Part-time JD Law Degree Program

Widener Law Commonwealth is dedicated to providing quality legal education to non-traditional students, working adults, and others whose best chance of attending law school is in a part-time day or part-time evening program.

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Widener Law Commonwealth offers the only part-time program in Central Pennsylvania that is designed to allow you more flexibility to complete the Juris Doctor degree over four academic years. As a part-time student, you are eligible for the same scholarship opportunities, learn from the same faculty, and participate in the full range of curricular and extracurricular options as a full-time student.

Widener Law Commonwealth’s part-time program has been the starting point for alumni who are now successful in a broad array of endeavors, from Pennsylvania’s former auditor general, to the president of a publicly traded bank, to associates with private firms practicing in all areas of law.

Class Schedule

During your first year of law school, part-time students are required to take 9 credit hours during the fall semester and 11 credit hours the spring semester. After your first year of law school, you have more flexibility in your course selection and schedule, however, you must complete the core curriculum in order to graduate. Please review the current Academic Calendar, Course Schedule, and Curriculum webpages for the most updated academic information.

Part-time evening students meet three nights a week – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday – from approximately 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm. On a rotating basis, classes are offered one night a week online. The Zoom night schedule an be found on the Course and Exam Schedules webpage.

Below is a sample class schedule for your first semester. The times that classes meet each day do vary from year to year.

Monday	Tuesday	Thursday
Civil Procedure 6:00 – 7:25	Essential Legal Skills 6:00 – 7:10	Legal Methods 6:00 – 7:25
Legal Methods 7:45 – 9:10	Contracts 7:30 - 9:20	Civil Procedure 7:45 – 9:10

Part-time day students are in class with full-time students and meet up to five days a week. Below is a sample class schedule for your first semester. The times that classes meet each day do vary from year to year.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Legal Methods 10:00 – 11:25 am	Civil Procedure 10:00-11:25 am	Contracts 11:30 – 12:25 pm	Legal Methods 10:00 – 11:25 am	Essential Legal Skills 10:00 – 11:10 am
		Civil Procedure 2:00-3:25 pm		Contracts 11:30 – 12:25 pm

Widener Law Commonwealth reserves the right to modify curriculum requirements and course offerings.

Resources

Below are a few resources that may help you gauge your ability to successfully attend law school in the part-time program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to earn a Juris Doctor degree in the part-time program?
Typically it takes four years to complete the J.D. degree in the part-time program by taking classes during the fall and spring semesters and at least one summer or intersession term. If you consistently take summer and intersession courses you can complete the degree in three and a half years. You must complete the degree in seven years.

How much does the part-time program cost?
Tuition and cost of attendance information is updated annually and can be found on the Cost of Attendance page..

Can I qualify for scholarships as a part-time student?
Yes! All students are considered for scholarships regardless of division.

Can I work if I am enrolled in the part-time program?
Part-time students do not have any work restrictions like full-time students and can reduce or eliminate debt by working while in law school.

Do I have access to the same faculty and staff as a full-time student?
Yes! The part-time program is taught by the same faculty as the full-time program and you have access to the same academic support and career development resources.

What experiential courses are available to part-time students?
All students must complete a six credit experiential learning requirement in order to earn their degree. At least two of those credits must be satisfied by enrollment in a clinic, externship, or practicum.

Can I participate in student organizations?
Yes! Depending on your personal schedule, you’ll be able to participate in the school’s activities and groups—including law journals, Moot Court, Mock Trial, student government, externships, and networking events.

Can I take classes online?
Widener Law Commonwealth does not have an online program. You should plan for all of your classes to be on campus.

Can I start in the part-time program and switch to the full-time program later?
Yes! After your complete your 1L required courses, you can switch to the full-time program in order to accelerate your degree competition.