Current Students
Currently enrolled and incoming 4-year students can register for courses during Summer or J-term. (Note that Dougherty Family College does not offer courses in Summer or J-term.)
Summer and J-Term Sessions
Summer and J-term (January term) are optional sessions of the St. Thomas academic calendar that provide both current and visiting students with the opportunity to:
- study abroad
- get ahead in their major
- add a minor
- explore new interests
- meet a language or core curriculum requirement
- improve or practice fundamentals such as math or writing
- take introductory and pre-requisite courses
Courses taught in J-term and Summer sessions follow the same rigor as Fall and Spring semester courses, plus a focused learning experience due to the limit on credits. Many J-term and Summer courses are available via online and in-person formats, so you have flexibility to be on campus or somewhere else.
Browse Scheduled Courses
Who Can Take St. Thomas J-term and Summer Courses?
Visiting Students
Visiting Students (those not seeking a degree from the University of St. Thomas such as high school students and undergrads from other universities) are also welcome to register for Summer and J-term courses.
About J-term
- J-term is held the month of January
- Courses are 4 weeks long
- Registration opens the prior December
- Students can take a maximum of 4 credits in J-term
About Summer Session
- Summer Session runs from late-May to mid-August
- Courses are 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks long
- Registration opens in late February
- Students can take a maximum of 16 credits in Summer
Current Students Interested in Summer and J-Term Courses
Current and incoming 4-year St. Thomas students can register for courses during Summer session and J-term. Summer and J-term credits do not contribute toward a student's full-time status for fall or spring semester.
If you are considering taking courses (including study abroad) in J-term or the Summer session:
- Talk with your academic advisor before registering; they can help you choose courses or a study abroad program that fits your goals and keep you on track
- Review Financial Aid Information for Summer and J-term
- Check on the cost of tuition and fees for Summer and J-term courses
Many J-term and Summer courses are available via online and/or in-person. Students may enroll in:
- a maximum of four credits in a J-term (January term)
- a maximum of eight credits in a given summer session, with a maximum of sixteen credits for the summer
Note that during J-term and Summer sessions, campus is open but there is no on-campus housing, and hours for dining, health services, and the library are limited.
Registration Process for Current Students:
Once you've decided to register for J-term or Summer courses, you will follow the standard process for registration, using Murphy Online.
Registration Timing:
- Registration for J-term courses opens the prior December
- Registration for Summer courses opens in late February; Summer 2024 registration opens on February 29, 2024
Visiting Students Interested in Summer and J-Term Courses
Visiting students are invited to register for Summer and J-term courses. Visiting students include:
- undergraduate students enrolled at other universities
- high school students in grades 11 or 12
- others not seeking a degree from the University of St. Thomas who want to take for-credit courses
Credits from St. Thomas easily transfer to most institutions. Many J-term and Summer courses are available via online and/or in-person. Visiting students may enroll in:
- a maximum of four credits in a J-term (January term)
- a maximum of eight credits in a given summer session, with a maximum of sixteen credits for the summer
Note that during J-term and Summer sessions, campus is open but there is no on-campus housing, and hours for dining, health services, and the library are limited.
Registration Process for Visiting Students:
- Browse our scheduled courses via Classfinder
- Check on the cost of tuition and fees for Summer and J-term courses. Note that Financial Aid is NOT available for non-degree students.
- Review the Non-degree Enrollment Policy; you may be required to request approval to take certain courses
- Complete the non-degree application to get access to our registration system (Murphy Online)
- Follow the steps outlined for non-degree registration
Registration Timing for Visiting Students:
- Registration for J-term courses opens the prior December
- Registration for Summer courses opens in early March; Summer 2024 registration opens for visiting students on March 1, 2024