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The Quarter System at the University of California
Most University of California (UC) campuses operate on the quarter system. The academic year is divided into four 10-12 week terms: fall, winter, spring, and summer.
Typical Schedule:
- Fall Quarter: September – December
- Winter Quarter: January – March
- Spring Quarter: March – June
- Summer Quarter: June – September
Students typically take 3–4 classes per quarter, with classes beginning in September and concluding at the end of the academic year in early July. While UC Berkeley and UC Merced operate on a semester system, other UC schools use quarter systems, making it one of the few large university systems still relying heavily on quarters.
1. Why Does UC Use the Quarter System?
In response to an enrollment boom nearly 60 years ago, UC transitioned to a faster-paced quarter system to serve more students with shorter classes throughout the year. This shift followed a national trend influenced by universities like Stanford, which had used quarters since World War I to accommodate students in military training programs.
However, today, only about 50 campuses nationwide use the quarter system, down from nearly 150 in the mid-1990s, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics.
2. Quarter vs Semester System
Most U.S. colleges and high schools use semesters, dividing the academic year into two 14 to 20-week terms (fall and spring), with breaks in summer, winter, and spring. Students typically take 4-5 courses per semester, with classes beginning in late August and ending in early May.
Quarter System | Semester System |
Benefits: Fewer classes per term, lighter workloads, and greater flexibility to explore various courses and change majors due to shorter term lengths. | Benefits: More time for in-depth learning, extended opportunities to engage with professors, and longer summer breaks for internships. |
Downsides: Shorter breaks between terms, fast-paced classes, and potential challenges when transferring to semester-based schools. | Downsides: Longer courses may lead to procrastination, limited flexibility for students to change majors without delays, and extended breaks may reduce motivation. |
Why is the University of California Considering This Change?
The UC system is considering switching to semesters to make things easier for students, faculty, and staff across its campuses. A group has been studying this idea to determine its potential impact on student success, academic schedules, and associated costs.
Here are the main reasons UC is considering the change:
Making It Easier for UC Schools to Work Together
Currently, not all UC schools follow the same schedule, which can make it challenging to plan activities, events, and classes that involve students and teachers from different campuses. For example, it’s hard to organize systemwide student activities or professional events when each campus starts and ends classes at different times.
By using the same semester schedule, UC could:
- Plan systemwide activities and conferences more easily.
- Help students join academic programs and extracurricular activities across UC campuses.
- Make it simpler for student athletes and those involved in internships or research to participate in activities without scheduling conflicts.
Offering More Classes and Opportunities for Students
A shared semester system could help UC:
- Offer specialized classes that may not have enough students on one campus but could fill up if offered across the system.
- Better manage popular classes that often fill up quickly.
- Allow more UC students to take college classes while still in high school or to enroll in courses at California Community Colleges, providing students with more flexibility in building their schedules and earning credits.
Providing Students with Better Learning and Career Development Opportunities
Semesters are longer than quarters, which can:
- Give students more time to understand class materials, complete big projects, and do research without feeling rushed.
- Make it easier for teachers to adjust their teaching methods to help students learn better.
- Allow students to finish their spring semester earlier, giving them a better chance to get paid summer internships and jobs.
A semester system would also align UC’s calendar with most other colleges in the state, including California State University campuses and community colleges, making it easier for students to transfer or take classes at other schools.
Improving Efficiency for Teachers and Staff
Moving from three quarters to two semesters each year could:
- Reduce the number of registration periods and schedule changes that staff have to handle.
- Provide teachers and staff with longer breaks between terms to rest and prepare, which could enhance their overall productivity and well-being.
By aligning with the semester system, UC aims to provide students with more time to engage in in-depth learning, access a wider range of opportunities, and eliminate barriers when taking classes across campuses or transferring to other schools. While no decision has been made yet, UC leaders are carefully considering whether this shift could help students and the entire UC system grow stronger in the future.
You can find the full report of the study here.
Get Ahead of the Curve
Challenges of Switching to the Semester System
While there are many possible benefits, moving from the quarter system to the semester system would not be easy for the University of California. There are several challenges that UC would need to address if it decides to implement this change.
Cost of the Change
Switching to semesters would be costly. It is estimated that implementing the change across all UC campuses would cost between $288 million and $371 million. This money would go toward:
- Updating courses and program structures to fit the new schedule.
- Changing how students register for classes and receive advising.
- Updating computer systems and communication tools across campuses.
These high costs come at a time when UC is already dealing with budget cuts and hiring freezes, making it harder to find the financial resources required for such a significant transition.
Possible Impact on Student Outcomes
A study in 2022 found that switching to semesters can have adverse effects for students in the short term, such as:
- Lower graduation rates.
- Lower grades for some student groups.
- Delays in choosing a major, which can slow down progress toward graduation.
Extra Workload for Faculty and Staff
Changing to a new system would also create extra work for teachers and staff, including:
- Redesigning courses and programs to fit the semester schedule.
- Creating new advising plans for students during the transition.
- Learning the new system while continuing to help students with their classes.
- Updating agreements with California’s community colleges so credits continue to transfer properly.
Teachers are also concerned that this additional workload could take away from the time they need for research and class preparation, especially since many are still recovering from the challenges of the pandemic.
Classroom Space Issues
Moving to a semester system could also mean that some classes, especially popular ones, would need larger classrooms or more time slots to fit all interested students. Without enough large classrooms or online options, it could become harder for students to get into the classes they need.
Risk of Misaligned Timing
Transitioning during a period of institutional stress (post-pandemic recovery, budget cuts, hiring freezes) may:
- Stretch already limited staff and faculty capacity.
- Risk diminishing morale across campuses.
- Lead to implementation challenges that affect students’ academic experiences and progress.
As UC continues to consider switching to the semester system, it will need to weigh the benefits of giving students more time to learn and explore opportunities against the challenges of increased costs and school adjustments. This decision will take time, but it shows that UC is seeking ways to improve students’ experiences and prepare them for future success. Whether or not the change happens, these discussions reflect UC’s ongoing commitment to providing the best possible educational environment for its students.
Prepare for the Transition with Aralia
Whether you’re planning to apply to a UC school or adjusting your academic strategy because of the change, Aralia is here to help. Our expert instructors offer personalized guidance and enrichment classes to help students stay ahead, strengthen their academic foundation, and make the most of every term, semester or quarter.
