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Welcome to Imperial Valley College!

Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.

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8-Week Courses

Study Smart, Finish Fast: IVC 8-Week Classes

Balancing college, work, and family? IVC’s 8-Week Accelerated Classes make it easier to reach your goals without giving up your time or energy. These short-term courses cover the same material as a regular 16-week class, but in half the time. You’ll meet more often, stay more focused, and finish faster. It’s college designed for your real life.

 

Why Choose 8-Week Classes?

8-week classes are perfect for busy students, working parents, and anyone ready to level up their education at their own pace.
Here’s why students love the 8-Week format:
  • Take 2–3 classes at a time and still earn a full semester’s worth of credits.
  • Stay focused with shorter timelines and fewer distractions.
  • Feel less stress and avoid burnout.
  • Build stronger connections with classmates and instructors.
  • Graduate or transfer faster.
  • Enjoy more flexibility to balance school, family, and work.

Two Sessions, Double the Opportunity

First 8-Week: February 17 – April 17, 2026
Start strong and finish early! These classes kick off the semester and wrap up by mid-April.
Second 8-Week: April 20 – June 12, 2026
Keep it going! These classes begin right after the first session ends, helping you stay on track or catch up on credits.
You can take classes in both sessions or just one—whatever fits your life.
Note: A few course start dates may differ, make sure to review your courses' start and end dates for each session to be sure when yours start.

How it Works

Each 8-week class moves at a faster pace, but you’ll take fewer classes at once.
You’ll earn the same credits, complete the same assignments, and get the same quality education—just in a shorter time.
Courses are offered in-person, online, or hybrid, giving you control over how you learn.
Cómo Encontrar / How to Find 8-Week Courses
Finding 8-week classes on the new schedule site is easy — and takes just a few clicks.
  1. Go to the IVC Course Schedule (link below).
  2. In the search bar, type a keyword like “English,” “Math,” or a course number such as “MATH 110.”
  3. On the left-side menu, find the “Course Length in Weeks” section.
  4. Choose one of the following filters:
  5. 1st 8-Week Session (Feb 17 – Apr 17)
  6. 2nd 8-Week Session (Apr 20 – Jun 12)
  7. Open Classes to see what still has seats available
  8. Review your search results — you’ll see course names, instructors, times, locations, and icons showing things like Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) or Low Textbook Cost (LTC).
Visit the Course Schedule Site
Open the Course Search Guide
With these filters, you can build a schedule that fits your vida and your goals — whether you’re studying full-time, working, or raising a family.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Prep + Plan:
  • Read your syllabus on day one.
  • Create a calendar with assignment dates.
  • Set aside study time every week.
Stay Connected:
  • Ask for help early.
  • Talk with your instructors and classmates.
  • Meet with a counselor to plan your schedule.
Balance + Breathe:
  • Avoid taking more than 3 classes per session.
  • Keep your goals in sight—you’ve got this, Warrior!

8-WEEK FAQ: PREGUNTAS + RESPUESTAS

An 8-week class is a regular IVC course offered in a shorter format. You’ll learn the same material, but classes meet more often so you can finish in half the time.
IVC recommends taking 2–3 classes per session.
For example, take three in the first session and two in the second—that’s a full semester! This helps you stay focused and avoid overload.
Yes! As long as you’re registered in 12 total units across the 16-week semester (including both 8-week sessions), you’re still considered full-time.
Financial aid is released about 10 days before each session starts.
If you’re enrolled in both 8-week sessions, your first payment will cover the first set of classes. The rest will be released before your second 8-week session begins.
You won’t lose any aid—it’s just split between the sessions.
Tip: Check with Financial Aid early to confirm your disbursement dates.
Yes! Register early for both sessions to make sure you get the classes and times that work best for you. Your full-time or part-time status is based on your total units for the whole semester.
Use the new Course Search site to filter by “1st 8-Week” or “2nd 8-Week” under the Spring 2026 term.
Visit the Course Search Site
Not harder—just faster! You’ll do the same amount of work as a 16-week class, but with a quicker pace. Fewer classes at once means you can focus better.
Nope! IVC is expanding choices, not removing them. You can still take 12- or 16-week classes. 8-week courses are just another flexible option to help you succeed.
  • Students who work or have family responsibilities
  • Students returning to college after a break
  • First-generation students who prefer shorter goals
  • Anyone who wants to graduate faster or stay motivated
Take control of your future with IVC’s 8-Week Accelerated Classes.
They’re flexible, focused, and made for Warriors like you.