BSU Academic Calendar

Bowie State University, located in Maryland, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar, consisting of Fall and Spring semesters, with optional Summer sessions. The Fall semester typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in mid-May. Summer sessions often run from late May through July, offering condensed courses for students seeking to accelerate their studies. A notable feature of Bowie State’s calendar is its alignment with major holidays, providing extended breaks during Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Break periods to accommodate student and faculty needs.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated) – Classes begin for the Fall term.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025 – University closed for the national holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated) – Extended break for students and faculty.
• Final Exams (Fall): December 8–12, 2025 (estimated) – End-of-semester assessments.
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 11, 2026 (estimated) – University closed for the holiday season.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated) – Classes resume for the Spring term.
• Spring Break: March 16–22, 2026 (estimated) – Mid-semester break for students.
• Final Exams (Spring): May 4–8, 2026 (estimated) – End-of-semester assessments.
• Commencement: May 15, 2026 (estimated) – Graduation ceremonies for eligible students.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated) – For Fall 2025 admission; decisions typically released by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 15, 2025 (estimated) – Final deadline for Fall 2025 applications; decisions expected by late March.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2025 (estimated) – Recommended date to submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated) – Deadline to confirm enrollment for admitted students.
• International Student Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (estimated) – Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing and other requirements.

The academic calendar at Bowie State University aligns closely with regional and national norms for public universities in the Mid-Atlantic area, ensuring compatibility with federal holidays like Labor Day and Thanksgiving. This structure offers predictability for students, including international ones, who benefit from clearly defined breaks for travel or visa-related needs. Additionally, the university’s optional Summer sessions provide flexibility for those aiming to complete coursework ahead of schedule or engage in internships. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, students are encouraged to check official university communications for confirmed schedules.