About the Fast Track Program
What is it?
A new method for completing the courses required for the Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences or Associate of Business Transfer Degrees. Fast Track courses offer more options for busy lives while promoting academic excellence.
How Do The Fast Track Courses Work?
Primarily, courses are offered in four, four-week terms during the full-length semester. You can enroll in as few or as many credits as you wish each semester (up to 24).
FLEXIBLE ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
You do not have to enroll in every Fast Track term. If other responsibilities require your time in the middle of the semester, you have the option of enrolling in only the first and third terms, or any other combination you desire. You can also combine Fast Track courses with other course formats (full semester, flexterm, distance learning) to best meet your individual needs.
YOU CAN COMPLETE THE DEGREE DURING THE DAY IN 12 MONTHS
To complete the Associate Degree in 12 months, you must enroll in the full course schedule of 24 credits per semester. You will enroll in two courses during each four-week term (fall and spring), one course during Winterterm, one course during Mayterm, and four courses during the summer. The complete Fast Track degree plan is published in the Richland College Catalog and the current credit course schedule. If you plan to complete all requirements in 12 months please consult these documents.
ATTEND IN THE EVENING TO COMPLETE THE DEGREE IN 20 MONTHS
For your convenience, classes are also available in the evening. By enrolling in one Fast Track course during each Fast Track term, along with one full-semester length course, you can complete the degree requirements in as few as 20 months. Again, please consult the Richland College Catalog and current credit class schedule for more details about the evening degree plan.
TRANSFERABILITY OF COURSES
Do Fast Track Courses Transfer Just Like "regular" Courses?
Absolutely. Transfer courses from other colleges are accepted for this degree option just like any other Richland Degree plan. see the Richland College Catalog for more information on the transfer of credit to or from Richland College.
CLASSES ARE INTENSIVE
All classes meet four times per week, Monday - Thursday.
• Morning classes meet 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
• Afternoon classes meet 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
• Evening classes meet 6:45 - 9:45 p.m.
Will I have Time To Handle The Fast Track Courses?
Fast Track courses are very intensive and the workload is demanding. The number of Fast Track courses you enroll in will depend on your other time commitments. If you work or have other family, home or community responsibilities, your class schedule can be individually tailored to meet your needs.
Is Homework Extra Heavy In Fast Track Classes?
Homework is likely to be more intensive simply because you will be learning a lot in a short time. We typically suggest that you plan for 1 - 3 hours of homework and study time for each hour of class time. The good news is that classes meet Monday through Thursday allowing three days off each week for preparation.
COST
There is no extra Fast Track fee. Tuition is the same as traditional semester-length courses - one of the lowest in Texas (and in the U.S.), $123 for a three credit hour course.
What About Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is available for Richland students who qualify no matter what degree program they're in. Check with Financial Aid Office, Alamito Hall, first floor, or call 972-238-6188 for information about how to apply.