One Class at a Time
Take Your First Year One Class at a Time
This first-year scheduling option allows you to focus on a single course for 18 days before moving to the next. Through carefully selected courses, individualized advising, and intentional support, you can build confidence, learn in a relationship-rich environment, dig deep into each subject area, and make meaningful progress toward graduation.
Why Choose One Class at a Time?
Because this schedule is curated for your success!
Every schedule is intentionally built to maximize your progress toward degree requirements while exposing you to liberal arts experiences.
- Your courses are selected strategically to support your academic success.
- Many courses fulfill multiple graduation requirements.
- You gain access to high-demand courses that may otherwise have waitlists.
- You can complete a significant portion (nearly all) of general education requirements during year one.
Because it helps you stay on track and even get ahead.
Some students wonder if taking one class at a time will slow them down. The reality with One Class at a Time is the opposite. With this scheduling option, you’ll receive individualized advising to ensure you remain on track toward on-time graduation. This includes:
- Dedicated advising beyond traditional advising structures
- Personalized planning for major requirements
- Fast accumulation of credits
- Strong pathway toward adding minors, study abroad experiences, or other opportunities
Please note: Some majors and career pathways may require additional planning. Students pursuing certain STEM pathways or pre-professional programs should consult with advisors before enrolling. Nursing students are ineligible for the program.
If you’re wondering whether your program can be taken One Class at a Time, all you need to do is reach out to one of our admissions counselors. They’ll walk you through it!
Because deep learning happens through focused attention.
You’ll be challenged under this scheduling model; it’s simply a different kind of learning.
Research suggests that focused learning can improve retention and reduce cognitive overload. Instead of juggling four or five unrelated courses at once, you’ll spend approximately three hours each day dedicated to class time for a single subject. Then, you can anticipate about two hours of additional studying beyond class. This gives you more time to concentrate deeply, engage with your professors and classmates, and spend less time relearning material between class meetings.
And there’s no final exam week!
Under the traditional college schedule, the final week in the semester means studying for at least four culminating exams. Instead, with One Class at a Time, you’ll complete a final assessment at the end of each class, which means that your class is completely over before starting the next.
Because good learning begins with developing good relationships.
Taking One Class at a Time puts you in a space where you can build stronger connections with your professors, advisors, and classmates. With frequent interaction and regular access to support, you'll become more comfortable asking questions, seeking help, and taking an active role in your learning.
These connections can make the transition from high school to college easier while helping you build a strong sense of belonging within the Aquinas community.
Because this schedule lets you learn beyond the classroom.
One Class at a Time gives you more opportunities to connect your classwork to the world around you. The focused schedule makes it easier to welcome guest speakers, participate in service-learning and community engagement, take part in off-campus field experiences, and collaborate on projects that bring ideas to life.
Looking to apply?
To maximize the student experience, Aquinas offers a limited number of spaces in the One-Class-at-a-Time cohort. During the application process, prospective students are asked if they would like to opt into the program and to rank their overall interest in it. Deposits received by March 1, 2027, in best fit majors get first priority. There is normally a waitlist after this time, and your admissions counselor will keep you updated on the selection process.
Need a visual? We've got you covered!
Traditional College Schedule
One-Class-at-a-Time Schedule
One-Class-at-a-Time Scheduling for the Academic Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
FAQS About One-Class-at-a-Time Scheduling
Athletics and One Course at a Time are compatible. Members of the Swim and Dive Team should reach out to the admissions team for more information.
Because they're intentionally selected, many courses satisfy multiple graduation requirements and help students make efficient progress toward their degree.
One Class at a Time is a year-long commitment. Students enroll with the expectation that they will participate for the full academic year, though exceptional circumstances may warrant individual review.
One Class at a Time offers an impactful, successful transition to college and allows students to fulfill most of their general education graduation requirements. At the end of the program, students work with their faculty advisors to transition into traditional college scheduling for the remainder of their academic career.
With One Class at a Time, your schedule stays consistent. You’ll attend the same class each morning for 18 days, helping you to establish a routine and put your focus on one subject instead of juggling several.
Outside of class, plan to spend about two hours a day studying, completing assignments, or taking advantage of study tables and other academic support.
How you spend the rest of your day is up to you. Join a student organization, attend practice, work a shift, spend time with friends, or whatever fits your schedule and supports your goals.
No, this schedule is optional and primarily designed for the first year of college. About one in four incoming first-year students is accepted into the program.
To maximize the student experience, Aquinas offers a limited number of spaces in the one-class-at-a-time cohort. During the application process, prospective students are asked if they would like to opt into the program and to rank their overall interest in it.
While not all programs of study can operate under this schedule (check with your admissions counselor!), one class at a time is great for a wide variety of students. Whether you’re working a job in the afternoon, need a little extra time to study, or just don’t want to juggle coursework for multiple classes, this can be a great option for you.
You are able to concentrate on one subject at a time, which translates into greater depth of learning with an emphasis on application of learning, experiential learning, problem-based learning, and relationship development. This kind of learning tends to be especially impactful and, as many students report, relevant to the kinds of experiences they encounter after leaving college.
