Planning your courses: set yourself up for success

Planning Considerations   
     

SJSU Online offers a variety of programs with different academic schedules to cater to the diverse needs of our students.

Our Information Science and Data Analytics program follows a 16-week course structure each semester. This longer duration enables students to thoroughly engage with the subject matter, delve deeper into the topics, and gain comprehensive knowledge. Additionally, this program offers flexible 2-year or 3-year roadmaps to completion, allowing students to customize their academic journey based on their individual preferences and circumstances.

On the other hand, our other programs are organized into two 8-week terms per semester. During each 8-week term, students have the opportunity to take up to two courses, equivalent to four classes in a traditional 16-week semester. This format provides the advantage of focusing on two classes per term, which allows for better work-life balance, accommodating job and family commitments while still progressing at the same pace as full-time students. However, it's important to note that the shorter duration of 8-week courses results in a more accelerated and intense learning experience due to the condensed timeframe.

It is essential to consider the fast-paced nature of 8-week courses, as more content is covered within a shorter period of time. This intensity should be taken into account when planning your schedule and managing your workload effectively.

Reflect

Before you enroll in classes it is crucial to reflect on the rigor of the courses and carefully evaluate your available time and energy. Assess your other responsibilities and realistically estimate the amount of time you will need to dedicate to each class. Allow ample time for all of your coursework. In a regular length semester, courses require at least 3 hours each week per course unit. What does this mean?

In a standard 16-week semester, courses typically necessitate a minimum of 3 hours of study per week per unit. For instance, if you are taking 12 units, you can expect to dedicate approximately 36 hours of studying each week throughout the semester.

On the other hand, in an 8-week term, taking a 3-unit course, you should anticipate allocating at least 18+ hours per week for 8 weeks to effectively engage with the course material and meet the academic requirements.

Review

Review the Time Management section for tips on how to be successful. Advisors are also available to help you strategize.

You'll also want to review the financial costs if planning to take varied course loads.