Why 8-week Classes?

GTCC plans to convert most courses to 8-week sessions in the fall of 2025.

Eight-week classes will be a great opportunity for you because they let you focus on fewer subjects at a time, making it easier to keep up and do your best. You can finish your classes faster, which means you’re closer to reaching your goals. If life gets busy, you don’t have to wait long to start a new class since there are more chances to jump back in. Plus, finishing classes quickly will give you a big boost of confidence and keep you excited about learning!

The fall and spring semesters will include an 8-week Session 1 and an 8-week Session 2.

An older African American female student in a GTCC T-shirt sits in front of a computer.

What are the Benefits of 8-week Classes?

A female and male student sit at a table looking at a book.

More Focus. Eight-week classes are meant to be more efficient. That helps cut down on distractions, and you can concentrate better. Your peers taking these classes say they like how they can stay focused on their subjects.

Fewer Classes at a Time. You focus on 2-3 courses at a time, rather than 4-5 in a 16-week format.

Complete Faster. If you want, you may be able to complete more courses each semester. Cross more classes off your to-do list to get to your graduation goal.

Manage Your Time Better. Fewer classes each sessions give you more time for work and family, even when taking a full-time load.

More Aid Options. Are you taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester now? You will easily become full time by taking two courses per 8-week session, potentially qualifying for more financial aid. If you're already full time, you can focus on fewer courses each session.

Better Results. Many colleges and universities report students like you stay the course in school and graduate at a higher rate. So, you're not wasting time or money.

Bonus! If you have to withdraw temporarily from school, you haven’t lost 16 weeks of hard work. This means you are more likely to make it through school and more likely to get your degree or certificate.

How do the Formats Compare?

Chart describing the differences between 8-week classes and 16-week classes.

Example Schedule

Associate in Arts – College Transfer General Studies
Fall Semester
First 8 weeks Credits Second 8 weeks Credits
ACA 122 College Transfer Success 1 Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry 3 ENG 112 Writing and Research in the Disciplines 3
Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3
7 credits 6 credits

 

Spring Semester
First 8 weeks Credits Second 8 weeks Credits
Mathematics Requirement 3-4 Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3 Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
6-7 credits 9 credits

Your Questions Answered

Most courses will be offered in 8-week sessions, but a few will remain in a 16-week format because of high contact hours.

National research shows that the 8-week format improves learning and success.

You will have to manage fewer courses at a time which could help you concentrate better and remember the information longer.

Eight-week classes will be offered in all formats:

  • in-person
  • in-person combined with online
  • completely online

The 8-week format may allow you to complete your degree faster, especially if you are currently enrolled part time.

To get the most benefit, you should take about half the number of credits (between six and nine credits) in each 8-week session compared to a 16-week semester (12-18 credits).

There will be a limit of 11 total credits per 8-week session.

You should work closely with your advisor to build a course schedule that supports your goals.

No! Your overall course load will not increase. Instead of taking four or five courses over 16 weeks, you'll take two or three courses in each 8-week session. The total number of credit hours per semester remains the same.

This makes it easier for you to manage your time and focus on fewer classes.

Traditionally, enrolling in 12 or more credits had been considered full-time for financial aid purposes. As of 2024-2025, federal aid is calculated according to the number of credits you are enrolled in rather than a full-time or part-time status.

A college transfer student needs to average 15 credits (about five classes) per fall and spring semesters to graduate in two years, or 12 credits in fall and spring and six credits during the summer.

Some applied science programs may require more than 15 credits per semester and/or summer classes to meet graduation requirements in two years.

You should continue to meet with your advisor to plan your classes.

  • Students taking any courses in the first 8-week session must register for all their semester courses before the semester starts. They can also register for both 8-week sessions, giving them a full semester schedule.
  • For students only taking courses in the second 8-week session, registration must be completed before the second session begins.

IMPORTANT: Registering outside these designated times means credit hours will not be eligible for Pell grant consideration. For instance, if a you enroll in six credit hours starting in August and add another six credit hours in October, the October courses will not qualify for Pell grant purposes, though they will still be eligible for state grants and student loans.

You will only need to register once per semester. If you are taking courses in the first 8-week session and need to adjust your second 8-week session courses, you will be able to do so.

Charges are placed on your account when you register for your course(s). Payment for tuition and fees is due at the end of each registration period. 

Aid that is available on your account will apply to those charges.

Please visit the Cashier Office page for payment dates and deadlines.

Financial aid distribution will be adjusted to align with the 8-week format. You must register for all courses before the semester starts if any courses begin in the first eight weeks. For courses only in the second 8-week session, registration must be completed before that session starts.

Pell grants and loans are split into two payments per semester:

  • Fall: 50% in September, 50% in November
  • Spring: 50% in February, 50% in April
  • Summer: 50% in June, 50% in July
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