What is the Block Plan?
Ever had trouble juggling the coursework of multiple classes at once and wish you could just take one course at a time? Well, some colleges have a course structure that allows you to do just that. It’s called the block plan, where students take one course at a time for a shorter period rather than multiple courses at once for a semester or trimester.
This system allows students to dive into each course without having to worry about juggling the coursework of multiple classes. This, however, also means that each class is more intensive, with classes usually covering material in less than a month that would normally get covered in a semester or trimester at a regular institution.
Below are a list of schools that utilize the Block Plan:
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO
Founded in 1874, Colorado College is a small liberal arts school of around 2,000 students with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It is commonly called “CC” and is located near downtown Colorado Springs. In addition, it is known for its outdoor activities. Students can rent skiing, hiking, or camping gear from Outdoor Education or utilize the free morning bus every weekend to ski at Breckenridge or Arapahoe Basin.
Course structure:
- Class Schedule: Colorado College’s block plan includes eight blocks throughout the year, each for three and a half weeks (18 class days) followed by a break.
- Daily Schedule: All classes (with the exception of professor preference on rare occasion) go from 9 am -12 pm every day, allowing students to all be on relatively the same class schedule. In addition, many STEM classes have lab from 1:30-3:30.
Want to learn more? https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/blockplan/
Cornell College
Mount Vernon, IA
Just like Colorado College, Cornell College is also commonly called “CC”. With around 1,000 students and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Cornell allows you to form close relationships with professors and students. In addition, it values “innovative thinking” and has been featured in the Colleges That Change Lives book since 1996. In fact, it is the first college in the nation to pay a professorial salary to a woman equal to that of her male colleagues.
Course structure:
- Class Schedule: Cornell College’s block plan includes eight blocks throughout the year, each for three and a half weeks (18 class days) followed by a break.
- Daily Schedule: All classes go for two to three hours each day, and there are additional hours for lab if taking a lab class.
Want to learn more? https://www.cornellcollege.edu/about-cornell/index.shtml
University of Montana-Western
Dillon, MT
With around 1,300 students, Montana Western is a small public college that prioritizes experiential learning. In fact, University of Montana-Western’s block system is called “Experience One,” where students take one course at a time with an emphasis on experiential learning. In fact, they are the only public four-year college that offers the block schedule.
Furthermore, Montana Western also prioritizes affordability. They have the lowest tuition and fees of any four-year institution in Montana. They also offer the WUE program, which provides out-of-state students from neighboring states with discounts.
Course structure:
- Class Schedule: Montana-Western’s block schedule or “Experience One” includes eight blocks throughout the year, each for three and a half weeks (18 class days) followed by a break.
- Daily Schedule: Classes go for three hours every day.
Want to learn more? https://umwstage.wpengine.com/experienceOne/
Spalding University
Louisville, KY
With around 850 students, Spalding University is a small college located in downtown Louisville. Spalding utilizes a semi-block plan style curriculum, where students take a few blocks for a slightly longer period of time. Spalding also prioritizes affordability of their school, with 99% of full-time, first-time students paying the full cost of tuition.
Course structure:
- Class Schedule: Spalding University’s block plan includes taking 2-3 blocks for 8 weeks followed by a week-long break.
- Daily Schedule: Classes typically go for two to three hours.
Want to learn more? https://spalding.edu/block-schedule/
There are other kinds of non-traditional curriculums out there as well. Ever heard of an Open Curriculum?
Image References
Colorado College, “Our Campus”
PathwaysToJobs.com, “Cornell College”
Apply Montana, “University of Montana-Western”
Spalding University, Homepage