Benefits of Taking 7-Week Courses Versus 14-Week Courses
Posted: April 07, 2025 | Author: SUU Online Advising Team | Read Time: 4 minutes
Southern Utah University offers both 7-week courses and 14-week courses for students online and on-campus. The 7-week courses are offered in sessions, where session A is the first half of the semester, and session B is the second half of the semester. Students can enroll in courses in both sessions, or only one session and use the other session time to take a break if needed. The course content is the same for both 7-week courses and 14-week courses, however in the 7-week courses it is accelerated.
In this article, we'll dive into the different benefits of enrolling in 7-week courses versus 14-week courses.
Increased motivation and momentum
Shorter lengthed courses can help maintain motivation and momentum. The sense of accomplishment from completing a course in a brief period can boost confidence and encourage students to take on additional challenges.
Additionally, since there are fewer weeks to cover the material, the immediate results of your efforts to learn and understand the material can increase motivation as you further your educational journey. Students have this sense of momentum and a groove since they are able to stay focused and busy throughout the 7-week course, and can't afford to fall behind or lose motivation.
More focus on courses
In a 7-week course, the curriculum is often streamlined, emphasizing essential concepts and skills. This focused approach can prevent the dilution of content that sometimes occurs in 14-week courses, where additional topics might be included but not explored in depth. With 7-week courses, students can concentrate on just one or two courses at a time, allowing their learning to not be spread as thin as it would be during the 14-week courses. Additionally, for graduate students the number of courses that are considered full-time are 1 course per session (2 per semester), while for undergraduate students it is 2 courses per session (4 per semester) to be considered a full-time student.
The accelerated learning experience that comes along with the 7-week courses helps students who have ADHD as they are fully-immersed in their studies and can stay focused and motivated better than when courses are 14 weeks long.
"In a couple of cases with students who struggled with focus, we recommended they move to an academic program with courses just 7-weeks long, such as Political Science, Criminal Justice, or even General Studies," said Disability Resource Center Director Carmen Alldredge. "Some students can be more successful if they can study in shorter time periods."
Accelerated learning experience
One of the most significant advantages of 7-week courses is the accelerated learning pace. With less time to cover the same amount of material, students often find themselves fully immersed in their studies. This intensity can lead to deeper engagement and a more focused learning experience. For motivated learners, this fast-paced format can foster a sense of urgency that enhances retention and understanding.
It's important to note that the amount of time students spend in their daily studies does not change, but it is concentrated more on one subject. This allows their daily study practices and time to really count towards understanding the material and staying motivated.
Flexibility
Shorter length courses can fit better into busy schedules. Many online students juggle work, family commitments, and other responsibilities. A 7-week course allows for a quicker commitment, making it easier to adapt to changing circumstances. If life gets hectic, you can complete a course in less than two months, allowing you to quickly pivot to your next educational goal, project, or course.
Less time to forget information
The structure of a 7-week course means students can stay immersed in the material without the long gaps that often occur in 14-week courses. This continuous engagement minimizes the time between lessons, reducing the likelihood of forgetting what you've learned. As a result, you're more likely to retain and utilize the knowledge effectively.
While both 7-week and 14-week online courses have their merits, the advantages of the shorter format are particularly appealing for today's fast-paced world. If you're seeking an accelerated learning experience that offers flexibility, increased motivation, and increased focus, a 7-week course might be the perfect fit for you.
As you navigate your educational journey, consider how the duration of your courses can align with your personal and professional goals, and choose the format that will best serve your needs.
Contact your academic advisor today if you have questions.
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