be sure to register for both 8-week terms (e.g. Fall 1 and Fall 2) at the same time. This will help keep you on track for the most efficient course sequence to complete your program.
Registering for both 8-week terms at the same time will also ensure that you have the correct credit load for financial aid eligibility.
You can expect to spend the amount of total class time to be the same in an 8-week course as in a traditional 16-week course. This may come in the form of more online work and/or longer individual class meeting times.
Keep in mind, financial aid is only available in the Bookstore during August, January and June. You should purchase your books and other required materials for both 8-week terms at the beginning of each semester.
Some classes in select associate degree and technical diploma programs will continue to be offered in the 16-week format. Apprenticeships and select Dual Enrollment Academy programs will continue to follow the 16-week model.
Instructors have redesigned course assignments and assessments so that you can learn the same material more efficiently, with a reasonable amount of take-home work. If you are a full-time student, your workload may feel more manageable, because you will have fewer courses to concentrate on at one time.
Student Testimonial
WCTC Global Business student Beth Almestica, who is in her 40s, a wife, working parent and caretaker to her mother, said the 8-week schedule fits well with her family and job responsibilities.
“I was really interested in the program, but having the 8-week courses is what really drew me in,” said Almestica. “This schedule worked for me… I’m still able to go to school and fulfill my commitment at work and at home,” she said, noting the schedule required her to better manage her time, plan her schedule and stay on task.
