Flex J.D. Program Frequently Asked Questions

Students in the Flex J.D. Program earn their J.D. by taking a combination of in-person and online classes. Students take fewer credits each semester so they complete their degree in 4 years (including 3 summer terms), rather than 3 years. All classes in the first fall and spring semesters are on campus, so students get to know the campus, their classmates, and their professors in person. Beginning with the first summer session Flex J.D. courses in the Flex J.D. program use a variety of delivery methods – some completely online, some in-person, and some with a combination of in-person and online components. Every fall and spring semester at least one course is in-person on campus.

Flex J.D. classes that are delivered in-person meet 2 evenings a week, between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Many in-person classes will also have a small online component. Asynchronous online classes have weekly obligations, but students choose when to engage with the course materials. A few online courses will have synchronous virtual meeting times scheduled during the weekday evenings.

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.

The Flex J.D. program was developed from what had been called the Part-Time or Evening Program. We recognize that students who balance daytime obligations with law school classes make a full-time commitment to their educational program, but they extend that commitment over a slightly longer time period. To recognize the significant effort that goes into participating in this program we felt it was important to avoid suggesting that time-shifting and location-shifting to manage all obligations involves something less than full-time attention. The courses and requirements of the Flex J.D. program are the same as the program that had been called Part-Time or Evening. The only change is the delivery method of some of the courses.

The faculty in the Flex J.D. program are the same faculty who teach in the traditional J.D. 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.

Students who successfully complete the Flex J.D. 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 J.D. 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 J.D. 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 J.D. students can choose to enroll in these courses once they have completed the required curriculum.

No. Online classes will be taught as online-only classes and are designed specifically for online delivery.

No. The Flex J.D. 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 J.D. students to take the recommended number of credits each semester and to earn all the requirements for graduation within the 4 year time period.

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.

All extra-curricular activities, student groups, and student services are available to all Stetson students. Flex J.D. 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 J.D. students are unavailable. Flex J.D. 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 J.D. students as they are for traditional J.D. students. For additional information visit the Information Technology page.

Yes, students enrolled in the Flex J.D. program are eligible to apply for federal loan programs by submitting FAFSA application each year.  Scholarships may also be awarded to incoming Flex J.D. students based on merit.  Additionally, students enrolled in the Flex J.D. 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^th.