January Term

January Term date are January  2-20, 2024

January term is a three week intensive term open to all VWU students and required of first and second year students. During this term, students concentrate their studies on a single course. Offerings include unique courses not offered during fall or spring semesters and travel courses. Students can also fulfill need courses requirements and accelerate their academic progress.

January term for first and second year students is an important part of the Virginia Wesleyan curriculum. We have designed experiences to help underclass students with their academic and extracurricular planning and to strongly position them for postgraduate and career success.

January term for first-year students
First-year students take a January term course of their choosing to help accelerate their academic progress. First-year students are provided with a variety of activities to help them connect more strongly with the campus community and their fellow Marlins.

January term for second-year students
As announced in August of 2023, we are providing second-year students with a new January term experience. Starting in January of 2025, second-year students will participate in a new initiative developed in response to feedback from students, faculty, and staff noting a need for increased professional development and additional support in planning their college experience. The second-year January experience includes a course of their choice to help accelerate their academic progress as well as professional development activities and planning to provide each student with a clear pathway to their goals.

How will you spend your winter break? Save money and get ahead with January Term.


For information about registering for January Term, contact your academic advisor. For all other inquiries, contact:

Office of Academic Affairs
757.455.3210

January Term Dates

January 3-25, 2024

Registration Dates

First-Year Students
September 11

Sophomore-Senior
Same day they can begin registering for Spring 2024.


Visiting Student Applications

2024 January Term Courses

Why take January Term?

Discounted Tuition

January Term is affordable! Full-time degree-seeking students may take up to 5 credits during January Term for much less than the traditional fall and spring semesters. View the Tuition & Fees webpage for the most up-to-date cost information.

Room and Board

For information about the cost of living on campus during January Term, view the Tuition & Fees webpage or contact the Office of Residence Life at 757.455.3295. Resident students whose classes involve substantial travel time away from campus may be eligible for pro-rated meal plans.