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J-Term at Drake

One course. Three weeks. Endless opportunities.

J-Term at Drake

For three weeks in January, Drake students may choose to take a January Term—often referred to as J-Term. J-Term is a single 3-credit course that provides a focused learning experience in a small-group setting. Drake offers both on-campus and study abroad J-Term courses each year. J-Term is a great opportunity to explore new interests or fit in an international experience that would otherwise be tough with a packed schedule.

J-Term courses are designed to be flexible, and course options are varied according to level of study. Whether you need to meet an AOI or Honors Program Track requirement that's been difficult to schedule, or take on an advanced course in your major that is uniquely structured for an intensive learning environment, J-Term can help you stay on track to graduate on time.

A Different Way to Learn

Whether you're on campus or abroad, refining your major or exploring a new interest, J-Term is perfectly situated to give you the flexibility and variety in your coursework needed to graduate on track and on time.

What Students Say

"I learned so much about the world and myself. I think [my J-Term experience] really expanded my horizons and made me learn that there is so much more than the US."

"This [J-Term] course showed me the interconnectedness of humanity while also conveying each nation's unique characteristics, even within the same geographic region."

Students consistently describe J-Term as one of the most memorable academic experiences at Drake. In surveys, 94% of Drake students say they would recommend taking a J-Term course.

Frequently Asked Questions about J-Term

Any degree or non-degree seeking student is eligible to take a J-Term course. The only exception is that all students taking J-Term classes must be in their second year at Drake or older. First-year students are not eligible for J-Term until their following year.

Drake does not require our students to take J-Term courses. They are simply an opportunity to squeeze in a few more credits toward your major(s) or minor(s) or explore a topic without dedicating a full semester of study toward it.

Each year, Drake University offers a variety of courses and topics during J-Term across each of Drake's undergraduate colleges and schools. Below are a sample of our on-campus and travel J-Term options. 

On-Campus Sample J-Term Courses

  • Blacksmithing and the Art of Utility
  • Music Video Production
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Feminism in American Film & Fiction
  • Textile & Fiber Art
  • Digital Ethics

J-Term Travel Seminar Sample J-Term Courses*

  • Leadership at Sea
  • Malaysia & Singapore: Crossroads of Globalization
  • Art & Anatomy in Renaissance Italy
  • Belize: Hillside Healthcare
  • Chilean Wine Industry
  • French Composers and the Paris Conservatoire

*J-Term travel seminars may include additional costs to the student, such as airfare, lodging, meals, and more. Exact costs associated with travel seminar options are available upon inquiry in Drake's study abroad portal, Via.

There is a $50 per credit fee for J-Term courses. Additional costs associated with domestic or international travel, housing, or meals may apply.

Students needing on-campus J-Term housing will be placed in Jewett Hall, based on available space. Students who need on-campus housing will be charged a room and board fee of $65 per day for all dates of J-Term, beginning the day before the term starts and ending the day after the term is complete. Students taking a J-Term course that is partially on-campus and partially abroad will be prorated based on the number of days spent on-campus according to the course syllabus.

J-Term credits are combined with a student's spring semester credits, so if the combination of spring and J-Term credits surpasses 18 credits, an additional overload fee will be charged.

The Office of Student Financial Planning will work with students individually on cost of attendance issues and will combine J-Term and Spring enrollment, as allowed by regulation, to determine eligibility. Since many students use their maximum eligibility from institutional, federal, and state financial aid programs in order to meet fall and spring costs, additional funding for J-Term may reside primarily in education loans. 

Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Planning to discuss specific financial aid awards.

On-campus J-Term housing is only available in Jewett Hall. All other residence halls will be closed during J-Term. Students taking an on-campus J-Term who are within Drake University's two-year residency requirement must relocate to Jewett Hall for J-Term.

You may take one J-Term course each year you are enrolled at Drake, except for your first year.

Students may not register for more than 3 credits per J-Term course without permission from their College or School. Students who register for more than three credits with permission may be subject to tuition charges. Students who register for more than three credits without permission may be administratively dropped from their coursework.

Students may waitlist for only one J-Term course at a time per academic year.