J.D. Program Schedules: Traditional, Evening and Part-Time Law School Schedule Options Law school is challenging, and it should be. Our schedule options are carefully designed to enhance your learning, foster critical thinking, and align with your evolving needs. No matter if you choose to attend full or part-time law school at Cooley, we’re committed to your future-ready education. We offer several schedule options designed to fit your life. Whether you’re balancing work and family, planning to work during the summer, looking for year-round externship opportunities, or hoping to begin your legal career as quickly as possible, you can choose the path that works best for you. Traditional Schedule Fall and spring semesters with summers off. Graduate in 32 months. Students attend law school full-time for almost 3 years (32 months), taking classes in the fall and spring semesters, with the summer semesters off. Classes meet Monday through Friday, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Students selecting this option start their first term in September. This schedule is a traditional law school program that allows students to gain legal experience during the summer semester. Year-Round Schedule Our most popular option. Year-round classes with an average of 12-credit semesters. Complete your law degree in 32 months. Many students find that this schedule provides a perfect balance: completing their degree in a typical 3 years while still having time to participate in externships and co-curricular activities throughout the year to achieve a well-rounded law school experience. Classes meet Monday through Friday, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Students selecting this option start their first term in September. Accelerated Schedule A faster two-year option. Year-round with 15-credit semesters. Complete your law degree in 24 months. This is a rigorous program ideal for ambitious students looking to begin their legal careers quickly and minimize debt from living expenses during law school. Classes meet Monday through Friday, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Students selecting this option start their first term in September. Weekend/Online-Blended Schedule (Lansing, Michigan Campus Only) Attend classes on Saturday and Sunday. Complete your law degree in 40 months. Attend a premier J.D. program in Michigan for under four years (11 consecutive semesters). This option includes in-person class meetings on eleven weekends and online classes on four weekends each term. Classes meet Saturday and Sunday, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Students who are working or have family commitments while attending law school typically choose this schedule. The average semester credit load is nine credits (3 classes). Students selecting this option start their first term in January. Note: Specific class times vary. On occasion, the Lansing weekend schedule may include a Friday evening class, depending on the professor's availability. Evening Schedule (Tampa, Florida Campus Only) Attend evening classes during the week. Complete your law degree in 40 months. Attend a premier J.D. program in Florida for just under four years (11 consecutive semesters). Classes meet Monday through Friday, typically between 6 and 9 pm. Students who are working or have family commitments while attending law school normally choose this schedule. The average semester credit load is nine credits (3 classes). Students selecting this option start their first term in January. Which scheduling option is best for you? Please contact our Admissions Office at [email protected]. FAQs How quickly can I complete my J.D.? You can choose a two-year accelerated path or take just over three years to earn your degree through traditional or part-time schedules, whichever fits your goals best. Is a fully online program available? No, Cooley does not offer a fully online J.D. program. However, the weekend/online-blended option in Lansing includes online components, typically four weekends per semester with courses conducted virtually. Weekend classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays ranging from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Can I take weekend classes? Yes. In the weekend schedule, part-time Lansing students can earn credits through weekend-only instruction. In traditional weekday programs, courses are held Monday through Friday, ranging from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing students to complete up to 15 credits per term. What about evening classes? An evening program is available in Tampa, with sessions running Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., or 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., depending on the course. The evening in Tampa is ideal for part-time students balancing work or family responsibilities. Elective courses are offered in the evenings at both campus locations. Can I take online courses? Absolutely. You can complete up to half of your degree (45 credits) through online courses, providing added flexibility to balance law school with other commitments. Many elective courses are held online. Can I switch from part-time to full-time during the program? Yes. After completing your first year of required courses, you have the ability to increase your credit load in your second and third years. However, course availability may vary depending on your start term and scheduling format.