Accelerated Courses

At Blinn College, students aren’t limited strictly to traditional, 16-week courses. With Blinn’s accelerated classes, students have the opportunity to take 4-, 8-, or 12-week courses during the fall and spring semesters that allow them to complete the same course they would take during a 16-week term on an accelerated schedule. Additionally, Blinn offers three-week courses during the May and winter minimesters and 5-week courses during the summer I and summer II terms.

Here is how Blinn’s accelerated courses work:

• Students who complete an accelerated course receive the same credit that they would for taking the course in a 16-week format. All accelerated courses are fully accredited and have the same transferability as the 16-week version of the course.
• Accelerated courses cover the same amount of material, so if you take an 8-week course, it will cover the same content as the 16-week version, but will cover that material in half the time.
• Due to the quicker pace, Blinn recommends that students enrolled in accelerated courses take fewer classes at one time. For example, instead of taking four 16-week classes, students might consider taking two classes during the first 8-week session and two classes during the second 8-week session.
• To accommodate the faster pace of the course, Blinn encourages students to have strong organizational and time management skills and to be prepared in advance of the first day of class.
• During the fall and spring 16-week semesters, Blinn offers one 12-week session, two 8-week sessions, and four 4-week sessions. The table below shows how this schedule works:

The Top Benefits of Accelerated Courses

1. A More Flexible Schedule
   Shorter courses allow students balancing family and work responsibilities more flexibility when developing their schedule. For example, instead of taking four 16-week courses at one time, students may choose to take two courses during the first 8-week session, then two more courses during the second 8-week session. Many students find that taking two to three 8-week courses at once better fits their busy schedule while allowing them to stay on track for graduation
2. Better Focus
   By taking fewer courses for a shorter period of time, many students find that they can better focus on the material.
3. Greater Success
   Because they can focus on a smaller number of classes for a shorter period of time, many students find it easier to master the material and achieve better results.
4. Earn Your Degree Faster
   By taking accelerated summer and minimester courses, many students place themselves on the fast track to their degree!

Accelerated courses provide students with a fast-paced environment that immerses them in the course material. At the same time, it offers greater scheduling flexibility for those with family and work obligations, who may prefer not to engage in a class for a full 16 weeks. If it sounds like accelerated courses could benefit you, contact an academic advisor and begin building your schedule for the upcoming term!