How to: Take Breaks In and Out of the Term


Needing a break but not ready to take a term off? Here are a few helpful tips for taking smaller breaks throughout the term:

  • Remind yourself of the bigger purpose behind your studies! You are doing much more than just schoolwork; you are preparing to minister to others well through the careful study of God’s Word.
  • Read your course materials in small portions: reading 25 pages per day for 4 days is much better for absorbing content than reading 100 pages in a single day.
  • Watch your course content in portions with generous breaks in between: After each lecture, spend 5 minutes writing a short summary of the lecture, and then take a 5 minute break to consider what was taught. This will help your brain to preserve what was learned and will help retain the material.
  • Plan two to three days each week that you will set aside your homework and pursue a refreshing task! Take a walk, play hide-and-seek with your kids, share a meal with friends, finish knitting that blanket, etc.

Taking a Term Off

Policies for taking a term off vary by program, due to different scheduling structures and constraints. Please select your program to find the relevant policy.


Residental MDiv & MAR | Online MDiv & MAR | MAC, MATS, & Certificates

Residential MDiv & MAR

Residential students are expected to take courses in each fall and spring term, with the exception of their last year of study when accommodations may be made based on the schedule of your remaining degree requirements.

Online MDiv & MAR

Online MDiv and MAR students are expected to take a course in each Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Winter courses may be required depending on your degree program. Online MDiv and MAR students are allowed to take one term off, if needed. Extending the break beyond one term will result in withdrawal from the program.

MAC, MATS, & Certificates

MAC, MATS, and Certificate students are able to take off two terms per academic year or two terms in a row, whichever comes first. It is best to plan to complete a minimum of two terms of study per academic year. Time away beyond two terms will result in withdrawal from the program.


The Student Success team would be glad to help you plan your schedule to keep you on track to graduate on time! Please contact support@wts.edu to walk through this process together.