What Is an Intersession (J-Term)?

An intersession is a short academic term that falls between the fall and spring semesters, usually in January, which is why it is often called a J-term, winter term or January term. It lasts about three to four weeks and is designed for intensive study of a single subject, travel courses, internships or independent projects.

How it works

Colleges with an intersession set aside a period after winter break and before the spring semester. Students typically take one course that meets most weekdays for several hours, earning one to four credits. Courses are often unusual or experiential, such as a field trip to another country, a hands-on workshop, an internship or a deep dive into a topic that does not fit the regular schedule.

Participation can be required or optional. Some colleges, built around a 4-1-4 calendar (four months, one month, four months), expect students to take a J-term course each year, while others offer it as an option to speed up or lighten loads.

Benefits

• Focus on one subject with fewer distractions.
• Experiential learning, including travel and field work.
• Earning credits in a short period.
• Exploring subjects outside your major.
• Gaining momentum, since you can get ahead on requirements or catch up after a poor semester.

What to check

• Cost, including tuition, fees, travel and housing.
• Financial aid, since J-term aid is often limited.
• Course load and pacing: intensive courses require full-time effort and little else.
• Housing and dining, which may be closed or limited.
• Credit transfer, for courses taken at other colleges.

Is it for you?

An intersession works best if you want a focused experience or need a few credits without taking on a semester of work. If you work or travel, check your availability.

Related terms

See summer session, semester, term, academic calendar and credit hour.