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8-WEEK TERMS

A Faster Path to Your Degree

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New 8-Week Terms Launch Fall 2026!

Beginning Fall 2026, the School of Professional Advancement will offer 8‑week terms for select degrees and certificates, giving students a faster and more flexible path to earning their degrees. This new format reflects our commitment to innovative, high‑quality learning designed for today’s students. Learn more about 8-week terms, review FAQs, or contact an advisor with any questions.

8-Week Terms Start Fall 2026

Starting in Fall 2026, select SoPA programs will transition to 8‑week terms, offering students a more flexible and efficient way to complete their degrees. This new format aligns with SoPA’s commitment to providing innovative, high-quality education tailored to meet the needs of today’s learners. All 8‑week courses are offered asynchronously, ensuring maximum flexibility for students balancing education, work and family responsibilities.

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Starting in Fall 2026, select SoPA programs will transition to 8‑week terms, offering students a more flexible and efficient way to complete their degrees. This new format aligns with SoPA’s commitment to providing innovative, high-quality education tailored to meet the needs of today’s learners. All 8‑week courses are offered asynchronously, ensuring maximum flexibility for students balancing education, work and family responsibilities.

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How an 8-Week Term Works

A course taken during an eight-week term covers the same material and earns the same credit as a traditional 16-week course. Classes are offered in an asynchronous format, offering you greater flexibility to accommodate your schedule. This accelerated format lets you focus on shorter classes while staying on track to complete your degree.

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8-Week Term Start Dates

The Master of Science in Cyber Technology, Master of Science in Sport Administration, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior and Management Studies, and Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication are taught through eight-week terms.

For a complete list of important dates, see our 8-Week Terms Academic Calendar.

FALL 2026
TERM I

AUG
17

FALL 2026
TERM II

OCT
18

SPRING 2027
TERM I

JAN
11

SPRING 2027
TERM II

MAR
15

SUMMER 2027
TERM

MAY
17

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Is an 8-Week Term Right for Me?

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One size doesn't fit all when it comes to education. For some, traditional semesters will always be the preferred method of learning. For others, the introduction of 8-week terms offers a variety of benefits to students who have goals with a timeline attached. If you don't find your answer in these FAQs, email your question to asksopa@tulane.edu.

 
  • Increased Focus: Students can concentrate on fewer courses (e.g., two at a time) rather than juggling four or five, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed.
  • Accelerated Format: Accelerated, 8-week terms allow students to finish courses in half the time of a traditional 16-week semester. A shorter timeframe can keep students engaged and motivated, reducing the risk of burnout.
  • Flexibility for Life/Work: The format is ideal for students who work or have other responsibilities, providing more balance to manage their schedules.

Yes. Undergraduates can remain full-time by taking at least four courses across two 8‑week terms, or part‑time by taking three or fewer courses. Graduate students stay full-time by taking at least three courses across two 8‑week terms. If you are using financial aid to support your education, make sure to reach out to your financial aid counselor.

It is recommended that students enroll in at least one class in each 8-week term. If you would like to accelerate your progress, you should speak with your advisor regarding the right courseload for your goals.

Because the pace of the 8-week term structure is accelerated, we strongly recommend that undergraduate students take no more than two courses every eight weeks and speak to their advisor should they wish to take more. Graduate students may enroll in up to 2 courses per 8-week term but must receive permission from the program director due to the intensity of the workload in the accelerated format.

Yes. Certain courses will only be offered as 8-week options. You can find the list here. When taking both 16-week and 8-week classes at the same time, we highly encourage you to discuss your schedule with your academic advisor.

No, the price per credit hour will be the same for both 8-week and 16-week classes. Starting in Fall 2026, tuition is $600 per credit hour for undergraduate courses and $900 per credit hour for graduate courses.

The Master of Science in CyberTechnology, Master of Science in Sport Administration, Bachelorof Science in Organizational Behavior and Management and the Bachelor in Interdisciplinary Studies can all be earned exclusively through 8-week terms.

Some undergraduate courses in the Media + Design, Information Technology, Kinesiology, Paralegal, and Business and Leadership Studies programs will also offer 8-week courses.

Students who are already enrolled in the BS in Organizational Behavior and Management Studies, MS in Sport Studies, MS in IT Management, and the MS in Cybersecurity, will automatically roll over to the 8-week term format. You may view the complete list of 8-week undergraduate and graduate courses here. Check with your advisor if you are unsure whether your courses are affected or if you have any questions.

Take the Next Step

Interested in putting your skills to work for your future? Start your application today. For additional information or questions, contact us at asksopa@tulane.edu.