Find Your Best Fit: UCF Course Modalities and Class Formats

Course Modality Update

New course modalities will go into effect starting Fall 2026. The modalities shown on this page reflect the updated approach beginning with the Fall term.

For Spring and Summer, please view the current course modality definitions for Spring and Summer 2026. These current modalities will cease to exist after the start of the Fall term.

Course modalities refer to the method in which a class is delivered or conducted, determining how students engage with content, interact with instructors, and participate in the learning experience.

Understanding course modalities helps you choose classes that align with your learning preferences, schedule, and level of independence. In-person courses follow set meeting times and offer structured, face-to-face engagement, while online courses require strong self-discipline, time management, and consistent commitment to stay on track. Recognizing these differences allows you to select the modality that best supports your academic success.

Your academic journey at UCF involves more than just selecting courses—the right modality can significantly impact your academic experience, influencing factors such as flexibility, engagement, and overall success. Whether you thrive in a traditional classroom setting, prefer the flexibility of online learning, or seek a blend of both, the table below will help you navigate the modality options at UCF. 

Fall 2026 Class Formats: In-Person to Online

P
Scheduled In-person Attendance: ✅ Yes Scheduled Online Attendance: ❌ No Distance Learning Fee: ❌ No UCF Online Eligible: ❌ No

In Person

In-Person (P) courses are the traditional college classroom experience. You’ll attend class in person on campus at scheduled days and times, learning directly with your instructor and classmates. Most instruction, activities, and interaction happen in the classroom.

Your course syllabus and grades will be in Webcourses@UCF (Canvas). You may also find class materials, course assignments, and quizzes in Webcourses@UCF too, but regular in-person attendance is required, and the core learning experience takes place face-to-face.

M
Scheduled In-person Attendance: ✅ Yes Scheduled Online Attendance: Conditional Distance Learning Fee: ❌ No UCF Online Eligible: ❌ No

Mixed Mode

Mixed-mode (M) courses combine in-person and online learning. Class meetings take place both in person, at scheduled times and locations, and online, which may be at scheduled times or asynchronous. All required class meetings are held on the days and times published in the schedule.

In addition to scheduled meetings, students will complete online coursework through Webcourses@UCF (Canvas), such as assignments, readings, videos, or activities. Both the on-campus and online parts of the course are required, so it’s important to plan for regular participation in each.

R
Scheduled In-person Attendance: ✅ Yes Scheduled Online Attendance: Conditional Distance Learning Fee: ✅ Yes UCF Online Eligible: ❌ No

Rotational

Rotational Attendance (R) courses are mostly online with few in-person meetings.

These courses also include a small number of required on-campus class meetings during the term. In-person sessions are scheduled in advance and listed in the course search. They are typically used for activities like group work, projects, presentations, or hands-on learning.

While you won’t be on campus every week, attendance at the required in-person meetings is mandatory, so be sure you’re able to participate on the dates listed for the course. Online attendance can be synchronous or asynchronous. Consult your course syllabus for scheduling expectations.

S
Scheduled In-person Attendance: ❌ No Scheduled Online Attendance: ✅ Yes Distance Learning Fee: ✅ Yes UCF Online Eligible: ✅ Yes

Synchronous Online

Synchronous Online (S) courses are fully online, with no required on-campus class meetings. You’ll attend scheduled class sessions online in real time using tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Class meetings follow the published days and times, and live attendance is required for those meetings. Course content, activities, and communication are delivered online through Webcourses@UCF (Canvas).

Exams and assessments are usually completed online, but some courses may require proctored exams. If in-person proctoring is required, students will be provided with appropriate options or accommodations based on location.

W
Scheduled In-person Attendance: ❌ No Scheduled Online Attendance: ❌ No Distance Learning Fee: ✅ Yes UCF Online Eligible: ✅ Yes

Asynchronous Online

Asynchronous Online (W) courses are delivered fully online and asynchronously, meaning you can access course materials and complete coursework on your own schedule.

There are no required class meetings, and no physical location is scheduled for instruction or exams. All instructional content, activities, and interactions take place online through Webcourses@UCF (Canvas).

Frequently Asked Questions

Synchronous classes require real-time participation, while asynchronous classes allow flexibility in accessing course materials and completing assignments.

Online course materials are typically available through Webcourses@UCF (Canvas), the university’s learning management system (LMS), where you can access lectures, readings, and assignments.

Students may take any mixture of modalities during a semester, but may not change an individual class modality during the semester.

The distance learning fee is $18 per credit hour for resident and non-resident students. It is used to support the extensive resources needed for UCF to maintain and grow its world-class online teaching and learning activities.

The level of difficulty can vary based on personal preferences and learning styles. Online classes may require self-discipline and time management skills.

Students registered for UCF Online are eligible to take Asynchronous Online (W) and Synchronous Online (S) course modalities.