Starting in Fall 2026, our academic calendar will shift to a semester system. We understand that changes like this may bring questions, and this website will serve as your primary resource for everything related to the College of Engineering's transition—planning, updates, resources, advising, and more.
On This Webpage:
What's Changing in Fall 2026
Recent Updates
Semester Conversion Advising Materials
2025-2026 Tentative Course Offerings by Department
Check back regularly for important updates!
We also encourage you to explore the general University-Wide Semester Conversion Webpage.
What's Changing in Fall 2026
| |
Quarters |
Semesters |
| Academic Year |
Three academic year terms: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Plus Summer. |
Two academic year terms: Fall & Spring. Plus Summer. |
| Term Length |
10 Week + Finals |
15 Week |
| Typical Course Unit |
4 units |
3 & 4 units |
| Recommended Course Load |
16 units per quarter
4 classes
|
15 units per semester
5 classes
|
| Full-Time Status (take note for financial aid) |
12 units |
12 units |
| Academic Year Calendar |
Begins in September and ends in June (view 2025-2026 Academic Calendar) |
Begins in August and ends in May (view 2026-2027 Academic Calendar) |
| Course Numbers |
3 digits (ex. ENGL 145) |
4 digits (ex. ENGL 1145)
|
| General Education (GE) Pattern |
Current GE Information |
GE 2026 Template |
| Class Standing |
Units Completed:
0-44 Freshman
45-89 Sophomore
90-134 Junior
135+ Senior
|
Units Completed:
0-29 Freshman
30-59 Sophomore
60-89 Junior
90+ Senior
|
Most Recent Updates: Spring 2025
There is no need for immediate concern or action, but we do want to encourage students to be proactive in their planning for the next academic year (2025-2026), before the semester conversion. Courses you take next year, may impact your time to graduation. The College of Engineering is working on developing the resources you need to succeed.
Most importantly, please check your Cal Poly email for updates and events regarding the Semester Conversion.
View Upcoming Department Semester Conversion Info Sessions
Semester Conversion Advising Materials:
Our first semester catalog (2026–2027) will be published in Fall Quarter 2025 and include the finalized semester curriculum. Until then, you can begin planning potential courses with draft tools like transitional flowcharts and requirement mappings provided below.
You will have the option to stay on your current quarter-based catalog (2022–26) or switch to the new semester catalog.
- Staying on the Quarter Catalog (2022-2026 or earlier) --> You will take semester courses to complete your quarter catalog requirements as specified on the 2022-2026 catalog. You can use the tools below to understand which semester classes fulfill your remaining quarter requirements.
- Changing to the Semester Catalog (2026-2027) --> You will follow the new semester curriculum and use the tools below to understand what previously taken quarter courses may count towards your new semester catalog requirements
Below are drafted tools to support you. These tools are subject to change as programs are finalized. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to design an individualized plan for 2025-2026 based on your unique circumstances and credit. More support for Semester planning will be available next academic year.
2025-2026 Tentative Course Offerings by Department
As you plan, you may find it helpful to review when courses may be offered. As more information is collected, we will post it here, but note changes may occur.
Official Schedules will be posted on the following dates:
- Fall 2025: May 7, 2025
- Winter 2026: October 21, 2025
- Spring 2026: TBD
College of Liberal Arts - 2025-2026 Tentative Course Offerings
