Students may enroll in one of three J.D. Programs:
full-time day, part-time day, or part-time evening
After successful completion of the second year curriculum:
students may apply to co-enroll in the Criminal Justice Certificate Program
Students who successfully complete the required and elective curriculum will earn their Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
The full-time day program requires study in residence for six semesters over three academic years.
The part-time program is designed to provide a means to achieve a legal education to those who, for whatever reason, are unable to devote full time to the study of law. The part-time program requires study in residence for eight semesters over four academic years, plus summer sessions. Part-time day students take their required classes during the day with the full-time students.
The academic year consists of two fourteen-week semesters followed by an examination period of approximately two weeks. There is an abbreviated summer session of seven weeks of instruction followed by an examination period. The summer session is intended primarily for students in the part-time division, although full-time students may enroll in the summer session courses to lighten their class load during the next academic year.
Classes in the full-time day division are normally scheduled during regular business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, while required classes in the part-time evening division are scheduled three evenings per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) from 6:15/6:30 p.m. to 9:30/9:45 p.m.
Students must take all required classes in the year and division in which they are enrolled. Elective classes may be taken by both full and part-time students when the classes are offered.
| J.D. Programs | Program Length in Academic Years | Summer Intersession | Summer Classes | Externship Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (Fall Entry) | 3 | Optional, eligible after 1L year | Optional | 1L Summer |
| Part-Time Day (Fall Entry) | 4 | Optional, but recommended; eligible after 1L year | Required | 2L Spring |
| Part-Time Evening (Fall Entry) | 4 | Optional, but recommended; eligible after 1L year | Required | 2L Spring |