Law school is challenging, and it should be. Our schedule options are carefully designed to enhance your learning, foster critical thinking, and align with your evolving needs. No matter if you choose to attend full or part-time law school at Cooley, we’re committed to your future-ready education.
We offer several schedule options designed to fit your life. Whether you’re balancing work and family, planning to work during the summer, looking for year-round externship opportunities, or hoping to begin your legal career as quickly as possible, you can choose the path that works best for you.
Traditional Schedule
Fall and spring semesters with summers off. Graduate in 32 months.
Students attend law school full-time for almost 3 years (32 months), taking classes in the fall and spring semesters, with the summer semesters off. Classes meet Monday through Friday, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Students selecting this option start their first term in September. This schedule is a traditional law school program that allows students to gain legal experience during the summer semester.
Year-Round Schedule
Our most popular option. Year-round classes with an average of 12-credit semesters. Complete your law degree in 32 months.
Many students find that this schedule provides a perfect balance: completing their degree in a typical 3 years while still having time to participate in externships and co-curricular activities throughout the year to achieve a well-rounded law school experience. Classes meet Monday through Friday, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Students selecting this option start their first term in September.
Accelerated Schedule
A faster two-year option. Year-round with 15-credit semesters. Complete your law degree in 24 months.
This is a rigorous program ideal for ambitious students looking to begin their legal careers quickly and minimize debt from living expenses during law school. Classes meet Monday through Friday, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Students selecting this option start their first term in September.
Weekend/Online-Blended Schedule (Lansing, Michigan Campus Only)
Attend classes on Saturday and Sunday. Complete your law degree in 40 months.
Attend a premier J.D. program in Michigan for under four years (11 consecutive semesters). This option includes in-person class meetings on eleven weekends and online classes on four weekends each term. Classes meet Saturday and Sunday, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Students who are working or have family commitments while attending law school typically choose this schedule. The average semester credit load is nine credits (3 classes). Students selecting this option start their first term in January.
Note: Specific class times vary. On occasion, the Lansing weekend schedule may include a Friday evening class, depending on the professor's availability.
Evening Schedule (Tampa, Florida Campus Only)
Attend evening classes during the week. Complete your law degree in 40 months.
Attend a premier J.D. program in Florida for just under four years (11 consecutive semesters). Classes meet Monday through Friday, typically between 6 and 9 pm. Students who are working or have family commitments while attending law school normally choose this schedule. The average semester credit load is nine credits (3 classes). Students selecting this option start their first term in January.
Which scheduling option is best for you?
Please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@cooley.edu.