Three Track System
BYU-Idaho operates year-round with three distinct 14-week semesters:
Fall, Winter, and Spring Semesters.
Each admitted student is assigned to a Track consisting of two semesters.
Fall, Winter, and Spring Semesters.
Each admitted student is assigned to a Track consisting of two semesters.
- • Fall & Winter Track
- • Winter & Spring Track
- • Spring & Fall Track
Winter Semester
Early January - Mid April
Spring Semester
Mid April - Mid July
Fall Semester
Mid September - Mid December
Getting a Track Assignment
As part of the admission process, BYU-Idaho students are assigned to a specific track that remains permanent through graduation. Track assignments are carefully considered, with the goal of enrolling a balanced and varied student body across all three semesters. Students are assigned a track as part of their offer to attend BYU-Idaho.
Accept your offer now to see what track you have been assigned.
Accept your offer now to see what track you have been assigned.
Attend School Year-Round with Flex Semesters
The two semesters of the students’ track are when they will enroll in classes. The semester that is not on their track is considered a Flex Semester, where students have many options. A list of these options is in the dropdown menu below. A student's track remains with them for the duration of their time at BYU-Idaho.
Students are required to enroll in at least one class each semester of their track assignment or defer their enrollment in order to maintain their active enrollment status at BYU-Idaho. Wondering what to do in your 'flex semester' (the semester you aren't assigned to attend BYU-Idaho)? Consider these options:
Online Courses
Students attending only online classes during their flex semester are eligible for a tuition discount of over $50 per credit!
Online courses from BYU-Idaho can be taken in any semester, regardless of track assignment, and from anywhere in the world where internet access is available. This option is frequently used by students who want to continue their education while working. For students who have been admitted and assigned a track, no separate application is required to enroll in these courses.
Working
Many students will take advantage of their flex semester to work and save money that will help offset the upcoming costs of their education. Many students have found that the Three Track System schedule provides a calendar that supports work opportunities very well suited to their future career, or which they may not have had otherwise.
Internships
Internships are required for most BYU-Idaho degrees and can be done in any semester of the year, whether during your track or flex semester. You can contact Academic Advising for more information about when to plan your internship.
Overrides
When space is available, BYU-Idaho may extend invitations to students to attend as full-time students during a student's flex semester as a means of helping students graduate more quickly. Overrides are given based on available space. Students on all tracks are currently automatically given overrides for their Flex semester. As enrollment changes, students will be notified if additional requirements are needed to receive an override.
Transfer Work
Many students capitalize on the Three Track System by taking courses at other colleges/universities during their flex semester. This usually works best for students whose flex semester is Fall or Winter. For information about transferring credits to BYU-Idaho, email transfer@byui.edu or visit our transfer course matrix page. We encourage students to work closely with Academic Advising if they want to pursue this option.
Block Classes
For convenience or scheduling purposes, some students choose to take courses offered on an abbreviated schedule called 'block classes'. These classes typically last for half the semester (about 7 weeks) and usually meet every day during that time. A student must be on-track or have an override for the semester in order to take block classes during the day.
Summer Session
BYU-Idaho offers courses between Spring and Fall semesters on a 7-week schedule called Summer Session.
Online Courses
Students attending only online classes during their flex semester are eligible for a tuition discount of over $50 per credit!
Online courses from BYU-Idaho can be taken in any semester, regardless of track assignment, and from anywhere in the world where internet access is available. This option is frequently used by students who want to continue their education while working. For students who have been admitted and assigned a track, no separate application is required to enroll in these courses.
Working
Many students will take advantage of their flex semester to work and save money that will help offset the upcoming costs of their education. Many students have found that the Three Track System schedule provides a calendar that supports work opportunities very well suited to their future career, or which they may not have had otherwise.
Internships
Internships are required for most BYU-Idaho degrees and can be done in any semester of the year, whether during your track or flex semester. You can contact Academic Advising for more information about when to plan your internship.
Overrides
When space is available, BYU-Idaho may extend invitations to students to attend as full-time students during a student's flex semester as a means of helping students graduate more quickly. Overrides are given based on available space. Students on all tracks are currently automatically given overrides for their Flex semester. As enrollment changes, students will be notified if additional requirements are needed to receive an override.
Transfer Work
Many students capitalize on the Three Track System by taking courses at other colleges/universities during their flex semester. This usually works best for students whose flex semester is Fall or Winter. For information about transferring credits to BYU-Idaho, email transfer@byui.edu or visit our transfer course matrix page. We encourage students to work closely with Academic Advising if they want to pursue this option.
Block Classes
For convenience or scheduling purposes, some students choose to take courses offered on an abbreviated schedule called 'block classes'. These classes typically last for half the semester (about 7 weeks) and usually meet every day during that time. A student must be on-track or have an override for the semester in order to take block classes during the day.
Summer Session
BYU-Idaho offers courses between Spring and Fall semesters on a 7-week schedule called Summer Session.
If you still have concerns about your assigned semester schedule after reviewing the year-round enrollment options, please feel free to reach out using the chat feature in the bottom right hand corner of the page or call. (208) 496-1411.
Contact Admissions with your questions, no matter if you are a prospective, current, or Pathway student!