Traditional law school programs to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) take three full years. These three years you will be in legal classes most days of the week from August to April or even May. But what if that doesn’t work for you because you have a family or career? You have options.

Part-Time Programs

Life can be demanding. If you’re studying for the LSAT, you get that. Law schools understand this too, which is why many law schools have part-time programs to help aspiring law students find a balance between school and work. A part-time program is a great fit for anyone who wants to work while in law school. Joining courses during nights and weekends is important for anyone with family responsibilities and/or a career. These programs last four years, but the exact schedule changes from school to school. Some schools meet for a few hours every night or others like Seton Hall meet on a biweekly basis during the weekends only. Look into the specifics of each program to confirm the particulars work for you prior to applying. 

Note: Just because you will only go to class two or three days a week doesn’t mean this law degree program will be easier! These programs are just as challenging and provide the same education as their full-time J.D. counterparts—just spread over four years. 

Online Law School

Online law school programs will take around four years to complete and earn a J.D. Scheduling is similar to a part-time program as well. You will be in class from August to May, in most cases, with the option of taking courses that meet in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The number one positive of online law school is just how flexible your schooling can be. Online law school is a great choice if you want to attend while traveling or working. 

A growing number of law schools have online programs. And they’re reputable! This is proven through the many programs at American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools like Villanova University, Washington University in St. Louis, and many more.

What Does This Mean for You? 

There isn’t just one option when it comes to law school. The traditional in-person, part-time, and online programs are all possible choices for any aspiring law degree student. The most important thing to determine moving forward is what will work best for you! It’s also important to consider what type of law you might like to pursue, including criminal law, public interest, dispute resolution, family law, and constitutional law, when choosing a program to ensure that it fits your interests. We offer a variety of law school resources to help you pass the LSAT and even choose a career path.

And don’t forget that any path to law school will likely involve the LSAT! Get started with our free LSAT resources and start your journey today.