Part-Time Program

McGeorge offers a part-time, evening, four-year JD program for students who can devote only a portion of their time to the study of law. Although it is a slightly reduced course load as compared to the full-time program, the part-time program still requires a substantial time commitment.

The full- and part-time divisions have essentially the same curriculum, faculty, and methods of instruction; maintain the same scholastic standards and degree requirements; and adhere to the same objectives. Part-time students come from many different industries and walks of life, giving you a rich learning environment and outstanding networking opportunities.

• Fall and Spring classes Monday through Thursday evenings, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Summer classes in a condensed format, including interesting electives
• Required courses taught by experienced, full-time professors
• Access to essentially the same learning opportunities available to full-time students

During the academic year, evening classes are typically offered on Monday through Thursday evenings, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. To stay on track to graduate in four years, students also take summer school classes during two to three summers. At times part-time upper-division students opt to take some daytime courses during their third or fourth year, as their work/family schedule permits.

Part-time students take the same courses as full-time students, arranged to fit into the evening hours during a four year period. The first and second year part-time curriculum is fixed and students take all of their classes together, with the exception of Global Lawyering Skills I and II, which meet in smaller groups. The third and fourth year curriculum is more flexible, consisting largely of electives and bar-tested subjects. Here are sample first and second year part-time schedules:

First-Year Fall Semester

• Analytical Skills Lab (1 hour)
• Global Lawyering Skills I (2 hours)
• Torts (4 hours)
• Civil Procedure (2 hours)
• Total = 9 credit hours

First-Year Spring Semester

• Global Lawyering Skills I (2 hours)
• Criminal Law (4 hours)
• Civil Procedure (2 hours)
• Legal Profession (1 hour)
• Total = 9 credit hours

Second-Year Fall Semester

• Global Lawyering Skills II (2 hours)
• Contracts (4 hours)
• Legislation & Regulation (3 hours)
• Total = 9 credit hours

Second-Year Spring Semester

• Global Lawyering Skills II (2 hours)
• Constitutional Law (4 hours)
• Property (4 hour)
• Total = 10 credit hours

Some part-time students opt to take additional credits during summer and the third and fourth year to accelerate their graduation date by one semester — meeting the degree requirements in three-and-a-half years, rather than four. This is permitted without special approval; however, the Registrar's Office always needs to have a correct expected graduation date on file for each student.

Upon satisfactory completion of the first year of study, students may apply for transfer between the full-time and part-time programs. The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs will consider academic performance to date in making her determination. Students with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA will be permitted to switch.

JD students with an F-1 Visa must enroll with at least 12 units if attending the full-time program, or at least eight (8) units if attending the part-time program.

Office of Student Affairs
Email | 916.739.7089