Semester Transition FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the semester transition in Quinlan School of Business graduate programs.
For personalized guidance, contact your academic advisor or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu. Please avoid making academic or financial decisions based on assumptions or incomplete information about the transition.
About the transition
What is the semester transition?
All Quinlan School of Business graduate programs are moving from a quarter-based academic calendar (four terms per year) to a semester-based academic calendar (three terms per year), effective Fall 2027. This transition aligns Quinlan's calendar with the broader structure of Loyola University Chicago and with the majority of graduate programs nationally. We are committed to supporting all students through this transition.
When does the transition take effect?
The semester schedule will begin with the Fall 2027 term. Students who complete their programs before Fall 2027 will not be affected by this transition. Students continuing into Fall 2027 should contact their academic advisor for personalized guidance on the transition or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu.
What is the difference between the quarter-based and the semester-based calendar?
The semester-based academic calendar consists of 15-week terms in the fall and spring, along with a 10-week summer session. The quarter-based academic calendar has 10-week terms for fall, winter, spring, and summer.
How will this affect my financial aid, billing, or scholarship?
Have questions about your aid package or next steps? Visit the Loyola Financial Aid Office contact page to find the best way to connect with that team. For questions about billing, payment, or payment plans, please contact Loyola's Bursar's Office. The Quinlan School of Business does not manage financial aid or billing.
Impact on your academic program
Will my program requirements change?
For students who are continuing through Fall 2027, degree requirements will change to fit the semester schedule. The redesigned semester curriculum and transition plans for current students will be available in Spring 2027. Contact your academic advisor for personalized guidance or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu. Please avoid making academic or financial decisions based on assumptions or incomplete information about the transition.
I expect to finish my program before Fall 2027. Do I need to worry about this transition?
No, you will not be affected. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your academic advisor or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu.
I will still be enrolled in Fall 2027. What effect will this have for me?
Students who continue into Fall 2027 will transition to the semester schedule and redesigned curriculum. Contact your academic advisor for personalized guidance or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu. The redesigned semester curriculum and transition plans for current students will be available in Spring 2027.
Will the transition delay my graduation?
Quinlan is committed to keeping you on track toward degree completion. Contact your academic advisor for personalized guidance or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu. The redesigned semester curriculum and transition plans for current students will be available in Spring 2027.
What happens to my earned credits and GPA in the transition to semesters?
Continuing students (those enrolled before Fall 2027) will retain all of their course credits and GPA from the quarter system.
I am planning a leave of absence, or I previously stopped out of my program. What should I know?
If you are planning a leave of absence or plan to return to a Quinlan graduate program after time away, contact your academic advisor for personalized guidance or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu.
I am a Loyola University Chicago employee using my tuition benefit to attend Quinlan. What does this transition mean for me?
The tuition benefit is not currently changing. For questions about how this transition affects your benefits, contact the Loyola Human Resources Benefits office at benefits@luc.edu. For questions about the academic transition, contact your academic advisor or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu.
What the semester schedule means
What will the class schedule look like under the semester model?
Quinlan will generally follow the standard Loyola class schedule. Classes are currently planned to run Monday through Thursday, with evening blocks planned for 4:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cohort-based MBA programs, including the Baumhart Scholars MBA, Executive MBA, and Healthcare Management MBA will follow a customized class schedule. Timing will be finalized when the redesigned semester curriculum and transition plans for current students are available in Spring 2027.
How will the curriculum be structured?
The curriculum will be organized around core, flex core, ethics, and elective requirements. The redesigned semester curriculum will be available in Spring 2027.
Will the quality of my degree be affected?
No, the quality of your degree will not change. The semester transition is a structural calendar change. The quality of the Quinlan education—including top faculty and rigorous courses grounded in ethics—will not change.
How do I find out how my specific program is changing?
The redesigned semester curriculum will be available in Spring 2027. For questions about the semester transition, contact your academic advisor or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu.
More information
Where will I get updates about the semester transition?
Updates will be shared through the Quinlan Graduate Announcements newsletter and official Quinlan Graduate Programs emails. You can also check this page for the latest confirmed information, contact your academic advisor, or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu.
What should I do if I have a question not answered here?
Please contact your academic advisor or email Q2S-Questions@luc.edu. This page will be updated as additional information becomes available.