Part-time degree program
UMass Law, the Commonwealth’s only public law school, offers an outstanding and affordable legal education that prepares our graduates to practice in any field of law. We support a variety of experiential learning opportunities and the flexibility you need to earn your law degree.
At UMass Law, we understand that a flexible schedule is necessary for students who are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities and are unable to attend law school full-time during the day. We offer a part-time evening program leading to a Juris Doctor degree that takes 4 years to complete.
Evening program
The evening program is designed for students who cannot attend a traditional full-time day program. This program is offered in the evening on Monday through Thursday. You can maintain your day job and responsibilities while attending law classes at night. Summer study is required.
See curricula guide and degree checklist for the evening program from the Law Enrollment Center.
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Tuition
Part-time: 9 credits
- In-state - $24,205.20 ($12,102.60/semester)
- Out-of-state - $31,305.44 ($15,652.72/semester)
- Regional/proximity (RI or VT residency) - $25,765.94 ($12,882.97/semester)
Students who enroll in fewer than 12 credits are considered part-time. Part-time charges are calculated on a per-credit basis. The normal course load for part-time study is 8-10 credits.
Visit tuition & fees for additional information, cost of attendance budgets, student health insurance, and financial aid options.
Course schedule
The course schedule details when law classes are offered.
Admission requirements
UMass Law offers rolling admissions with a deadline of June 30. Admissions criteria is the same for full- and part-time students. Visit the UMass Law application for more details.
Advantages for part-time students
- Ample parking next to the law school building
- Easy access to Routes I-195, 24, and 6
- Financial aid and scholarships are available
- Flexible pro bono and clinical placements
- Academic support services available
- Career Services Office and Law Enrollment Center
- All student organizations are open to part-time students
- Option to study abroad at the University of Limerick School of Law
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the part-time option is available for first-year and transfer students at UMass Law.
The normal course load for part-time students at UMass Law is 8-10 credits. Summer study is required for the evening program.
Evening classes at UMass Law typically run from 6-10pm Monday through Thursday.
During the first and second years, you generally attend classes on 3 evenings. However, in the third and fourth years, you may need to attend class on evenings to accommodate elective classes depending on the classes you choose.
The part-time evening program takes 4 years with required summer study.
Yes, part-time law students are considered for scholarships and can work with our financial aid office for additional resources such as loan programs and payment plans.
UMass Law offers a welcoming and supportive community for all students. Part-time students can join any student organization without any limitation. Learn more about student life at UMass Law.
Yes, students in academic good standing and not on academic supervision who have completed at least the academic equivalent of one year of full-time law study, may petition the associate dean to spend a semester at the University of Limerick School of Law. During the semester at Limerick, students must be enrolled in a full-time courseload.
Students in good academic standing and enrolled in spring semester courses that would, if satisfactorily completed, give them at least 24 credits may apply to participate in the two-week summer program at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, Portugal.