Colleges That Use the Block Plan: One Course at a Time

When most people think about college, they picture a standard semester: four to six courses running at the same time, midterms and finals overlapping, and students constantly juggling priorities. But there’s another model, called the Block Plan, that flips the traditional system on its head.

Instead of managing multiple classes at once, students at block-plan schools take just one course at a time, usually in an intensive three- to four-week session. After completing that class, they move on to the next, repeating this cycle until the academic year is complete.

This immersive format allows for deep focus, meaningful relationships with professors, and unique opportunities for experiential learning. Let’s explore which colleges use this model, how it works, and why it might be the right fit for certain students.

 Colleges With the One-Course-at-a-Time “Block Plan”

These schools are fully committed to the block approach, offering students the chance to immerse themselves completely in one subject at a time.

• Colorado College (Colorado Springs, CO)
  Perhaps the best-known block-plan school, Colorado College runs on a system of 3.5-week “blocks.” Each academic year includes eight blocks, with short breaks in between. Students take only one class at a time, creating an environment for total immersion.

• Cornell College (Mount Vernon, IA)
  Cornell pioneered the “One Course at a Time” format. Its schedule mirrors Colorado College, with eight blocks per year, each lasting 3.5 weeks. This small liberal arts college emphasizes individualized attention and experiential opportunities.

• University of Montana Western (Dillon, MT)
  This public four-year institution calls its system Experience One. Students take a single course for 18 days before moving to the next. The focus on active, hands-on learning makes UM–Western a great fit for students seeking real-world application of classroom lessons.

• Quest University (British Columbia, Canada)
  Quest offers a distinctive block curriculum in which students complete one class at a time over 3.5 weeks. Its model is designed for exploration and inquiry, often incorporating field studies and interdisciplinary projects.

Colleges With Semi-Block or Block-Inspired Schedules

Some schools don’t use a pure one-class-at-a-time model but instead adapt block-inspired calendars that allow for concentrated learning.

• Spalding University (Louisville, KY)
  Spalding runs on six 8-week sessions per year. Students usually enroll in two to three classes at a time, creating a lighter, more focused workload compared to a traditional semester.

• Lynn University (Boca Raton, FL)
  Lynn breaks each 16-week semester into four-week “terms.” Students may take one or two courses per term, offering flexibility and shorter bursts of intense study.

• Stephens College (Columbia, MO)
  Stephens students take one course at a time over 3.5 weeks, completing four blocks per semester. The women’s college blends immersive study with built-in breaks for recovery and enrichment.

Other Institutions With Block-Style Calendars

A few more schools have implemented variations of the block plan:

• Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, MI) Students focus on one class at a time in short, concentrated blocks, allowing for hands-on projects and flexibility.

• Tusculum University (Greeneville, TN) Uses a “Focused Calendar,” designed to immerse students in one subject at a time while still providing flexibility for extracurriculars and internships.

At-a-Glance: Block Plan Schools

Why Choose a Block-Plan School?

A block-based curriculum isn’t for everyone, but it can be a perfect fit for students who thrive in intensive, focused environments. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Total Immersion You don’t have to juggle chemistry with history, economics, and English all at once. Instead, you live and breathe one subject for a few weeks.

• Flexibility in Scheduling Built-in breaks between blocks make it easier to study abroad, participate in field research, or take internships without falling behind.

• Closer Connection With Professors Since faculty only teach one class per block, students benefit from greater access, mentorship, and collaboration.

• Experiential Learning The short-term structure makes it easier to integrate travel courses, research projects, or community engagement into the curriculum.

Parent & Student Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Block-Plan School

If you’re considering this type of college, here are some practical questions to guide your family discussions:

✅ How does the block schedule affect credits and graduation timeline?
✅ Are there opportunities for study abroad or internships during blocks?
✅ Do professors adapt their teaching styles for this intensive schedule?
✅ How does the school support students who struggle with fast pacing?
✅ What extracurriculars or athletics look like on a block calendar?
✅ Are breaks between blocks long enough for travel, work, or rest?
✅ How does financial aid and tuition billing align with block scheduling?
✅ What percentage of students graduate on time under the block plan?
✅ Does the block system impact graduate school admissions or professional pathways?
✅ What do current students say about the day-to-day workload?

Final Thoughts

Block-plan colleges offer a unique way to experience higher education, one that emphasizes depth over breadth, immersion over multitasking, and flexibility over rigidity. For the right type of student, these schools can provide not only academic success but also unforgettable hands-on experiences.

If your student thrives in focused, accelerated learning environments, a block-plan school may be the perfect fit. But as with any big decision, it’s important to weigh the pros, the challenges, and whether this style of learning aligns with your child’s personality, goals, and ambitions.