TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough College is offering over 1,100 Flexible Start classes this coming semester, with more than a quarter of its enrolled students taking courses that condense a traditional 16-week schedule into shorter periods of time.

The classes include five- and 12-week options, along with other condensed formats. The college said that about 100 of the flexible start courses are offered as hybrid classes, with one day on campus each week and the rest online. Another 900 classes are offered completely online.

Christopher Reed, a Hillsborough College student in his last semester, said the format helps him stay on track as he works toward transferring to the University of South Florida.

“Currently, I’m doing business admin and once I transfer, I’ll get into supply chain management,” Reed said.

Reed served five years in the Navy before starting college.

Reed said the shorter courses also help veterans maintain full-time status while using benefits.

“I have a five-week class right now. And then once that ends, as soon as that ends, I’ll pick up on one of the flex classes or a 12-week class, and that will carry me out throughout the semester,” Reed said. “So that helps veterans like myself stay full time so that we get the full GI Bill.”

Katen Amin, a marketing professor at Hillsborough College, teaches many Flexible Start courses. He said some subjects can fit into a shorter timeline, but students should expect the same amount of work in less time.

“For example, a marketing class like I teach, you could probably learn that in eight weeks or 12 weeks, just as much as 16,” Amin said. “So it does increase the workload. I will tell you that you’re taking 16 weeks, now you’re doubling the work effort if you make it an eight-week course, because we’re not going to take out work.”

Amin said the condensed pace has not kept students from enrolling or succeeding.

“I’ve seen countless, countless students all the way from dual-enrollment students from high school, all the way to retirees in the 60s,” Amin said.

Reed said he has received support from professors as he prepares for the next step in his education.

“A lot of the professors here are very passionate about their careers and about whatever it is they’re teaching,” Reed said. “They’re helpful. I enjoy it overall, and I’m excited to see what USF has.”

The 12-week Flexible Start courses begin on Monday.