Navigating The Fast Lane: A Qualitative Exploration of Student Perspectives On Accelerated Versus Regular Course Types

The tech industry is experiencing a growing demand for skilled professionals, leading to the emergence of accelerated courses as a potential solution to the talent shortage. To address the increasing number of vacant information technology (IT) and cybersecurity positions, educational institutions have begun offering accelerated courses and programs aimed at reducing the time needed to obtain an IT degree. This qualitative research study aims to examine student perceptions of accelerated (8-week) courses compared to regular (16-week) courses. The study surveyed 82 students from three universities in New Mexico, Alabama, and Florida. The findings highlight unique concerns such as scheduling, focus, stress, workload, and content coverage in accelerated courses; while course difficulty favored regular courses with longer durations. Common themes favorable to both course types include retention, learning, preference, and pace.