Express Courses

Why does PBSC offer express courses?
Both national research and institutional PBSC research show higher student performance in the express format. The College’s top goal is to increase the number of students who complete their academic programs. More information is available on the Express2Success Course Initiative webpage for faculty and staff. 

Do 7.5-week express courses have the same number of credits as 15-week courses?
Yes, if a course is offered in the express format, full credit hours will be awarded. 

 

Which express courses do PBSC currently offer? 
Check Workday or PBSC's course search.

 

Are 15-week courses still offered?
Yes, some traditional 15-week courses are offered, especially for courses requiring clinicals, work-based learning experiences or field hours. Check Workday or PBSC's course search.

 

Are 12-week courses still offered?
Yes, 12-week courses will continue to be offered for a duration of 12 weeks. Check Workday or PBSC's course search.

 

What is the benefit for full-time students?
Full-time students may maintain their current course work but have less stress and avoid the 10-week burnout period many students experience in a 15-week course.

How do I achieve full-time status while taking express courses? 
Full-time status is achieved by taking at least 12 credits in a full 15-week session (a combination of 7.5-week and 15-week courses). If you register for a combined total of 12 credit hours, you are considered a full-time student. 

 

What is the benefit for part-time students?
The express course schedule allows students to concentrate on only one or two courses at a time but build up credits faster. 

 

Do express courses help me to graduate earlier? 
Colleges across the country that adopted shorter terms experienced an increase in the number of students completing 6 or more credits in their first term and 15 or more credits in their first year. Faster accumulation of credits leads to improved graduation rates. 

Do express courses transfer to other colleges and universities?
Yes. PBSC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities in Florida and certain other states to ensure course transfer between institutions. Course lengths are not notated on transcripts.

 

Are express courses easier or harder than longer courses?
Our research shows express courses typically offer a better experience for most students. Your workload may feel more manageable because you only need to concentrate on a few courses at a time. With fewer courses per term, instructors can provide more academic support.

Is the same amount of coursework required for express courses?
Course content, objectives and rigor remain the same as traditional 15-week courses. Professors redesign course assignments and assessments for express courses so you may learn the same material more efficiently with a reasonable amount of take-home work.

Will I spend the same amount of time in class?
Expect to spend the same amount of total class time in a 7.5-week course as in a traditional 15-week course. This may come in the form of more online work or longer individual class meeting times.

Do I have a better chance of completing an express course?
Yes, according to national data as well as data compiled by PBSC’s Office of Institutional Research. During the 2022-2023 academic year, the five-year average course completion rate for PBSC students taking in-person express courses increased by 9.1% compared with those taking 15-week courses. Similarly, PBSC students participating in live online courses during express terms showed a 1.9% higher completion rate than their counterparts taking 15-week courses. Nationwide, students have improved their success rates in shortened academic courses, according to Achieving the Dream.  

 

How many courses can I take in an express term?
Because express courses move quickly, advisors typically recommend taking no more than two express courses at a time during fall, spring and summer.

Can I take express courses and a 15-week course at the same time? 
Yes, a few of our academic programs offer courses in both lengths. To take both 15-week and 7.5-week express classes at the same time, we encourage you to meet with an advisor about how to properly schedule a combination that will set you up for success. 

How do I register for classes? 
You can register for Express A, Express B and 15-week classes at the same time. For example, if you're getting ready to register for classes in the Fall term, you can register for both Express A and Express B courses when the registration period opens. 

What happens if I miss a class in an express course?
Just like in 15-week courses, professors work in response to the needs of individual students and provide options to ensure students can succeed, including referring individual students to specialized support services.

 

Will the cost of tuition change? 
No. The tuition for credits remains the same.

Will my financial aid be affected if I take express courses?
As required by the U.S. Department of Education, you must register for at least 12 credit hours in a term to receive the full amount of your aid. For example, you could enroll in two courses in Express A, totaling 6 credits, and two courses in Express B, totaling 6 credits, for a grand total of 12 credits over the term. Your financial aid will be disbursed based on the number of hours you’re enrolled in, and attendance will be recorded. Always speak to a financial aid advisor before making changes to your schedule. 

How will dropping an express course affect my financial aid? 
Financial aid can be impacted when you drop a course of any length. Depending on when the drop occurs, you may be required to return Title IV funds. Students should speak to a financial aid advisor before dropping a course.

Will my veterans affairs benefits be affected if I take express courses?
If you have questions concerning your certification of eligibility application, rate of pursuit, housing payment (BAH) qualifications, book stipends or anything related to your education entitlement, please view information about express courses and military education benefits or contact staff at the PBSC Military & Veterans Services office.

 

How will faculty and staff contribute to PBSC's expansion of express courses? 
More information is available on the Express2Success Course Initiative webpage for faculty and staff.