Georgetown Law: Part-Time Study Options And Opportunities

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Georgetown University Law Center, founded in 1870, offers a part-time law degree program, known as the Evening Program. This program is designed to allow students to complete their J.D. degree requirements in four to six years, with the option to pursue an accelerated three-and-a-half or three-year track. The Evening Program provides the same curriculum, faculty, and extracurricular opportunities as the full-time program, accommodating working professionals and those with full-time commitments. Georgetown Law also offers online and part-time courses delivered via Zoom, as well as opportunities to study abroad in London and other prestigious institutions worldwide. The admissions process considers both academic and personal criteria, with a rolling admission process that encourages early applications.

Characteristics Values
Course Name Evening Program
Course Type Part-time
Course Flexibility Complete your J.D. in three to four years, with class times that fit your working schedule
Course Requirements Same as full-time students, including experiential education requirements and extracurricular activities
Course Faculty Same as full-time students
Course Duration Four consecutive academic years, with a maximum of six years
Accelerated Course Option Three-and-a-half years or three years
Admissions Evaluation Criteria Academic (undergraduate and graduate records, LSAT or GRE scores) and personal (extracurricular activities, recommendations, work experience, diversity of background)
Admissions Process Rolling admissions, with a test-optional basis for those without a valid LSAT score
Financial Aid Need-based grants, federal and commercial loans, work-study opportunities, Loan Repayment Assistance Program
Study Abroad Opportunities Semester exchange at the Center for Transnational Legal Studies in London, summer law program in London, semester exchange at partner institutions in Europe, Asia, India, Israel, Latin America, and Australia
Course Delivery On-campus, with some synchronous online courses via Zoom

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Georgetown Law's Evening Program

Evening students at Georgetown Law take the same required courses, including experiential education, and can participate in extracurricular activities such as top-rated journals and mock trial competitions. They benefit from a rich array of professional and life experiences that their diverse cohort brings to the study of law. The program is highly regarded, with graduates sought after by employers due to their proven ability to balance work, school, and personal responsibilities.

The first year of the Evening Program sets the foundation for upper-level studies, introducing key areas of substantive law and developing essential legal skills in analysis, research, and writing. Upper-class students have more flexibility in their course schedules, with options for after-work, daytime, or a combination of both.

While the Evening Program typically requires three to four years to complete, there is an accelerated option. This option can allow students to finish their J.D. degree in three and a half years or even three years by taking an increased course load during the academic year and summer sessions.

In terms of admissions, the Evening Program at Georgetown Law offers a test-optional pathway, where applicants without a current LSAT score can choose not to submit one. However, it is important to note that only a limited number of applicants will be admitted without an LSAT score, and achieving a competitive score can significantly enhance one's chances of admission.

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LSAT requirements

Georgetown Law is one of the most prestigious law schools in the US, receiving the most applications of any other law school in the country. It is also quite selective, with an acceptance rate of 12.9%. The school is known for having one of the best law programs in the country, being ranked as the number one clinical program and a leader in legal research.

Georgetown Law evaluates candidates on two scales: academic or objective criteria and personal criteria. Academic information includes undergraduate and graduate records and LSAT or GRE scores. However, there is no minimum required LSAT score for Georgetown Law. The Admissions Committee does not currently accept JD-Next scores in lieu of LSAT, GRE, or GMAT scores. The average LSAT score of matriculating students in recent years is 171.

Personal factors include extracurricular activities, recommendations, work experience, and diversity of background. Georgetown Law does not use numerical cutoffs and encourages early application since it employs a rolling admission process. The school offers need-based, three-year financial aid grants to approximately one-third of the entering full-time class.

While many law schools in the US only offer full-time day classes, Georgetown Law offers part-time and evening classes. This flexibility helps students finance their education, allowing them to graduate with less student loan debt. Full-time students must complete their coursework within three academic years, while part-time students must finish within six academic years.

To increase your chances of admission to Georgetown Law, it is important to submit a strong overall application and highlight your diverse experiences and background. The law school acceptance rate is competitive, so it is recommended to seek advice from a law school advisor or admissions consultant to improve your application.

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Course structure and credits

Georgetown Law offers both full-time and part-time programs for students pursuing a JD degree. The full-time program is structured to be completed in six semesters or three academic years, while the part-time program typically takes eight semesters or four academic years, along with one summer session.

Full-time students are expected to devote most of their time to their studies and are advised to refrain from outside employment. They enroll in 12 or more credits per semester, up to a maximum of 15, and need a total of 84 credits to graduate. On the other hand, part-time students enroll in 11 credits or fewer per semester.

For both programs, the first year's curriculum includes the traditional curriculum paralleled at other major law schools, including an elective course in the spring semester. This curriculum is known as Curriculum A. Alternatively, students can opt for Curriculum B, which delves into the sources of law in history, philosophy, political theory, and economics. It includes a fall seminar in legal theory instead of an elective.

Georgetown Law also offers online and on-campus courses for two online LL.M. degrees and two online certificates in the Tax field. These courses are designed for working professionals, allowing them to balance their studies with work commitments. The online courses are equally rigorous, requiring students to spend approximately six to eight hours per week on each 2-credit class.

The university boasts a diverse and dynamic intellectual community, with a distinguished full-time faculty that is one of the largest in the nation. The curriculum covers a wide range of legal topics, including constitutional, international, and tax law, along with clinical legal education. The campus includes McDonough Hall, which serves as the academic center, and the Hotung Building, which houses the international programs. The Edward Bennett Williams Law Library is one of the largest academic law libraries in the country, providing extensive resources for students' research needs.

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Extracurricular activities

Georgetown Law offers a part-time evening program for students to complete their J.D. degree requirements in four to six years. While technically considered part-time students, evening students at Georgetown Law are often referred to as "evening students" or "night students." These students take the same required courses and participate in the same extracurricular activities as full-time students, including experiential education requirements, top-rated journals, and mock trial competitions.

The extracurricular activities available to evening students at Georgetown Law include:

  • Journals: Evening students can contribute to top-rated journals, such as The Georgetown Law Journal, providing an opportunity to develop legal writing and research skills.
  • Mock Trial Competitions: Students can participate in mock trial competitions, allowing them to apply their legal knowledge and gain practical experience in a competitive setting.
  • Moot Court: Georgetown Law offers moot court activities, which help students enhance their oral advocacy and legal reasoning skills.
  • Study Abroad Opportunities: The Global Law Scholars Program allows a limited number of full-time JD students to study abroad and prepare for a law practice involving more than one legal system. It is unclear if this opportunity extends to part-time students, but it could be worth exploring.
  • Clubs and Organizations: Georgetown University offers a wide range of clubs and organizations, such as the International Relations Club (IRC), that cater to various interests and provide opportunities for networking and personal growth.
  • Intramural Sports: Students can participate in intramural sports, which offer a balance to their academic pursuits and a chance to develop teamwork and leadership skills.
  • Volunteer Groups: Volunteer organizations like DC Reads allow students to give back to the community while also developing valuable skills and expanding their network.

While evening students may miss out on some activities due to their work commitments, they can still have a comparable experience by being strategic and reaching out to event organizers. Additionally, their work experience is often valued by employers, who seek out graduates from the Evening Program because of their proven ability to balance work, school, and family commitments.

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Financial aid and grants

Georgetown Law offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in funding their education. These can be need-based, merit-based, or specifically tailored for law students. The school's financial aid office provides support and guidance to students throughout the application process, ensuring they receive the assistance they need.

The first step in applying for financial aid at Georgetown Law is to complete the necessary applications, which vary depending on the student's status. The Yellow Application is for incoming and transfer students, while the Green Application is for returning and graduate-level students. Both applications typically open in mid-March, with priority given to early submissions.

Georgetown Law offers several types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Grants, such as the Federal Work-Study (FWS) funds, are typically preferred as they do not need to be repaid. FWS funds are disbursed bi-weekly, allowing students to cover their day-to-day college expenses. Scholarships, such as the Dean's Tuition Grant, are also available, although this particular grant is only for full-time Juris Doctor (JD) students.

Loans are another source of financial aid at Georgetown Law. The Federal Unsubsidized (Stafford) Loan is a primary option, distributed in two instalments at the beginning of each semester, with a fixed interest rate of 4.30%. Additionally, the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan serves as an addition to the Stafford loan, with the maximum amount borrowed determined by the student's budget and other financial aid received. Private (commercial) loans are also available, with the maximum amount mirroring that of PLUS loans.

Georgetown Law also provides part-time job opportunities for students, enabling them to cover their attendance costs. The school's Evening Program allows students to balance work, school, and family commitments effectively.

It is worth noting that Georgetown Law's financial aid offerings may change, and students are encouraged to explore the university's website and consult with the financial aid office for the most up-to-date information.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, Georgetown Law offers a part-time Evening Program for students to complete their J.D. degree.

The traditional Evening Program is designed to be completed in four consecutive academic years, with the option to take up to six years. There is also an accelerated program that allows students to complete the degree in three-and-a-half or three years.

The Evening Program offers the same world-class faculty and academic support as the full-time program, with the flexibility to fit your working schedule. Evening students earn the same degree, take the same courses, and have access to the same extracurricular activities as full-time students.

Georgetown Law evaluates candidates based on academic criteria, such as undergraduate records and LSAT or GRE scores, and personal criteria, including extracurricular activities, work experience, and diversity of background. The Evening Program offers a test-optional admissions pathway for qualified non-traditional students.

In addition to the on-campus Evening Program, Georgetown Law offers a handful of synchronous online courses delivered via Zoom, as well as various study abroad opportunities, including a semester in London at the Center for Transnational Legal Studies.

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