Flex JD Program
A flexible program designed to fit your busy life.
With a mix of in-person evening classes at the Tampa Law Center and Gulfport campus, along with asynchronous and synchronous online courses, you can earn your law degree in as little as four years.
Stetson Law's Flex JD program is perfect for working professionals or anyone with daytime commitments. You will join a diverse group of students from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences - many of whom have already earned master’s or doctoral degrees in other fields. No specific career path or prior course of study is required to start your law school journey, but you’ll meet the same rigorous admission and graduation standards as full-time students.
To graduate, you must complete 88 credit hours, taking classes at both the Gulfport campus and the Tampa Law Center, with up to 44 credit hours available online.
Your academic journey begins in August, and you can expect to complete the program in about four years, including summer sessions. As a Flex JD student, you'll typically take seven to 10 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and four to seven credit hours each summer, with short breaks between sessions.
For your first four semesters, you'll focus primarily on required core courses, most of which are completed within the first two years, including your first summer session. Fall and spring classes meet two evenings per week, generally from 6-9 p.m., while summer sessions feature required courses online. Typically, one evening of required classes is held in Tampa, and the other in Gulfport.
During your final two years, you will take electives and complete area requirements, with the flexibility to choose courses from morning, afternoon, weekend, or evening offerings. You can complete your courses through a mix of on-campus and online classes, with up to 45 credit hours in Tampa and up to 44 credit hours online.
Once you've completed 28 credit hours, you may be eligible to accelerate your program by switching to full-time status, provided you meet certain academic criteria.
As a Flex JD student at Stetson Law, you will be part of a diverse community with unique backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Nearly one-fourth of your peers have already earned master’s or doctoral degrees in other fields, proving that there’s no single path to law school. You’ll kick off your journey with a special orientation in mid-August, designed just for Flex JD students. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your horizons by participating in Stetson's exciting study abroad programs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who successfully complete the Flex JD program will be able to sit for the bar exam in most jurisdictions. Students are advised to check the requirements for the jurisdiction in which they wish to practice to ensure that they will be eligible.
The New York bar limits law school graduates to 15 online credits to be eligible to sit for the New York bar exam. Additionally, no credit is allowed for online courses completed prior to earning 28 credits toward the degree. See Section 520.3.c.6 (https://nycourts.gov/ctapps/520rules10.htm). Consequently, students who enroll in the Flex JD program are unable to qualify for the New York bar exam.
Yes. Students can be on campus and enroll in in-person courses as much or as little as they choose after completing the required curriculum (usually after the second fall semester). Most in-person classes are offered during the day, but Flex JD students who can participate during the day are welcome to enroll in these classes. Some electives are also offered in-person in the evenings. Flex JD students can choose to enroll in these courses once they have completed the required curriculum.
The faculty in the Flex JD program are the same faculty who teach in the traditional JD program. Many are full-time faculty. Some are skilled practitioners who teach as adjuncts while continuing to practice law. All are committed to providing the same quality learning experience that they provide in their in-person courses.
Faculty will create opportunities to meet virtually to allow you to get to know them and other students. Faculty will also have virtual office hours. Most faculty will also be on campus and will welcome you to visit them in person.
No. Online classes will be taught as online-only classes and are designed specifically for online delivery.
No. The Flex JD recommended curriculum will be offered using the combination of evening and online options. Other classes that are not part of the recommended curriculum will usually be offered in-person, and most will be scheduled during the daytime. However, there will be enough courses offered during the evenings and online for all Flex JD students to take the recommended number of credits each semester and to earn all the requirements for graduation within the 4 year time period.
All extra-curricular activities, student groups, and student services are available to all Stetson students. Flex JD students are encouraged to learn about the expectations of various activities, groups, and other opportunities to make a fully informed decision about whether the student has the time and scheduling flexibility to participate. Though every effort is made to provide flexible scheduling, some events may be at times when Flex JD students are unavailable. Flex JD students may decide that the program flexibility outweighs the limitations associated with the student’s individual obligations.
Students will have access to classes through Canvas, Stetson’s designated learning management system. Technology requirements are the same for Flex JD students as they are for traditional JD students. For additional information visit the Information Technology page.
Yes, students enrolled in the Flex JD program are eligible to apply for federal loan programs by submitting FAFSA application each year. Scholarships may also be awarded to incoming Flex JD students based on merit. Additionally, students enrolled in the Flex JD program are eligible to apply for endowed donor scholarships.
Applicants may take the June LSAT as long as they submit their application by May 15.
Asynchronous refers to a delivery method in which students engage with course materials at the time and place of their choosing, without the need for simultaneous participation with others in the course, including the professor. Courses may include video lectures, interactive videos and quizzes, and other activities to convey information and helps student assess whether they are mastering the content. Many courses will also have online discussions. Materials will be available on a specific schedule (usually weekly) so everyone in the class is working on the same material during the same general time period. However, during this time each student can access the online materials any time, day or night, to fit with their personal schedule.