Part-time degree programs

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 two part-time programs leading to a Juris Doctor degree that take 4-5 years to complete.

Part-time day program

The part-time day program is designed for law students who cannot attend law school full-time and would find the evening/weekend program inconvenient. Classes are offered on Monday-Friday between 9am-6pm.

See curricula guide and degree checklist for the part-time day program from the Law Enrollment Center.

Evening/weekend program

The evening/weekend program is designed for students who cannot attend a traditional or part-time day program. This program is offered in the evening on Monday through Thursday and during the day on Saturday. You can maintain your day job and responsibilities while attending law classes at night or on weekends. Summer study is required.

See curricula guide and degree checklist for the evening/weekend program from the Law Enrollment Center.

UMass Law students speaking to each other

Tuition

Part-time: 9 credits

In-state - $23,348.66 ($11,674.33/semester)
Out-of-state - $30,310.16 ($15,155.08/semester)
Regional/proximity (RI or VT residency) - $24,878.66 ($12,349.33/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

Frequently asked questions

Is the part-time option available for first-year and transfer students?

Yes, the part-time option is available for first-year and transfer students at UMass Law.

What is the course load for part-time law students?

The normal course load for part-time students at UMass Law is 8-10 credits. Summer study is required for the evening/weekend program.

What time do evening/weekend classes begin? Will I have to leave work early?

Evening classes at UMass Law typically run from 6-10pm Monday through Thursday and Saturday classes are scheduled from 9am-2pm but are usually over by 1pm.

During the first and second years, you generally attend classes on 2 evenings and during the day on Saturday. However, in the third and fourth years, you may need to attend class on 3 or more evenings to accommodate elective classes depending on the classes you choose.

How long will it take to complete the part-time program at UMass Law?

The part-time day program takes 5 years, but can be shortened to 4 years with summer study. The part-time evening/weekend program takes 4 years with required summer study.

Can I switch between the part-time and full-time schedules?

Yes. The full-time program takes 3 years to complete. Our part-time day program includes taking classes with the full-time cohort, but instead of taking 5 classes per semester, a part-time student takes 3.

Is financial aid available for part-time law students?

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.

Can part-time law students participate in student organizations?

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.

Can part-time law students study abroad?

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.