January Term
Accelerated learning. Topics that are relevant to our world.
January Term is an optional two-week learning experience available to enrolled undergraduate students at Loyola University New Orleans. Taking place before the start of the spring semester, J-Term provides students with a unique opportunity to catch up on credits, get ahead in their studies, or study abroad in an accelerated format. Each three-credit J-Term course will challenge students to think critically and dig deeply into one topic in an immersive format.
Advising begins on October 19, 2026.
Registration begins on November 2, 2026.
J-Term takes place January 4 – 15, 2027.
Here's what students are saying about J-Term:
"I could not be more pleased with my experience in this class. The professor was incredibly warm and knowledgeable. He approached difficult subjects with grace and kept material engaging."
“My J-Term course was a fantastic experience. It allowed me to earn 3 college credits in a highly condensed period, permitting me to reach my academic goals and ambitions.”
“I personally think J-term courses are a great alternative to helping boost your GPA.”
“Amazing class. Enjoyed it a lot, had fun learning something in a fast paced environment.”
"I loved my J-Term experience! The work was manageable even while working, which was nice because having time to complete assignments was a concern of mine. As long as you stay on top of the day-to-day work, you will be fine."
Find your match. Explore J-Term courses.
J-Term offers an opportunity for students to dive into a single topic for two weeks. Choose from on-campus and remote experiential options, completely online courses, and even the option to study abroad! Many J-Term courses are electives, and many, where noted, meet Loyola Core requirements. Given the condensed and intensive nature of these courses, students may only register for one course, and spots are available on a first come, first served basis.
For more detailed information about J-Term courses, please search the Course Catalog on LORA Self-Service
**Check back soon for a complete list of 2027 J-Term offerings.**
Bolivia: ENTR/INTB-G493-J01 Special Topics in Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
Business | Dr. Mazhar Islam
This course introduces students to Bolivia’s entrepreneurial and institutional environment through an immersive, face-to-face experience in La Paz and surrounding regions. In partnership with Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB), students will explore entrepreneurship, global business, and institutional development within Bolivia’s frontier market economy, considering the country’s cultural, historical, political, and socio-economic context. Classroom learning is complemented by site visits and field experiences with financial institutions, businesses, government agencies, infrastructure systems, and community-based enterprises. Students will critically examine how institutions, public policy, financial systems, and global economic forces shape entrepreneurial opportunities and enterprise development in Bolivia.
India: PHIL-W247 Global Ethics (3 credits)
Loyola Core: Philosophy II | Dr. John C. O’Day
This course will investigate issues of social ethics in a global context, with a special emphasis on India, its colonization by Europe, and its subsequent independence. Topics will include global justice, colonialism, non-violent and violent resistance, globalization, and critique of Western technology and science. India is the world’s largest, most heterogenous democracy--among a population of nearly 1.5 billion, there are 22 spoken languages scheduled by the national government, as well as six major religions represented alongside a robust secular political tradition. As a result, daily civic life in India evokes many dilemmas of social morality, such as resolving normative and religious difference, human impact on the environment, and what we owe to the poor and destitute. As a former European colony and vibrant post-colonial democracy, moreover, India’s modern political history accentuates marquee questions of global justice, such as anti-colonial resistance, self-determination, reparations, and international governance. This course will survey the philosophical implications of these issues while immersing students in the vibrant culture and complex society from which they emerge.
Florence: ENGL N210: Global Identities (3 credits)
Loyola Core: Writing About Literature | Emily Capdeville
This course, in fulfilling your Writing about Literature requirement, is concerned with the critical analysis of literary texts. In this context, critical means close reading, deep understanding and analytical interrogation. Through engagement in meaningful conversation with others, with critical texts, with a selection of literature about Italy and the country itself, students will develop the skills to analyze the course texts while putting them into conversation with other media and firsthand experience. The course engages in this work through close reading, in-person discussion and experiential engagement with our host country. Ultimately, students will demonstrate an understanding of the course content through the production of essays that require independent critical analysis through writing.
Iceland: ENGL O294 Workshop: Iceland! (3 credits)
Loyola Core: Writing About Literature | Dr. Tracey Watts
This course immerses students in Iceland’s rich literary and cultural traditions through the study of Icelandic sagas, folklore, Norse mythology, and modern literature. Students will explore themes of place, history, and identity while developing their own creative writing through workshops, lectures, cultural excursions, and hands-on experiences in Reykjavík and Laugarvatn. The program combines literary study with creative practices and cultural activities, including learning Icelandic, knitting, and baking bread using geothermal heat.
Study abroad during J-Term.
The Center for International Education (CIE) has expanded study abroad opportunities this J-Term! Applications are open for the following programs:
- Florence, Italy (applications due October 1, 2026):
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, evokes images of Renaissance masterpieces, the iconic terracotta-domed Duomo, and gelato and wine shops on every corner. But how well do these images reflect Florence in today’s globalized world? Spend your J-Term in picturesque Florence exploring the many facets of contemporary Florentine identity.
- Goa, India (applications due October 1, 2026): Spend your J-Term exploring justice and globalization in the context of India’s post-colonial democracy. Experience Goa’s vibrant culture, learn about the region’s history and contemporary society, and celebrate the New Year with a boat tour along the Arabian Sea. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with the people, places, and complex issues shaping modern India.
- Reykjavík, Iceland (applications due October 1, 2026): Iceland in January is magical: Northern Lights ripple across the sky, Icelandic horses puff out clouds of steam, and travelers can hike glaciers or relax in geothermal hot springs. Loyola’s Iceland J-Term program offers all these experiences while immersing students in Iceland’s rich literary traditions, from medieval sagas and Eddas to Nobel Prize-winning and contemporary works.
- La Paz, Bolivia (applications due October 15, 2026): Spend your J-Term exploring entrepreneurship and international business in Bolivia, a dynamic frontier market shaped by rich cultural traditions and a rapidly evolving economy. Experience La Paz and surrounding regions while visiting businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, infrastructure projects, and community enterprises. Through hands-on experiences and cultural exploration, discover how entrepreneurship, public policy, and global business intersect in Bolivia.
For more information about these and other J-term study abroad programs, visit studyabroad.loyno.edu or email cie@loyno.edu.
Know your costs for J-Term.
Tuition and billing for J-Term will function the same as our other special sessions. Regular J-Term courses will cost $855/credit hour. The cost to enroll in J-Term courses will appear on the spring tuition bill in LORA Self-Service; however, J-Term credit hours are calculated and billed as a separate line item from spring courses. Review our J-Term FAQs below for more information about registration and billing.
Get answers about Loyola's J-Term.
Explore the J-Term frequently asked questions below. If you can't find the answer to your question, please email j-term@loyno.edu to speak with a member of our team.
What is the January Term (J-Term)?
J-Term is an accelerated two-week learning opportunity before the start of the spring semester. All J-Term courses are three credits unless otherwise noted.
What are the benefits of J-Term?
Loyola offers the optional J-Term to provide additional and flexible academic opportunities for students to catch-up, get ahead, or study abroad. For students who work or don’t have time during traditional semesters, J-Term provides more opportunities for accelerated coursework, research, and study abroad programs that enhance the academic experience.
When is Loyola’s J-Term?
J-Term runs from January 2 – 10, 2026. Check the online class schedule for more details. If you’re enrolled in a J-Term course, check Canvas or your class syllabus for specific meeting times.
Do I need to take J-Term?
J-Term is completely optional. For students not taking classes during J-Term, the break will last until the start of spring session later in January. Students may engage in work opportunities, apply for jobs, and complete graduate school applications during their extended break. For other students, the winter break is an important time to rest and recharge.
Can I start at Loyola during the J-Term?
J-Term is intended for continuing students only. Admission to Loyola for undergraduate students is only for fall, spring, or summer.
When can I sign up for J-Term classes?
Registration for J-Term starts on November 3, 2025. For questions regarding course registration, contact your advisor. International students are advised to contact the Center for International Education at cie@loyno.edu.
How many J-Term courses can I take?
Students may only register for one course during the J-Term session.
How can I find J-Term courses in LORA Self Service?
You can find J-Term courses in the course catalog in LORA Self-Service by selecting the "Spring 2026" term and hitting the "Search" button.
If you want to see a listing of all J-Term courses in LORA Self-Service, then you can scroll down to the "Topics" section and select "January 2-Week Session."
If you have a specific course you are searching for, then you can select the instructor and subject listed above in the course descriptions section of this page. Please note: Some courses may be listed as “Experimental Courses” in Self-Service, and the title will show up by viewing available sections.
If you have any trouble finding courses or need help, please reach out to your advisor. You must be cleared by your advisor to register for J-Term courses. For more registration help, check out the Student Success Center's registration resources.
What types of courses are available during J-Term?
Academic experiences will include on-campus, online, remote, or study abroad courses. Please check the J-Term course descriptions above for more information.
Will J-term coursework be graded?
Yes. J-term coursework will be rigorous and demanding, with graded assignments during the two-week term. Students should be prepared to commit time and effort to the term before enrolling.
Will there be final exams for J-Term?
Some classes may have final exams associated with their curriculum. Students should consult the syllabus for the class.
Can I graduate following J-Term?
Students will not be able to graduate after J-Term. However, students in J-Term will be able to graduate at the end of spring semester if the courses taken during J-Term fulfill their graduation requirements.
What education abroad options are available during J-term?
Check the J-term program listing for all J-term education abroad opportunities. Not all Loyola J-term education abroad programs are offered every year. Check the individual program page to see the next available term and associated deadlines.
When is the deadline to apply for a J-term education abroad experience?
Deadlines vary by program. Check the program you are interested in for specific deadlines. Study abroad deadlines are different from online and remote J-term courses.
Do I need to apply for a short-term Education Abroad experience?
All study abroad students are required to apply for an education abroad experience. Begin the process by viewing information at Get Started. Once a program is selected, log into the application at https://studyabroad.loyno.edu/ using your Loyola login credentials and complete the application materials.
How do I register for an Education Abroad program?
Education abroad program registrations and cancellations are processed through the Center for International Education. For questions about registration, contact CIE at 504-864-7550 or by email at cie@loyno.edu. Learn more about education abroad program opportunities.
What are the tuition and fees for J-Term?
J-Term, May Term, and Summer Session all have the same tuition rate of $855/credit hour. The per credit tuition rate for students enrolled in fully online programs differs from this rate, as would any courses billed at a per student rate (private music lessons, Loyola Institute of Ministry courses, etc.).
Study abroad programs have their own program fees. For details, visit the study abroad website.
When will I be billed for J-Term?
The cost to enroll in J-Term courses will appear on the spring tuition bill in LORA Self-Service; however, J-Term credit hours are calculated and billed as a separate line item from spring courses. If you have questions about tuition and billing, please contact Student Financial Services by calling 504-865-3337 or emailing us at sfscenter@loyno.edu.
Will taking a J-Term course affect my registration status in the spring?
J-Term credit hours will count toward a student’s registration status (part-time or full-time) to determine academic standing in the spring. However, J-term courses will only count toward full-time enrollment for federal and Louisiana state aid eligibility; J-term hours will not count towards full-time enrollment hours to qualify for Loyola scholarships and grants during the spring semester. For example, a student who is enrolled in 9 credit hours in the spring and 3 credit hours for the J-Term will be considered a full-time student in the spring but will not be charged full-time tuition or be eligible for full-time Loyola scholarship and grant awards.
Will financial aid be available?
Loyola institutional aid is not awarded for J-term courses. However, a student may apply federal and Louisiana state financial aid funds, and any regular spring semester account credits towards their J-term tuition charges. A student must still attend a minimum of 12 regular spring credit hours in order to qualify for the full amount of Loyola scholarships and grants for the spring semester. Attending fewer than 12 regular term hours will result in Loyola institutional aid being prorated. J-term hours count towards full-time enrollment for eligibility for federal Pell grants only and Louisiana state grants only. For example, a student enrolled in 3 credit hours during J-Term and 9 credit hours during the spring semester will be considered full time with 12 credits for federal and state financial aid; however, a student in the same scenario would be considered enrolled in 9 credits when determining institutional aid eligibility for the semester. We must have a 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and have a complete financial aid file to be considered for federal and state aid.
If you have questions, contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@loyno.edu, call 504-865-3231, or schedule a time to meet.
Can I withdraw from my J-Term course and receive a refund?
Students who wish to withdraw must return a completed withdrawal form to the Office of Student Records. Mere cessation of attendance does not constitute withdrawal. The date of receipt of the withdrawal notice by the Office of Student Records will determine the amount of tuition refund. Formal notice to drop the course must be received on the first day of the session (January 2, 2026) in order to receive a 100% refund. If formal notice is received on the second business day of the session (January 3, 2026), a refund of 50% of tuition is made. No refunds are allowed after the second business day of the session. Learn more about Loyola’s refund policy.
Can I live in the residence hall during J-Term?
No, the residence halls will be closed during this time.
What dining locations are open during J-Term?
For a full list of dining locations and their hours of operation during J-Term, visit the Dining Services website. Food service locations will be limited based on enrollment and number of students attending the various locations. Some of the services provided at the locations will be limited over the winter break.
What Loyola services will be available?
University offices are closed through January 3 in observance of the New Year holiday and may have limited operations. All campus offices and services will resume normal operations on Monday, January 5, 2026. The Student Success Center, Career Center, and Center for International Education will be available to assist students during J-Term.
What services are available at the library during J-Term?
Monroe Library will be open with limited hours. Check their website for hours.
As all J-term courses are online, library support is available remotely:
- Contact your librarian liaison for research consultations via Zoom.
- Most library resources are available remotely, using your Microsoft account for authentication. Go to http://library.loyno.edu for library resources and follow up with your liaison, if you have questions.
- Interlibrary loan is available and should be quick enough to receive articles electronically during J-Term.
- If your course has streaming video or an etextbook, they will be available in Canvas.
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All information is subject to change and is updated as of October 2025.