How Much Time Do Online Classes Take?
You have a job. A family. A full calendar. Maybe even a growing list of things that already need your attention. So, when you think about going back to school, one question probably comes before anything else: Where am I supposed to find the time to take online classes?
How Many Hours Will I Spend Weekly on an Online Course?
For many people, the hardest part of starting an online degree is not deciding whether they want to continue their education. Instead, it is figuring out how school fits into the life they already have. Understanding the time commitment first can help you choose a course schedule that works for your goals, responsibilities, and daily routine.
At Utah State University, a good starting point is to plan for about 3 hours of coursework per week for every credit hour you take. USU's credit hour guidelines explain that each credit hour generally includes about one hour of direct instruction and at least two hours of out-of-class work each week. Meaning you will most likely spend time on activities like watching lectures, completing readings, studying, and working on assignments outside of class.
This means that a typical three-credit online course may require about nine hours each week for activities like watching lectures, completing readings, participating in discussions, studying, and working on assignments.
Credit-Hour Breakdown
You can use this formula to estimate your weekly time commitment:
Number of credits × 3 = Approximate hours of coursework per week
| Course Load | Estimated Weekly Time Commitment |
|---|---|
| 3 credits | About 9 hours per week |
| 6 credits | About 18 hours per week |
| 9 credits | About 27 hours per week |
| 12 credits | About 36 hours per week |
So, when comparing programs, my two cents is you probably don't need to go with the more expensive option. Most employers will care more that you have the degree than where you got it from. I'd go with the program that most excites and challenges you to grow.
What Does the Time Commitment for an Online Course Include?
When students hear that an online class may require several hours each week, they may picture hours spent watching videos or sitting in front of a computer. While lectures and course videos may be part of an online class, coursework includes much more than watching lectures. Your weekly study time may include:
- Reviewing lecture materials or course content
- Completing assigned readings
- Participating in online discussions
- Preparing for quizzes and exams
- Writing papers or completing projects
- Reviewing feedback and improving future assignments
- Studying concepts that are new or challenging
Online classes require the same type of learning and effort as other college courses. The main difference is often the flexibility you have in deciding when and where you complete that work.
Why Might Your Spend More Time on a Class Than Another?
The three-hours-per-credit guideline is a helpful starting point, but the time required for online courses can vary from student to student. A few factors can affect your weekly workload. That can be experience, outside responsibilities, class subjects, etc.
Your experience with the subject
A course may take less time when you already have experience with the topic. If you are comfortable with the material, assignments may come more naturally and require less review.
On the other hand, a new or challenging subject may require more time as you build your understanding. Consider your own learning experiences:
- Are there subjects that have always taken you longer to understand?
- Are there types of assignments that require extra preparation?
- Do you learn best through reading, watching examples, practicing skills, or discussing ideas with others?
Knowing your strengths and challenges can help you create a more realistic schedule.
Your responsibilities outside of school
For many online students, school is one part of a much larger schedule. Work, family responsibilities, health needs, and unexpected events can all affect how much time you have available.
Your weekly schedule may include responsibilities such as:
- Working full time or managing changing work schedules
- Caring for children, parents, or other family members
- Managing household responsibilities
- Handling busy seasons at work
- Responding to unexpected life events
Some of these factors are outside your control. Others give you opportunities to make adjustments.
For example, you may not be able to change your work schedule, but you may be able to decide whether you complete coursework early in the morning, during a lunch break, after your family goes to bed, or during dedicated weekend study time.
The goal is not to create a perfect schedule. It is to create one that realistically works for your life.
Are Online Classes Easier or Just More Flexible?
One of the biggest misconceptions about online learning is that flexibility means a class will be easier.
Online classes are not necessarily easier than in-person classes. You are still learning the same concepts, completing assignments, and meeting academic expectations.
What online learning often provides is more control over when you complete your work.
Instead of attending class at a specific time each week, many online courses allow you to choose when you watch lectures, complete readings, and work on assignments. This flexibility can make it possible to balance work and school, care for family members, or continue other responsibilities while earning your degree.
Flexibility does not mean less work. It means you have more options for fitting that work into your schedule.
How Can You Estimate the Workload of a Specific Class?
The credit-hour breakdown helps you estimate your overall workload, but each course will have its own expectations. Before a semester begins, take time to review the course information available to you.
Start with the syllabus. It can help you understand:
- Weekly assignments and deadlines
- Required readings
- Lecture materials
- Exams and projects
- Participation expectations
You can also review assignment point values and rubrics. These resources can help you understand where to focus your time and what your instructor expects.
For example, a project worth a large percentage of your final grade may require more planning and effort than a short weekly assignment. A rubric can help you understand the goals of an assignment before you begin, which can reduce the time spent trying to figure out what your instructor is looking for.
Reviewing course expectations early allows you to plan ahead instead of reacting when deadlines begin piling up.
How Can You Make Room for School in Your Schedule?
If you are already balancing work, family, and other responsibilities, finding time for school can feel like the biggest challenge. A good first step is understanding where your time is already going.
You do not need to track every minute of your day. Instead, look for patterns in your weekly routine.
Ask yourself:
- When do I usually have the most energy and focus?
- Which parts of my schedule are fixed?
- Where do I have flexible time available?
- Are there activities I can shorten, move, or combine?
Small changes can create useful study time. You might set aside a few hours on a weekend morning, review notes during a lunch break, or schedule assignments before a busy week at work.
Remember that some weeks will naturally be busier than others. A sustainable schedule is more important than creating a perfect schedule that is difficult to maintain.
Explore Time Management Strategies That Fit Your Learning Style
There is no single time-management method that works for every student. The best strategy is one that fits your schedule and that you can consistently use.
If you're not sure where to start, here are a few popular methods:
- Time blocking: Assign specific blocks of time on your calendar for coursework, studying, assignments, and breaks.
- Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused intervals, often 25 minutes at a time, followed by short breaks to help maintain concentration.
- Eisenhower Matrix: Organize tasks based on urgency and importance so you can decide what needs immediate attention and what can be scheduled later.
- Task batching: Group similar tasks together, such as completing readings at one time and writing assignments during another block, to reduce the mental effort of switching between tasks.
You may prefer a paper planner, a digital calendar, or a combination of tools. Don't be afraid to experiment. A system that works well one semester may need to change if your courses, work schedule, or personal responsibilities change.
The goal is to create a routine you can maintain. The right system is the one that helps you stay organized and adjust when your schedule changes.
Create a Plan That Works for Your Goals
Starting an online degree is a big commitment, but it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Going to college while working or balancing other responsibilities will require a commitment of time and effort. But understanding the expected workload can help you make decisions with more confidence.
Knowing how much time online classes typically require, understanding what can affect your workload, and planning ahead can help you make informed decisions about your course schedule. While every student's experience is different, having realistic expectations, and a plan for managing your time, can make balancing school with the rest of your life much more manageable.
Start with the credit-hour formula. Then consider your personal responsibilities, review your course expectations, and build a schedule that fits your life.
Online learning does not remove the work required to earn a degree. Instead, it gives you more flexibility in deciding when that work happens.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are considering an online dgree and want to learn more about programs, course schedules, and options that fit your goals, request information to connect with someonw who can help you explore your next steps.