Unique Ways to Earn Credit with J-Term

Students can take a variety of courses over winter break in order to catch up on credits. Photo by James McIntosh.

For those who don’t want to take a prolonged break from school or are looking to earn additional credits in a shortened time period, winter J-Term courses are a way for students to kick off the new year with their pick of a variety of different classes. 

The varied selection of classes allows J-Term to be anything a student needs it to be. There are numerous general education courses for those that may be a few credits behind. However, major-specific classes are also available for certain departments. Majors such as business or communications are more likely to offer J-Term courses since the information can be taught in a shorter period of time. 

Internship courses and study-away programs are also available for students looking to gain experience for their careers. 

As a whole, the broad range of classes offered is designed for students to utilize the J-Term to best fit their academic needs and goals. 

Unlike the fall and spring semesters, the maximum number of credits that can be taken in a single J-Term semester is four. This is partially because classes typically meet more frequently throughout the week and for a longer duration of time than standard fall and spring semester classes. 

“They’re more intense,” said John Olerio, assistant director of the Winter J-Term semester. “They require a different approach, but students tend to enjoy the singular focus as opposed to dividing their attention between five different classes.”

Many classes being offered are unique only to the J-Term. One such class is ITR 300: Career Planning: Concepts and Skills. This course takes students off campus to meet with potential employers within Rhode Island. 

This course includes sections for majors in humanities, health sciences, economics and the Harrington School of Communication, which will be traveling to NYC. To be eligible, one must have sophomore standing or above. 

The school of education is offering EDC 478: Problems in Education. This course provides participants with the opportunity to be certified in mental health first aid. To examine how the criminal justice system handles juvenile offenders, SOC 447 offers field experience throughout the state to study juvenile justice.

Another opportunity for those looking to continue focusing on academics over winter break is the study away program. The program sends students to different parts of the country, with the Harrington School of Communication and Media traveling to Florida to go to Disney World and Exercise Physiology going to Hawaii. 

Online options are also available. Online courses increased from nine being offered last year to 15 being offered this year. 

There are also blended course options, combining meeting online with the traditional classroom setting. The online element for blended classes can vary from 24 percent of the course to as much as 74 percent of the course. Olerio says it’s important to view the course schedules to find the balance that works best for the student.

For sany student considering enrolling, Olerio said the experience is beneficial.

 “I am always amazed at how universally positive feedback is,” Olerio said. “It’s a big commitment, but many say they’re glad they did it.”

For the 2019-2020 academic year, Winter J-Term courses begin on Jan. 2, 2020 and run until Jan. 17, 2020. Registration began for all students on Oct. 28 and is open right up until classes begin. However, students are encouraged to enroll soon as space in most courses is limited and over 700 students have already enrolled.