Quarters and Semesters

Colleges and universities typically measure class time on a quarter or semester system. In a quarter system most classes are five credits. A five credit class would meet five hours a week for 11 weeks. A typical full time load for a student on a quarter system is three classes for 15 credits. There are three quarters in an academic year.

In a semester system most classes are three credits. A three credit class would meet three hours a week for 17 weeks. A typical full time load for a student on a semester system is five classes for 15 credits. There are two semesters in an academic year.

If you transfer to an institution that uses the semester system, the chart below shows you how your quarter credits will be converted.