Understanding the Class Schedule at Pierce College Military

Hi all, I'm interested in Pierce College, but a bit confused about the class scheduling at Pierce College's military program. Can anyone break down how it typically works, or any tips to make sense of it better?

Certainly, Pierce College's military program operates a bit differently from traditional college schedules due to the unique needs of its military students. Here's a general overview.

1. Flexible Schedules: Given the unpredictable nature of military service, most of the courses are organized to offer maximum flexibility. This means there are multiple start dates throughout the year for most courses.

2. Course Formats: The courses are offered both online and in person. You have the option to choose whatever format works best for your schedule and learning style.

3. Quarters System: Unlike some colleges that operate on a semester system, Pierce operates on a quarter system. This means the academic year is divided into four quarters: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Each quarter lasts around 10 weeks.

4. Class Times: If you’re taking on-campus classes, Pierce tries to accommodate the varying schedules of military-based students by offering classes at different times throughout the day, including evening classes.

5. Course Load: As with any college, you can choose to take as many or as few classes as you like each quarter, keeping in mind that full-time status typically requires taking at least 15 credits per quarter. However, given the high-intensity nature of military duties, you might want to start with a lighter course load until you get a feel for balancing school and your service responsibilities.

In terms of tips for understanding the schedule better, here are a few:

- Plan Ahead: Once the course schedules are released for each quarter (usually available online), try to plan out your classes as early as possible. This will give you the best chance to get into the classes you want.

- Prioritize Core Classes: Start with the classes that are most important for your degree program, and then fill in the rest of your schedule with any electives or general education courses that you need to take.

- Balance Your Load: Try to balance your schedule between more challenging courses and ones that might be a bit less demanding. This can help prevent feeling overwhelmed with work.

- Seek Guidance: If you're having trouble deciphering the schedule or deciding on classes, the college's academic advisors are a great resource. They can help you understand the schedule and tailor your class selection to your individual needs and degree requirements.

Hope that’s informative. Happy planning!