The academic year is divided into two semesters, plus a winter session and summer sessions.

Fall and Spring Semesters

The first semester, referred to as the “Fall” semester, begins in August and ends before the Christmas holiday; the second semester, referred to as the “Spring” semester, begins in January and ends in May. In the Fall semester there is a mid-semester week-long recess as well as a short Thanksgiving recess. In the Spring semester there is a mid-semester week-long recess as well as a short Easter recess.

Within each semester there are also eight-week terms that fit within the traditional semester dates.

WINTER session

Winter courses follow a four-week accelerated format and are fully online.

Summer session

Summer classes are held throughout the summer in shorter length terms. Faculty-led travel courses as well as a variety of short workshops and institutes on topics of current interest are part of each summer’s offerings.