College Transfer FAQs: How Do I Convert from Quarter Units to Semester Units?

About this article
While some administrative actions between schools are the same, different schools often have their own way of doing things. Quarter units and semester units are an example of this difference. This article tells you how to convert between the two and offers some considerations for transferring.
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Depending on whether the school you are applying to is on the semester system or the quarter system, you will have to adjust your units accordingly. The calculation is really quite simple. The important thing to keep in mind is that the units need to be consistent. So, if you have some semester units and some quarter units and you are applying to a semester school, convert only the quarter units and add the semester units to that calculation.

The calculation is as follows:

  • Semester Units = Quarter Units / 1.5
  • Quarter Units = Semester Units x 1.5

You'll need to indicate the number of units you'll have at the time of transfer. Thus, if you are applying to a school but have one more semester (or quarter) to go, then factor those units into the calculation as well. These units are important regardless whether you think the units will transfer to your new school. The application is only asking for total units.

The college to which you transfer will determine which courses will be accepted when you transfer, the number of credits to be awarded, and the type of credit to be given (general education, major requirements, or elective credit).

If you are concerned about what courses will transfer before you apply, check out a transfer guide from the college you want to attend. This document is typically provided by the admissions office. Also, check out the schools website because they will have transfer information there and they may even have the transfer guide too.

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Featured Schools

Saint Leo University

  • Doctor of Criminal Justice: Education
  • MS: Criminal Justice
  • BA: Criminal Justice
  • AA: Criminal Justice

What is your highest level of education completed?

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

  • Masters in Psychology
  • Masters in Dispute Resolution
  • Masters in Legal Studies

Which subject are you interested in?

Colorado Christian University

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP
  • Criminal Justice, M.S.
  • Communication Studies, B.A.

What is your highest level of education completed?

Grand Canyon University

  • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
  • M.S. Psychology with an Emphasis in Gerontology
  • Bachelor: Communications

What is your highest level of education?

Abilene Christian University

  • Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.)
  • Instruction and Learning (M.Ed.)
  • Psychology (BS)

What is your highest level of education completed?

National University

  • DBA - General Business
  • MAPsy - General Psychology
  • EdS - Educational Leadership

What is your highest level of education?

UMass Global

  • MA in Organizational Leadership
  • BA in Communications & Media
  • AA (General Education)

Which subject are you interested in?

Keiser University

  • Doctor of Criminal Justice
  • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with Interdisciplinary Concentration
  • B.A. - Legal Studies
  • Associate of Sciences - Information Technology

What is your highest level of education?