Express Terms

Why is PBSC expanding express courses?
Both national research and institutional PBSC research show higher student performance in the express format. Palm Beach State College is making the change as part of its 2026 Strategic Plan. The College’s top goal is to increase the number of students who complete their academic programs.

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.

Will 15-week courses still be offered?
Yes, some traditional 15-week courses will still be offered, especially for courses requiring clinicals, work-based learning experiences or field hours.

When can I start taking express courses? 
Today! PBSC currently offers 7.5-week courses through Express A and Express B terms. More express courses will become available when PBSC starts implementing more express courses in the Fall of 2026. 

What express courses does PBSC currently offer? 
Check PBSC's course search. 

 

How does this affect 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 semester-long course.

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

 

How does this affect part-time students?
Part-time students may benefit the most. The express course schedule may allow students to enroll full-time while concentrating on only two to three courses at a time.

Will 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 semester and 15 or more credits in their first year. Faster accumulation of credits leads to improved graduation rates. 

Will 7.5-week 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.

 

Will express courses be easier or more difficult?
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.

Will the same amount of coursework be required for express courses?
Course content, objectives and rigor will remain the same as traditional semester-long courses. Professors will 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 and/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 full-semester courses. Similarly, PBSC students participating in live online courses during express terms showed a 1.9% higher completion rate than their counterparts taking full-semester 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?
Most students should plan on taking 1 to 3 courses in each 7.5-week term. The maximum number of credits a student can attempt is 10. The total number of credits a student can attempt during 15 weeks is 18 credits.

Will I be able to choose between 7.5-week express courses and 15-week courses?
Most courses at PBSC will move to the express format. Some courses will remain in the 15-week format. Use PBSC's course search to identify the length of courses in upcoming semesters. 

Can I take express courses and a 15-week course at the same time? 
Yes, a few of our academic programs will offer courses of 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 will I register for classes? 
Registration will remain the same. You will register for Express A, Express B and 15-week classes at the same time during the semester registration period.

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 12-week courses be affected?
No, 12-week courses will continue to be offered for a duration of 12 weeks. 

 

Will the cost of tuition change? 
No. The tuition for credits will remain 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 to receive the full amount of your aid. 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 contact PBSC Military & Veterans Services.