May Term

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What is May Term?

May Term is a concentrated and immersive academic term designed for courses that emphasize experiential learning, collaborative teaching and learning, service learning, and/or immersion learning. These courses often take advantage of extended time outside the traditional classroom through fieldwork, field trips, laboratory experiences, and travel. May Term allows students to focus deeply on a single subject, engage in close faculty–student collaboration in research or creative work, and participate in cross-disciplinary or team-taught courses that are not typically possible during longer semesters. Many courses also use the extended timeframe to support hands-on experiences such as service learning, internships, or cross-cultural immersion.

May Term isn’t only about studying away—there are also on-campus May Term courses available. More information will be shared soon on the website, but please contact your academic advisor for immediate details.

Why should you take a May Term?

Faculty lead short-term, credit-earning courses that emphasize experiential learning, creativity, and exploration. May Term is encouraged because of its:

• Unique courses: May Term offerings are often more creative, experimental, or specialized than those during the main semesters. Many are interdisciplinary in design, allowing faculty to explore niche topics, hands-on projects, and innovative course content. Several courses also fulfill Liberal Arts Inquiry requirements.
• Study away opportunities: A hallmark of May Term is its travel-based learning. Many courses are taught abroad or within the U.S., either fully off-campus or through a split model (part on-campus, followed by at least 10–14 days away). These immersive opportunities let students engage deeply with new cultures, communities, and environments.
• Flexible credit: May Term courses typically offer 3 credits (some may require prerequisites), giving students the flexibility to explore new subjects and interests without the pressure of a full semester load.
• Experiential learning: With class sizes averaging 14–15 students, May Term fosters close interaction with faculty and peers. Courses emphasize learning outside the traditional classroom, whether in another country, state, or unique field setting.

Redlands encourages students to study away

May Term Travel Grants & Scholarships

Any undergraduate students participating in May Term travel courses, who have not previously studied off-campus in a U of R approved Semester-Long program or May Term travel course, and demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply for a May Term travel grant. Grant recipients will have the award amount automatically deducted from their course fee on their student account. Students are eligible for one May Term Travel grant during their time as an undergraduate student at Redlands.