Class Formats

Classes that Fit Your Schedule

Both matriculated and non-matriculated students at Syracuse University can take flexible format classes (certain prerequisites and other restrictions may apply). Flexible format classes offer students personalization and convenience, allowing them to make choices based on where, when, and how they prefer to learn. These classes may fulfill program requirements at SU or other institutions.

While they have the same academic standards and expectations as full session classes, flexible format classes:

  • May have unique meeting patterns that do not coincide with the University’s published official term dates; and
  • Have unique academic and financial deadlines that do not coincide with the University’s published official deadlines.

Because all classes are contingent upon enrollment, we strongly encourage students to register as soon as possible. Unfilled classes may be canceled. Therefore, early registration enables us to confirm class offerings. Early registration may also allow you to participate in a more flexible payment option. Before matriculated students register for any of these courses, we strongly recommend that you consult with your academic advisor to ensure that courses are appropriate for your individual circumstances. Go to MySlice to search for classes for the latest course updates.

Here are the flexible course formats offered at Syracuse University:

Accelerated Format

Complete a course in seven weeks. Accelerated courses meet in the classroom for nine hours (Saturday and Sunday, 4.5 hours per day). Attendance during this period is required. Students complete the course online. Found in the Flex Long Class session.

Condensed Format

Students take an entire course in a more concentrated period of time. Classes may meet once a week for eight weeks (five hours a night), twice a week for seven weeks (three hours a night), or on the weekends (Friday night and all day Saturday). Found in the Flex Long Class session.

Hybrid Format

Any class that uses a combination of classroom and online instruction. Found in the Flex Long Class, Flex Short Class or Regular Academic Session.

Hybrid (Blended) Online Courses

Courses that are fully online and dubbed hybrid engage students in both interacting with the professor and each other through tools like video- or web-conferencing that require them to be together at the same time-synchronously, and tools like email and discussion boards that allow them to interact asynchronously.

Online Asynchronous Format

A class that is taught totally online. Found in Flex Long Class, Flex Short Class or Regular Academic Session.

Online Synchronous Format

A class that is taught totally online but students and instructors interact in real time. Found in Flex Long Class, Flex Short Class or Regular Academic Session.

Weekend Format

Meet on campus for a three-day introduction to the course (four hours per day). Attendance during this period is required. The rest of the course is completed online. Found in Flex Long Class or Flex Short Class session.

Classes offered in flexible format are associated with a Session in MySlice > Search for Classes. You can search by class or by session.

Session dates can be located on Syracuse University’s Academic Calendar.

The sessions are as follows:

  • Flex Long Class – Classes that meet 5 days or more
  • Flex Short Class – Classes that meet 4 days or less
  • Regular Academic Session
  • MAYmester – Visit summer.syr.edu for details.
  • Summer Session I – Visit summer.syr.edu for details.
  • Combined Summer Session – Visit summer.syr.edu for details.
  • Summer Session II – Visit summer.syr.edu for details.
  • Winterlude – Classes that meet online over winter break. Visit winter.syr.edu for details.

Important Note:

Certain prerequisites, academic / drop deadlines, and other restrictions apply to flexible format courses. Refer to the College of Professional Studies fall/spring or summer course schedule for this information. Call 315.443.4135 to speak to a Student Services Coordinator for this information, or visit the Bursar and/or Registrar Office for registration and drop deadlines, registration procedures, and tuition and fees information. See below for financial aid policies for flexible course formats.