Flex JD Program (formerly Part-Time JD Program)
A flexible program designed for your busy life.
By taking a combination of in-person evening classes at the Tampa Law Center and the Gulfport campus, and asynchronous and synchronous online classes, students can earn a law degree in as little as four years.
Stetson's Flex JD program is designed for working professionals or others with daytime commitments. Our Flex JD students come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and interests. Nearly one-fourth of students have already earned masters or doctoral degrees in other fields. No one career path or previous course of study is required to enter law school. Flex JD students are required to meet the same rigorous admission and graduation requirements as students in the full-time program.
Program Requirements
Students must complete 88 credit hours to graduate and will be required to take classes at both the Gulfport campus and the Tampa Law Center and up to 44 credit hours in an online format.
The academic year begins in August, and the estimated time for completion is four years, including summer sessions. Flex JD students typically will take seven to 10 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and four to seven credit hours each summer session (There are short breaks between each academic session).
The first four semesters will be devoted primarily to completing required core courses. Most required classes are taken in the first two years (including the first summer session). Fall and Spring courses meet two evenings per week, generally between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. During summer sessions, students have required classes are offered online. Usually, one evening of required courses is held in Tampa, with the other evening in Gulfport. During the final two years, students take electives and complete the area requirements. Flex JD students can complete their courses with a combination of on-campus and online courses. After completing the required core courses, students may select courses from throughout the curriculum, including morning, afternoon, weekend, or evening courses. Students may take up to 45 total credit hours in Tampa (core courses and electives combined), with the remainder taken at the Gulfport campus or online. Students may take up to 44 credits online.
After completing 28 credit hours, Flex JD students meeting certain academic criteria may apply to accelerate their program by converting to full-time status.
Flex JD Experience
Our Flex JD students come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and interests. Nearly one-fourth of students have already earned masters or doctoral degrees in other fields. No one career path or previous course of study is required to enter law school. A special orientation for entering Flex JD students is held in mid-August. Many Flex JD students participate in Stetson's study abroad programs.