A unique element in Northland’s academic program is the calendar. The fall and winter sessions are each four months long and consist of a minimum of 65 class days. The spring session is one month long and consists of 20 class days. Full-time students must earn 12 to 17 course credits during each of the fall and winter sessions and 3 to 5 course credits during spring session. Fall and winter sessions allow time for maturation of ideas in a program of varied courses. The shorter spring session provides an opportunity for concentration through seminars, independent study and research, and small discussion groups. It also provides opportunities for offcampus experiences such as international study and field experiences.