Graduate Programs Move to Semesters

Seattle University is shifting graduate programs to semesters in Summer 2027 to enhance flexibility, align with career demands and support student success.

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What Graduate Students Need to Know

Beginning in Summer 2027, the first term of the 2027–2028 academic year, Seattle University will transition from a quarter system to a semester calendar. Summer 2027 will begin in June with an abbreviated schedule, followed by the Fall semester at the end of August. 

This change is designed to better support working professionals and online learners by aligning our academic structure with the realities of graduate study, career advancement, and personal responsibilities. About 95% of colleges and universities in the United States use a semester system, making it the most widespread academic structure nationwide.  

What This Means for You

As the transition takes place, we are working to help ensure there are minimal impacts on your time-to-completion or program cost. We’re here to support you through every stage of your program, and all students will work closely with an advisor to map out an individual degree completion plan. 

Why This Matters for You

Seattle University recognizes that many graduate students are balancing full-time careers, family commitments, and community leadership alongside their studies. Moving to semesters offers important advantages: 

Longer semesters allow for deeper engagement with course material while providing added flexibility if professional or personal challenges arise. The extended timeline can help reduce the pace-related pressure of shorter quarters and support steady progress toward graduation. 

A semester calendar more closely matches the timelines used by many employers, school districts, health care systems, nonprofits, and corporate organizations. This alignment can create smoother coordination for internships, practicums, research projects, and professional advancement opportunities. 

Longer terms mean extended tuition payment timelines, which can make financial planning more manageable for working graduate students. 

With fewer term transitions throughout the academic year, semester scheduling can make it easier to plan ahead—whether coordinating peak work seasons, travel, or family responsibilities. 

Additional Information

More details — including updated academic calendars, registration timelines, and FAQs — will be shared over the coming months. If you have questions, please contact your program office or graduate advisor at any time. 

Supporting a Smooth Transition

We are committed to ensuring a clear and thoughtful transition for current and incoming students. Academic programs will carefully map coursework to protect your progress toward degree completion. Advisors and program teams will provide guidance to help you understand how the new calendar structure may impact your academic plan. 

Semester Wins in the News

Semester Wins

A planned move to a semester calendar—from a quarterly one—will allow SU to further support all students in all ways.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle University’s goal is to ensure that all graduate students can complete their programs on time. Academic advisors and program directors will provide transition plans if a student’s program overlaps with the calendar change. 

In many cases, the overall number of credits required for a degree will remain comparable, though they may be expressed differently in semester units. 

Seattle University will provide program-specific guidance, so students clearly understand how credits apply toward their degrees. 

Students who are already enrolled during the transition will receive individualized guidance from their program and advisors. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal impact on degree progress. 

The workload per course may feel different because semester courses run longer than quarter courses. However, the overall academic expectations and rigor of graduate programs will remain consistent. The longer semester timeline allows for a more balanced pace, giving students additional time to engage with course material, complete assignments and manage their academic responsibilities alongside work and personal commitments.

Yes. Many Seattle University graduate programs serve working professionals, and maintaining flexible scheduling options will remain a priority during the transition. 

The modality of programs (online, hybrid, or in-person) is not determined by the academic calendar and will continue to be based on program design.  

The switch to semesters doesn't automatically alter tuition structures. Any changes concerning tuition or financial aid will be communicated clearly beforehand.  

No. The transition to semesters will not affect the accreditation status of Seattle University’s programs. Academic programs will continue to meet the same accreditation standards and requirements established by their respective accrediting bodies. The change in academic calendar simply adjusts the timing and structure of courses, not the quality, rigor or learning outcomes of the programs.

Contact Us

Ask Questions About the Move to Semesters

For more information about the Summer 2027 move to the semester schedule, please contact us using the form below.

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