8 Week Online Courses

8-week courses allow you to: 

• Focus on fewer classes at a time 
• Take courses online, making it easier to balance school with work, family, and other commitments 
• Begin classes at multiple points in the academic year 
• Adjust your schedule mid-semester if needed 
• Maintain steady progress toward your degree 

8-week courses are a great fit if you:

• Prefer a more focused schedule with fewer classes at a time 
• Can stay organized and keep up with weekly deadlines 
• Want flexibility within the semester 
• Are balancing school with work, family, or other commitments 
• Are comfortable with a faster-paced learning experience 

8-week courses offer the same units, academic rigor, and transferability as traditional 16-week courses—the difference is structure. 

If you’re unsure, talk with a counselor/advisor to decide what works best for you. 

College of the Redwoods offers California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) and Liberal Arts degree courses in an 8-week online format. These courses are part of structured pathways that allow you to make steady progress toward your degree or transfer goals. 

Yes—students can work toward completing their general education and Liberal Arts degree using 8-week courses, or combine them with 16-week courses depending on their needs. 

The following degrees can be completed: 

• Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts – Humanities 
• Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts – Behavioral and Social Science 

Yes, you may choose a blended schedule that includes both 8-week and 16-week courses. You may also combine 8-week online courses with 16-week in-person courses in the same semester. This blended approach allows you to take advantage of both flexible online learning and in-person experiences. 

This can be a great option if you want flexibility while balancing work, family, or other commitments. 

Be sure to plan your schedule carefully, as 8-week courses move at a faster pace. A counselor or advisor can help you build a balanced schedule that works for you. 

Yes. You can choose to enroll in courses in just the first 8-week block, just the second 8-week block, or both. 

If you plan to take courses in only one block, be sure to: 

• Check how this may affect your financial aid 
• Work with a counselor or advisor to stay on track toward your goals 

Yes—if a course is available in the second 8-week block, you may enroll. 

This flexibility is one of the advantages of 8-week scheduling. However: 

• Course availability may vary 
• Changes to your schedule may impact your financial aid 

We recommend checking with the Financial Aid Office before making changes. 

Getting started is easy. Follow these steps: 

1. Apply for admission to College of the Redwoods
2. Meet with a counselor or advisor to create an education plan 
3. Register for classes using WebAdvisor 

Registration works the same as for any other course. You will use WebAdvisor to search and enroll. 

Be sure to: 

• Check the Meeting Information and Comments sections for course dates 
• Note whether a course is in the first or second 8-week block. 

You can also get support every step of the way from Admissions & Records, Counseling, and Financial Aid. (link all of these here) 

8-week courses are eligible for the same financial aid as 16-week courses. Your total financial aid eligibility does not change, but when you receive your funds may be different. 

Here’s why: 

• Your total award is based on your total enrolled units for the semester 
• Disbursements are made in stages, based on when your classes begin 

Important: 

• If you are enrolled in both first and second 8-week classes, you may receive your financial aid in multiple disbursements 
• If you are enrolled only in second 8-week classes, your financial aid will typically be disbursed later in the semester 
• You may not receive your full award at the start of the semester if some or all of your classes begin later 

To avoid delays: 

• Enroll in second 8-week classes at least one week before they begin 
• Complete all financial aid requirements as early as possible 

8-week courses are not easier—they cover the same material, meet the same learning outcomes, and carry the same units as 16-week courses. 

Plan to spend approximately the same total time per course, but in a shorter period. 

For a 3-unit course, expect: 

• 15–20 hours per week per class 

The difference is pace and focus: 

• You complete the same work in a shorter time 
• You typically take fewer classes at once 

You have access to the same support services as in a 16-week semester, including: 

• Counseling & Advising 
• Financial Aid 
• Basic Needs Center 
• Academic Support Center 
• Library & Learning Resource Center 
• Tutoring 
• Special Programs (SASS, EOPS, TRIO, and more)