Applicants to the J.D. degree program may apply to attend either the Full-Time Division or the Part-Time (Evening) Division. Both divisions have the same academic standards, and all required and core courses are taught by the full-time faculty. Students initially admitted to the part-time division may petition to transfer to the full-time division as early as their second semester. Under the Law School’s residence requirement, a full-time student normally will take six semesters of study, or three academic years, in order to complete the degree. A part-time student normally will take eight semesters, or four academic years, and one summer session.

Full-time students are expected to devote substantially all of their time during the academic year to their studies. First-year students in the full-time division are especially urged to refrain from outside employment. Upper-class students taking more than 11 credit hours of course work must limit outside employment to no more than 20 hours per week. Although work in some special areas may contribute to the learning and experience of the student, as a general rule, it will compete with the time needed for adequate study and preparation, which are at the heart of a good legal education.