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The Shift from Quarter to Semester System in Higher Education

Between 1960 and 1975, U.S. college enrollment surged by 65% due to the baby boom, prompting many universities to adopt the quarter system to manage this influx. While the quarter system offered course variety and flexibility for students, it also presented challenges, including less time for in-depth learning and preparation. The University of Oregon Law School's successful transition to the semester system in 1973 marked a broader trend, with the majority of American universities now favoring semesters for enhanced educational outcomes.

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The Shift from Quarter to Semester System in Higher Education

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  1. Why the quarter system? College age population increases by 65% from 1960-1975 due to the baby boom Many universities switch to quarter system to accommodate higher enrollment Quarters were not viewed as a superior system for learning

  2. Pros and Cons of the Quarter System

  3. Pros – The Quarter System • Greater course variety • Easier to switch majors or double major • Undesirable courses finish quicker • Allows for more prerequisites before entering a major

  4. Cons – The Quarter System • Less student time for out-of-class preparation • less time for assessing student work • Many textbooks designed for semester system ;chapters skipped • Unable to go in-depth in the subject

  5. Semester system at UO • 1973 – The University of Oregon Law school switches to the semester system from quarter system • Chapin Clark , former UO Law School Dean “Transition was a great success” • UO Law school remains on Semester

  6. Semester system at UO • 1977 – University committee established to research advantages and disadvantages of semester system at UO • 1979 - Council of Deans votes 18 to 0 with 3 abstentions to recommend UO to switch to semester

  7. Support • “The new (semester) system has been in operation for five years with no complaints.” – Villanova University 1980 • “The students and faculty are well pleased with this change.” – The University of Colorado • “I feel that it has been a great success here, and I certainly recommend it to any institution for its adoption.” – University of Kansas

  8. National Trend • Currently 90% of American Universities are on the semester system • Several more universities are in the process of switching • University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, Cal State LA

  9. The Vehicle? The Semester System

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