MC Expands Seven-week Courses to Meet Growing Demand

Last fall, Montgomery College increased the number of seven-week classes scheduled for students. After seeing an enrollment jump in these shorter sessions, Montgomery College increased the seven-week formats again this fall.

The enrollments for seven-week classes rose from 4,000 in fall 2019 to almost 12,500 in fall 2021. The second round of seven-week classes for fall 2021 starts October 27. The College anticipates an increase in enrollment in these classes.

Montgomery College’s Chief Analytics and Insights Officer John Hamman said, “We did quite a bit of research on short-term classes. Not only is there evidence that learning and retention were high, but also they are popular with students.” Hamman’s research is on the MC website.

Montgomery College student Maxwell Kyei Boakye said, “Taking seven-week classes helps students develop time management skills.” Boakye, a general studies STEM major, describes the seven-week courses as intense and challenging. “Accelerated courses are not for the faint-hearted—it takes a strong mind to get a good grade,” he added.

Montgomery College is deeply engaged in helping our county recover from the pandemic. This involves offering credit and noncredit programs in formats that are accessible and affordable to students.

Hamman added, “The uncertainly of the pandemic prompted an increase in demand for these courses. Prior to the pandemic, only 6 percent of the College’s classes were offered in seven-week increments. In fall 2021, 22 percent of our classes are seven weeks long.”

Montgomery College Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sanjay Rai said, “Montgomery College is deeply engaged in helping our county recover from the pandemic. This involves offering credit and noncredit programs in formats that are accessible and affordable to students.”

To enhance flexibility for students, the College also schedules 14 percent of all classes in a 13-week session and 64 percent in 15-week semester-long style.