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Eight Week Terms

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Build a More Flexible Schedule

We're adding more courses into our 8-week terms so that you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule in a way that fits how you learn.

Half of a traditional 16-week spring and fall semester, 8-week classes cover the same amount of content in a condensed time frame. You can also take advantage of these classes during the summer semesters!

Choosing this option allows you to focus your attention on fewer subjects at one time, helping you absorb and retain what is presented in class.

Registering for an 8-Week Course

As you plan which classes you want to take each semester, you'll find three terms listed in myBC during the fall and spring, and four in the summer:

During the Fall and Spring, semesters include:

  • The 16-week term (Fall/Spring)
  • The first 8-week term (Fall I 8wk / Spring I 8wk)
  • The second 8-week term (Fall II 8wk / Spring II 8wk)

Example:

Eight Week Terms myBC Example Fall 2023

During the Summer, semesters include:

  • The 11-week term (Summer)
  • The first 6-week term (Summer I)
  • The second 6-week term (Summer II)
  • The 8-week term (Summer I 8wk)

Example:

Eight Week Terms myBC Example Summer 2023

You will be able to register classes in any term at the same time during the semester registration period. We recommend viewing the available schedule in myBC before the registration period begins to identify the length of courses in upcoming semesters and what works best for your degree plan.

To learn how to add these types of classes to your schedule, check out our "How to enroll using myBC" page on the Office of Admissions and Registrar website.

Questions? Counselors and Financial Aid Advisors are available to assist you in planning a class schedule with 8-week courses that will set you up for success. Check out the Counseling and Testing page or the Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many classes can I take in an 8-week term?

During Fall and Spring Semesters:

Students can take a maximum of 8 credit hours in each 8-week term. Course loads in excess of 9 hours shall require approval by the appropriate Dean of Instruction.

During Summer Semesters:

Students can take a maximum of 6 credit hours in each term. Course loads in excess of 7 hours shall require approval by the appropriate Dean of Instruction.

Questions? Counselors and Financial Aid Advisors are available to assist you in planning a class schedule with 8-week courses that will set you up for success. Check out the Counseling and Testing page or the Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.

Can I take 16-week and 8-week classes at the same time?

Yes, as long as your courses do not exceed 8 semester credit hours in each 8-week term and 16 semester credit hours in the 16-week session as a whole (combination of 16-week, first 8-week, and second 8-week classes). Course loads in excess of 16 semester hours will require approval by the appropriate Dean of Instruction.

Remember: Counselors are available online and in-person to assist you in planning a class schedule with 8-week courses that will set you up for success. To learn more about seeing a counselor, check out the Counseling and Testing page.

The table below displays an example of a 16-week session utilizing BOTH the 16-Week and 8-Week Terms:

16-Week Term (Fall / Spring)

  • 3 Credit Hour Course

First 8-Week Term (Fall I / Spring I)

  • 3 Credit Hour Course
  • 3 Credit Hour Course

Second 8-Week Term (Fall II / Spring II)

  • 3 Credit Hour Course
  • 3 Credit Hour Course

When registering for classes:

If you choose to take 16-week and 8-week classes during the same semester, note that you will need to change the term (16-week term (Fall/Spring), first 8-week term (Fall I / Spring I), or second 8-week term (Fall II / Spring II)) to view the different class options. You will NOT be able to view a combination of 16-week and 8-week classes under one term in myBC.

Eight Week Term Example in myBC

Can I receive financial aid for 8-week courses?

Yes, as long as you meet all financial aid eligibility requirements.

Remember: Financial Aid Advisors are available to assist you in ensuring eligibility when developing a class schedule with 8-week courses. If you have questions about your financial aid status, check out the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.

When will I receive my financial aid disbursement for an 8-week course?

All financial aid disbursement dates are listed on the financial aid disbursement calendar.

You will still be required to pay (or make payment plans) for classes before the deadlines listed on the payment due date calendar to avoid being dropped. (Please note that future semester dates will not be available until registration opens for that specific semester.)

If I drop an 8-week course, will this affect my financial aid?

Yes, you may be required to return some of the funds awarded and your Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Status may be affected potentially making you ineligible for aid in future semesters.

Students receiving financial aid should meet with a financial aid advisor before dropping or withdrawing from a course for additional information on their situation. You can learn more by visiting the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.

How do I achieve full-time status in the 8-week model?

Full-time status is achieved by taking at least 12 semester credits in a 16-week session (combination of 16-week, first 8-week, and second 8-week classes) and six (6) semester credits during the summer session.

For Financial Aid, your financial aid awards is determined based on your combined enrollment for the payment period. There are three payment periods in a year (Fall, Summer, and Spring) that contain the different terms you can register for classes:

  • Fall Payment Period includes:
    • Fall 16-week Term
    • Fall 8-week Term
    • Winter-mini Term
    • Other Fall Flex Terms
  • Spring Payment Period includes:
    • Spring 16-week Term
    • Spring 8-week Term
    • May-mini Term
    • Other Spring Flex Terms
  • Summer Payment Period includes:
    • Summer 11-week Term
    • Summer 8-week Term
    • Summer 6-week Term
    • Other Summer Flex Terms

Questions? Counselors and Financial Aid Advisors are available to assist you in planning a class schedule with 8-week courses that will set you up for success. Check out the Counseling and Testing page or the Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.

Will my VA benefits be affected if I take 8-week classes?

No, the policies we use now will not change for 8-week classes.

Questions? If you need assistance with your VA Benefits, check out their Veteran Services page or meet with Tanisha Millender, the Veteran Services Counselor, by calling 979-230-3473 or emailing Tanisha.Millender@brazosport.edu.

Are there different payment deadlines for each 8-week term?

All tuition payment deadlines are listed on the payment due date calendar.

You will still be required to pay (or make payment plans) for classes before the deadlines listed on the payment due date calendar to avoid being dropped. (Please note that future semester dates will not be available until registration opens for that specific semester.)

How many semester credits will I get for an 8-week class?

The semester credit hours for your classes will not change. If you take two 3-credit-hour classes in an 8-week format, you will earn 6 credit hours.

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