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Navigating the Semester Curriculum

Updated June 18, 2025

Beginning Fall 2026, Cal Poly will be on a 15 week, plus finals, semester system.

We understand that changes like this may bring questions and concerns. We are here to help.

This website will be your primary resource for the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics transition. It will feature resources related to tracking your degree progress before and after conversion, mapping which courses to take, and comparing quarter and semester versions of classes. It will also post information about policy changes and advice for navigating the transition, including advice specific to your major. We advise you to check back often, especially as we get closer to Fall 2026, to see what new information has been posted. And if you’re looking for something you don’t find, send us an email and let us know.

You should also check your Cal Poly email regularly and follow us on Instagram for helpful semester conversion tips.

Upcoming Events:

 

Department Events to Look out For
Bailey College Student Services  
Biological Sciences  
Marine Sciences  
Microbiology  
Chemistry  
Biochemistry  
Kinesiology  
Public Health  
Liberal Studies  
Mathematics  
Physics  
Statistics  

Check back here, watch your Cal Poly email, and follow us on Instagram for event updates and semester conversion tips!

Spring 2025 Updates:

Planning your Summer or Fall 2025 schedule? Review the major specific advice below for How to Prepare for Semester Conversion during the last year on quarters. Be sure to also check your Cal Poly email and review the emails sent by department section below. 

Your Semester Conversion Checklist

Coming Soon

Should I change to the semester catalog?

View recommendations

Major Started in Fall 2025 Started in fall 2024 Started prior to fall 2024
Biological Sciences First years - YES,  the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026.
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 
YES, the registrar will complete this switch in Fall 2026.

Probably not - Meet with an  Advisor

 

Chemistry/

Biochemistry

First years - YES, the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026.
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 
YES, the registrar will complete this switch in Fall 2026. Probably not - Meet with an Advisor
Kinesiology First years - YES, the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026.
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026.
Possibly - Meet with an Advisor to review changes and how your completed courses would apply Probably not - Meet with an Advisor
Public Health First years - YES, the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026.
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 

Possibly - Meet with an Advisor to review changes and how your completed courses would apply

Probably not - Meet with an Advisor

 

Liberal Studies
First years - YES, the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026.
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 
YES, the registrar will complete this switch in Fall 2026. Probably not - Meet with an Advisor
Marine Sciences First years - YES, the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 
Possibly - Meet with an Advisor to review changes and how your completed courses would apply

Probably not - Meet with an Advisor

 

Mathematics First years - YES, the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026.
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 
YES, the registrar will complete this switch in Fall 2026.

Probably not - Meet with an Advisor

 

Microbiology First years - YES, we will do this for you in Fall 2026
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 
Possibly - Meet with an Advisor to review changes and how your completed courses would apply

Probably not - Meet with an Advisor

 

Physics First years - YES, the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026.
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 
Yes, the registrar will complete this switch in Fall 2026.

Possibly- Meet with an Advisor

Statistics First years - YES, the registrar will do this for you in Fall 2026.
New Transfers - possibly, you can change with a simple form in Fall 2026. 

Yes, the registrar will complete this switch in Fall 2026.

Possibly- Meet with an Advisor
       

Click to schedule an appointment to meet with a Bailey College of Science & Mathematics Advisor!

Review your catalog rights

How to Prepare for Semester Conversion

Making the most of the last year on quarters

Started Fall 24 and prior

Tips for all majors:

  • Take advantage of summer 2025, if possible. This can help with the adjustment to semesters by allowing you to catch up to your expected academic progress or even get ahead in your coursework. Summer 2026 may have limited offerings.
  • Complete Area E GE, if not done already. Check your DPR if you are not sure. Area E GEs will no longer be offered when in semesters, but will still be required if it is on your catalog.
  • Check out year-round Tentative Course Offerings.
  • If possible, complete an average of 16 units fall 2025, winter 2026 and spring 2026.
  • Check Cal Poly email daily for updates from your major department and Bailey College Student Services Advising Center.
  • If you are on track now, you should still be able to graduate on time if you are following the guidance here, checking your email, and meeting regularly with Faculty Mentor and Academic Advisors!

Continue reading for major specific information. 

Biological Sciences

All Students:
At this point, there are no specific courses advised to take before or after semesters. The upcoming semester changes should not affect courses taken in 2025-2026. Please follow the general guidelines for all majors above and check with an advisor if you have any questions.
 

Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025

Tentative Course Offerings for 2025-26.

Chemistry & Biochemistry

All students: Students should plan to take CHEM 471 in Winter 2026 if they plan to take CHEM 351 (CHEM 3390), CHEM 353 (CHEM 3392) or CHEM 2203 in Fall 2026. Check with CHEM department for PCHEM recommendations.
 
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Kinesiology

All students: KINE 301 will be combined with KINE 403 beginning Fall 2026. Prioritize taking both KINE 301 & KINE 403 before Fall 2026. KINE 301 is a prerequisite to KINE 401. KINE 301 is offered in Fall 2025 or Winter 2026, and KINE 403 in Winter 2026 or Spring 2026. CHEM 216/312 was a prerequisite for a course that is no longer offered. Students can choose to take CHEM 129 instead. Contact Dr. Maurice for additional information. 

Exercise Science Concentration: KINE 445 will only be offered Fall 2025. Plan to take KINE 449 by Spring 2026, it will not be offered on semesters. KINE 454 will not be offered; choose a course from concentration electives. 

Health Promotion Concentration: Prioritize taking KINE 349 before Spring 2026.

Sport Science Concentration: KINE 308 is no longer offered-plan to take one of the following recommended courses: KINE 323, KINE 324, KINE 382, KINE 406 or KINE 409. 

Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025

2025-2026 Tentative Course Offerings

Email Communications from the KINE Department can be found HERE.

Liberal Studies

All Students:

Review the transitional flowchart by First Time Freshman (FTF) or Admit year. Prioritize taking ASTR 101, GEOG 308 and HLTH 443 before the end of Spring 2026.

Liberal Studies Flowchart- FTF Fall 2023

Liberal Studies Flowchart- FTF Fall 2024

Liberal Studies Flowchart- FTF Fall 2025

Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025

Tentative Course Offerings- 2025-2026- coming soon!

Marine Science

All students- You can substitute any MSCI, BIO, MCRO upper division course to satisfy this course requirement. You will need to submit a Petition for Major or Support Course Substitution/Exception - Undergraduate (E-Form) when you know the course you’ll be using as substitution. Consult with Drs. Adams, Pasulka or Ruttenberg for questions or course recommendations.

Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025

Tentative Course Offerings 2025-2026 (Note: the terms offered may differ from what shows on current flowchart)

Mathematics

All Students:

At this time, there are no specific courses advised to take before or after semesters. The upcoming semester changes should not affect courses taken in 2025-2026. Please follow the general guidelines for all majors above and check with an advisor if you have any questions.

Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025

 

Microbiology

All students: At this time, there are no specific courses advised to take before or after semesters. The upcoming semester changes should not affect courses taken in 2025-2026. Please follow the general guidelines for all majors above and check with an advisor if you have any questions.
 
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 
 

Physics

All Students: Prioritize taking the full PHYS 141-142-143 series by Spring 2026. 
 
Second Year: Plan to finish PHYS 211, PHYS 202, and PHYS 212 by Spring 2026.
 
Transitional Flowcharts: 
 
 
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 
 

Public Health

All Students: Prioritize taking HLTH 298 & HLTH 318 by Spring 2026- these 2 classes will be merged into one course (HTLH 3318) on semesters. Complete HLTH 320 and HLTH 334 by Spring 2026- these course will no longer be offered on semesters.

HLTH 453 will no longer be offered. Classes to take in place of HLTH 453 by concentration:

  •  Community & Public Health or Culture & Society Concentration
    • HLTH 450 (recommended), KINE 382 or KINE 412
  • Worksite & University Health Promotion Concentration
    • KINE 382 or KINE 412      
  • Physical Activity in Public Health Concentration
    • HLTH 450 (recommended) or KINE 382

For HLTH 453 course, substitution (HLTH 450, KINE 382, KINE 412) should automatically be applied to your degree progress report. 

Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025

Transitional Flowcharts- Coming soon!

2025-2026 Tentative Course Offerings

Department Communications can be found here

Statistics

All Students:

At this time, there are no specific courses advised to take before or after semesters. The upcoming semester changes will not affect courses taken in 2025-2026. Please follow the general guidelines for all majors above and check with an advisor if you have any questions.

Transitional Flowcharts:

Transitional Flowchart for FTF 2023

Transitional Flowchart for FTF 2024

Transitional Flowchart for FTF 2025

Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025

Statistics Advising Canvas Page

Started Fall 25

More Details Coming Summer/Fall 2025!

Tips for all majors:

Moving to the semester catalog is recommended for all first year students starting Fall 2025. New Transfer students starting Fall 2025 should check with an Academic Advisor. This will be discussed during virtual Transfer SLO Days.

Do Not Take:

  • Area E GE
  • Lower Division C GE elective
  • GE Electives

Only take a course that is designated as one of these GEs if it is a major or support course. Or, if you want to take the course for a minor or free electives. Otherwise, these will not be required on the semester catalog.

More Tips:

  • Do not make changes to your block schedules until you check with a Mustang Success Center Advisor or Bailey College Student Services Advisor!
  • If possible, complete an average of 16 units fall 2025, winter 2026, and spring 2026.
  • Check CP email regularly for updates from your major department and Bailey College Student Services Advising Center.
  • Check out year-round Tentative Course Offerings.
  • If you are on track now, you will still be able to graduate on time if you are following the guidance here, checking your email, and meeting regularly with Faculty Mentors and Academic Advisors!

Continue reading for major specific information.

Biological Sciences

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - Coming Summer 2025
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - Coming Summer 2025
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Kinesiology

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters- Coming Summer 2025
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Liberal Studies

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - here
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Marine Sciences

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - Coming Summer 2025
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Mathematics

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - Coming Summer 2025
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Microbiology

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - Coming Summer 2025
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Physics

Complete full series of PHYS 141-142-143- should be blocked into these courses. 

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - here
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Public Health

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - Coming Summer 2025
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025
 

Statistics

Flowcharts for 1 year on quarters + 3 years on semesters - here
Semester Equivalency Guide - Coming Fall 2025

What’s changing 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 + Finals
Typical Course Unit 4 units 3 & 4 units
Recommended Course Load

16 units per quarter

4 classes

15 units per semester

5 classes

Academic Year Calendar Begins in September and ends in June Begins in August and ends in May
Course Numbers 3 digits (ex. ENGL 145)

4 digits (ex. ENGL 1145)

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
Minimum Units for Degree

180 quarter units

 

120 semester units

Frequently Asked Questions:

About Semesters and Cal Poly's Conversion to Semesters

Why is Cal Poly Moving to a Semester Calendar?

In fall 2021, the CSU informed Cal Poly that the university is expected to move to semesters by fall 2025 (deadline since extended to fall 2026). The Chancellor’s letter outlined three primary reasons why a semester-based calendar will be beneficial to Cal Poly students.

  • First, a semester calendar will better allow Cal Poly to address some important articulation and equity issues.
  • Second, it will enhance student success in several areas, such as summer internship start and end dates and study abroad.
  • Third, the university can achieve greater administrative efficiency both locally at Cal Poly and more widely as part of the CSU system (as Cal Poly is currently the only university among the CSU’s 23 campuses that is on a quarters calendar).   

Read the chancellor’s full letter to President Armstrong on the  campus communications page.

What Are the Benefits of a Semester Calendar?

All the other CSUs and 113 California Community Colleges operate under a semester system. There are many benefits to the semester system:

  • Familiar Transition: With most high schools and the majority of the CA Community Colleges operating under semesters, the transition to a university under a similar semester system could feel more comfortable to students.
  • Student-Teacher Relationship: Since classes are formatted for longer amounts of time, students and teachers have more opportunity to foster relationships, which can lead to better mentorships and personalized professional references. Also, if a student is sick or out for some reason, they may have more time to catch up the material.
  • Shorter Classes: Weekly class sessions average shorter meeting time. The length of classes in the semester system tend to be 50-75 minutes, whereas some classes in the quarter system may be 90-120 minutes or more. Shorter classes can help students maintain focus throughout the class period.
  • More Time for Learning and Retention: The longer duration of semesters allows students more time to absorb and retain course material, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter, as well as more time to complete challenging assignments.
  • More Time for Breaks: The semester system offers longer breaks between semesters, providing students with more time for rest, personal pursuits, or internships. 
  • Professional Development: The semester system offers longer breaks. This gives professors more time to prepare for their semester or to engage in their own research.
  • Easier to Participate in Internships and Study Abroad: The typical semester calendar aligns better with internship and study abroad start and finish dates, making it more seamless for students to take advantage of these opportunities
  • Aligned with Real-World Work Schedules: Many jobs operate on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, making the semester system good preparation for the workforce. 

How is the University Supporting Students During the Conversion Process?

  • We will support students during the conversion process to semesters through communication, advising plans, summer offerings, and other programming. 
  • Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, faculty, and the entire campus community are all working to ensure that students who transition from quarters to semesters have the support they need to be successful. 
  • Faculty are dedicated to ensuring that our signature Learn by Doing curriculum and co-curriculum is preserved and enhanced. 

What Tools are Available to Help Students Prepare for Semester Conversion?

  • The Degree Progress Report (DPR) in your  My Cal Poly Portal lists the courses that you have completed and still need to complete. It will list both quarter and semester courses once the semester catalog is available (anticipated late fall 25 - early winter 26)
  • The Degree Planner in your Portal is a helpful tool for planning your remaining courses, including semester terms and courses! Please use this a course planning tool only and not for confirmation of your completed and remaining requirements. Your DPR should be used to confirm completed and remaining requirements.
  • The University Catalog  contains important information on course requirements, course descriptions, prerequisites, General Education, and university policies and procedures. 
  • Semester Equivalency Guides, comparing quarter and semester versions of classes, for each major and minor are coming soon!
  • Plus don't forget your Bailey College Student Servcies Advisors and your Major Advisors!

How many units will I need to take per semester term?

Students should take an average of 15 semester units per term. That will generally be 5 classes at 3 units per class. However, some classes vary in number of units. Over the course of a year, students should complete 30 semester units to stay on track. Summer courses can help if you are unable to complete the average 15 semester units in a term.

I was just admitted for Fall 2025! What does the change to semesters mean for me?

Great question! It means that your first year at Cal Poly will be on quarters and your Student Center will reflect major requirements based on the quarter catalog. In Fall 2026, we will transition all first-year students to the new semester catalog. New transfers should meet with an Advisor to determine if they should change catalogs, based on their transfer credit.

First-year students will be block scheduled into courses that will apply towards the semester major requirements. Please speak with a Mustang Success Center Advisor before making any changes to your schedule. New transfer students will be advised accordingly during Transfer SLO Days.

Information on what classes students should take, not take, and a flowchart of when to take specific classes will be posted on this website in the "How to Prepare for Semester Conversion" section above.

How is Cal Poly ensuring that students are not set back by this conversion?

Wonderful question! We all need to work together to be sure there is not a delay in graduation because of the semester conversion. This means that students have some responsibilities as well as departments and advisors.

Students should:

  • Read all Cal Poly emails and messaging from departments
  • Continue to review their Degree Progress Reports and our Semester Conversion website
  • Meet with an advisor with questions
  • Plan early for things like Study Abroad, adding a minor, or wishing to change majors

Departments will:

  • Send out important communications regarding Semester Conversion and major and course information
  • Some may hold meetings for students to review important aspects of Semester Conversion

Advisors will:

  • Develop and share conversion guides and keep this website up-to-date
  • Reach out to groups of students who need to know about specific changes
  • Offer special Semester Conversion advising events! Watch your Cal Poly email.

 

About My Degree Requirements

Do I still need to take all of the major courses listed in my DPR or on my curriculum sheet/flowchart?

Yes. If you are staying on the 2022-2026 or earlier quarter catalog, you do still need to fulfill each of your course requirements. However, if that particular course is no longer offered during semesters or has changed significantly, your department will have a different course planned for you to finish your degree. Your DPR, Degree Planner and the major equivalency guides linked above for your major will help you spot these situations. Check with an advisor if you have any questions.

How do I know how many free electives I still need?

Great question! It is not specifically noted in your DPR, but you can use your DPR to calculate how many free electives you need. It is the difference between how many total units you still need to reach a minimum of 180 quarter units vs how many units you think you still need for your major and GE courses. It can be confusing and hard to know for sure. We recommend that you meet with an Advisor to confirm how many free electives you still need.

What happens to sequence courses that were 3 quarters long?

Three quarter sequences, will likely have been modified into two semester courses. You can find and confirm the semester equivalent courses here: coming soon. If you are not sure about what to take, you can check with your advisor or faculty advisor.

When will my major courses be offered under semesters?

Each of the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics departments post term by term Tentative Course Offerings for each of their courses so that you know when they anticipate offering each quarter under semesters.

What will happen with my minor? Can I add a minor after semesters begin?

You can still finish or even add a minor during semesters!

Other FAQs

Can I still change my major? What if I am on an ICMA during the change to semesters?

Yes! You can still explore change of major opportunities. If you are interested in changing your major, we encourage you to start by reading about the change of major policies and procedures. After your first term at Cal Poly, you can submit a change of major inquiry/eligibility form. The Change of Major Coordinator for that major will reply with next steps. They will advise you on what type of classes you should take and, if applicable, you don't want to take during the transition to semesters.

If you are on an ICMA during the change to semesters you will simply follow the same requirements laid out in the agreement. If the requirements listed are a quarter course, you can find and confirm the semester equivalent course here: coming soon.

 

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