The academic year in the United States generally lasts nine months, from late August or early September until the middle or end of May, and it may be divided into two, three, or four academic terms depending on the institution. 

If the year is divided into two terms, these are called the fall and spring terms, or “semesters.” Short breaks occur during both fall and spring terms, between  terms, and on public holidays. An optional summer term  is often available and provides the opportunity to continue  courses if you wish to accelerate your program. It is best to start a program in the fall term (beginning  in Aug/Sept). 

Many courses must be taken in sequence, and time may be lost in completing the degree if you start in another term. It is also easier to become accustomed to studying in the United States and to meet  other students in the department if you start at the beginning of the academic year. Lastly, scholarship opportunities  may be more readily available to students starting in the fall rather than midyear.

Course Load and Grading Systems

"Course load” refers to the number of courses students  take each term. The normal course load for a graduate  student is three or four courses, which equals approximately nine to 12 credits per term. 

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that international  students take a course load that is considered full-time by the institution. Passing grades are typically awarded on a scale of “A”  through “D,” and “F” indicates a failing grade for a  course. An average grade of “B” is usually the minimum  required for completion of a graduate degree program. Other grading systems may include a grade-point scale  from 0 to 3, 4, or 5; pass/fail; high pass/low pass; or other  variations.

Credit, course load, grading systems, and requirements  vary between institutions. Make sure you are aware of  the policies of an individual program and institution before you apply.