Vanguard University operates on a three 16-week semester academic calendar.  The new academic calendar year begins in late August. Each semester may have eight- and five-week mini-terms built within the overall semester. The university's Academic Calendar can be accessed online. 

Fall Semester —The semester normally is scheduled from late August to the Christmas Holiday.

• For traditional undergraduate students, a normal load for the fall term is twelve (12) to eighteen (18) credits. Students receiving Cal Grant aid are encouraged to enroll in fifteen (15) credits during the Fall term.
• Students enrolled in Professional Education Programs and Credential Programs are required to take a minimum of twelve (12) credits to maintain full-time status during the Fall term.
• Students enrolled in Graduate programs are required to take a minimum of six (6) credits to maintain full-time status during the Fall term. 

Spring Semester —The semester normally is scheduled from early January to early May.

• For traditional undergraduate students, a normal load for the fall term is twelve (12) to eighteen (18) credits. Students receiving Cal Grant aid are encouraged to enroll in fifteen (15) credits during the Spring term.
• Students enrolled in Professional Education Programs and Credential Programs are required to take a minimum of twelve (12) credits to maintain full-time status during the Spring term.
• Students enrolled in Graduate programs are required to take a minimum of six (6) credits to maintain full-time status during the Spring term. 

Summer Semester —The Summer term, which normally is scheduled from mid-May through late August.

• Students in the traditional undergraduate program may enroll in courses during the summer term, but will need to consult their financial aid counselor to see if aid is available. Summer is not a required term for the traditional undergraduate program. 
• Students enrolled in Professional Education Programs and Credential Programs are required to take a minimum of twelve (12) credits to maintain full-time status in Summer to be covered by financial aid. Summer is a required term for Professional Education programs only. 
• Students enrolled in the following graduate programs are required to take a minimum of six (6) credits to maintain full-time status to be covered by financial aid. For other graduate programs, summer term is optional.
  • M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • M.A. in Theology
  • M.A. in Leadership Studies (English and Spanish)