semesters

Semesters are divisions of an academic year into two primary instructional periods. Each semester typically lasts about 15 to 18 weeks of teaching, followed by an examination period and a break. In many countries, notably the United States and much of Europe, the year is organized into fall and spring semesters, with optional summer sessions that may be shorter and sometimes non-credit.

During a semester, students enroll in courses that commonly total 12 to 18 credit hours for full-time status. The timetable includes add/drop periods, midterm assessments, holidays, and a final exam or project at the end of the term. Grades are awarded at the conclusion of the semester and contribute to a student’s cumulative GPA. Institutions may also incorporate short breaks within a semester, depending on the calendar.

Variations and regional use: A semester system is one of several academic calendar formats. Some countries use two main terms per year, others use quarters or trimesters, and some institutions run year-round schedules with different lengths for each term. Start dates and calendars differ by country and institution, with common patterns including fall and spring starts, and summer sessions that vary in length and credit value.

Impact and considerations: The two-semester model offers regular assessment and progression opportunities, but can affect transfer credits, study abroad planning, and course sequencing. It influences pacing, workload, and time to degree, with institutional differences in credit requirements and grading scales.

Etymology: The term semester derives from Latin semestrum, meaning "half-year," reflecting its role as half of the academic year. The system evolved as universities standardized calendars to organize instruction, exams, and holidays.