Get the details on ASU Online’s academic calendar and flexible start dates

Go to school on a schedule that works for you

ASU Online offers multiple start dates each semester, helping you earn your degree on a schedule that works for you. Having the choice of multiple start dates allows you the opportunity to balance work, family and other commitments with your education.

Most ASU Online programs have six session start dates per year. While fall and spring start dates are the same for each program, summer sessions may vary. The next start date is listed on each of our online degree program pages to help you plan accordingly.

ASU Online’s start dates

• ASU Online programs generally have two start dates each semester (referred to as session A and session B), although this does vary more so for master’s programs.
• Most programs begin in August (Fall A), October (Fall B), January (Spring A) and March (Spring B), with either one or two summer start dates.
• Programs with two summer start dates begin in May and have their second start date six to seven weeks into the semester.
  • Other programs only have one 7.5-week session during the summer beginning in May.

Details for current and upcoming semesters are found on Arizona State University's academic calendar.

Do shorter online sessions mean I can earn my degree faster?

Although the online sessions are shorter in length, online and on-campus degree programs at Arizona State University have the same requirements and learning outcomes. You must complete 120 credits to earn your bachelor’s degree. So, ultimately, your degree completion timeline is dependent on you.

Both online and on-campus students may enroll in up to 18 credits hours (or 19 credit hours for programs within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering) for spring and fall semesters and seven credit hours for each summer session.

“While ASU Online courses are condensed to 7.5-week sessions, you’re not completing four to five courses at a time as you may during an on-campus program,” said Sarah Shipp, director of academic portfolio management for EdPlus at ASU. “This gives you the opportunity to focus on one to three classes each session, while still completing your degree at a similar pace.”

Is it hard to keep up with classwork in a 7.5-week session?

Because the workloads can be more intense than 15-week courses, you’ll need to prioritize your time and have a plan to successfully complete the courses.

“The compressed term length moves quickly and you may find you need to organize your time differently, set up new routines and develop study skills that will help you be successful,” said Meredith Toth, associate dean of learning systems and design at ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.

ASU Online empowers student success with a suite of support services that are there to assist in your success every step of the way.

One resource provided to every ASU Online student is a success coach, who is dedicated to you from day one to graduation. Success coaches offer time management tips, connect you to resources and cheer you on throughout your educational journey.