At FSW, you can choose not only what you study, but also how and when you take your classes.
Some students prefer learning on campus. Others need online flexibility. Some want a traditional semester schedule, while others prefer shorter, faster-paced terms.
FSW offers options designed to fit your schedule, learning style, and goals.
Online classes? On-Campus classes? A bit of both? Check out our options for taking your courses in an environment that best suits your schedule and learning style.
Looking to complete courses quickly or want to pace yourself? Our part of term options give you the opportunity to start and finish when you want.
Choose How You Want to Learn
Your course delivery method determines where and how you participate in your classes.
Traditional
Traditional Attend classes on campus at scheduled times.
Best for Students Who:
- Learn best in structured environments
- Want hands-on classroom experiences
Online
OnlineComplete coursework online with flexible scheduling.
Best for Students Who:
- Need flexibility around work or family
- Prefer independent learning
Blended
BlendedCombine online coursework with scheduled class meetings.
Best for Students Who:
- Prefer a mix of self-paced and structured learning
- Want some live interaction with instructors
Live Online
Live OnlineAttend virtual classes online at scheduled times.
Best for Students Who:
- Want live interaction with instructors
- Prefer structured schedules from home
- Enjoy real-time discussions
Live Flex
Live FlexChoose whether to attend class in person or remotely during scheduled sessions.
Best for Students Who:
- Need flexibility week to week
- Have changing schedules or transportation needs
Choose How Fast You Want to Finish
In addition to different ways to take courses, FSW also offers multiple "part of term" options with different start dates and class lengths within the same semester. Shorter terms cover the same material in fewer weeks, which means a faster pace.
FSW's Term Options (Part of Term)
Part of term options happen within the same semester.
- Standard term courses last the full semester.
- Compact A and Compact B term courses are each about half a semester, with Compact B starting after Compact A ends.
- Express term courses start 2-3 weeks after the semester begins and last the rest of the semester.
What to Expect
The table below compares part of term options by schedule, pacing, and weekly coursework expectations.
| Part of Term Option | Approximate Length | When It Happens | Pace & Weekly Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 16 weeks | Full semester | Steady pace with coursework spread across more weeks |
| Compact A | 8 weeks | First half of semester | Fastest pace with more assignments and deadlines each week* |
| Express | 13–14 weeks | Starts after the semester begins | Faster pace with coursework completed in fewer weeks |
| Compact B | 8 weeks | Second half of semester | Fastest pace with more assignments and deadlines each week* |
*Deadlines may vary by part of term. Check the Academic Calendar regularly.
Mix and Match to Fit Your Needs
Together, FSW's course delivery methods and part of term options allow you to learn in an environment and pace that you are comfortable with.
Questions to Consider
Do you prefer learning online, on campus, or a mix of both?
Do you need flexibility around work, family, or other responsibilities?
Would you rather learn at a steady pace over a full semester or in a shorter, faster-paced format?
Do you prefer scheduled class sessions or more independent coursework?
Tips for Success
Keep updated with the deadlines for your part of term on the academic calendar.
Check Canvas and your FSW email regularly.
Set aside dedicated time each week for coursework and participation.
Start assignments early and stay engaged.
Reach out for support quickly using tutoring, advising, and academic resources.
Finding Courses by Your Preferences
Use these filters to narrow your results and find courses that fit your schedule and preferences.
- Part of Term Options Use the "Part of Term" dropdown to select Standard, Compact, and/or Express terms.
- Delivery Method Options Use the checkboxes under "Delivery Method" to select the way(s) you want to take your courses.
