Juris Doctor - Part-Time Day Program

Duquesne also offers a unique program for students to pursue legal studies on a part-time day schedule within four years. Part-time day students may also enroll in evening and summer classes. Admission criteria and performance standards are the same for all students.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted September 1 - April 1 for priority consideration for all J.D. programs, including part-time. Applications will be accepted May 1 through July 31 on a space available basis. Learn about the application process and apply online via LSAC.org.

Scholarships for Part-Time Day Students

All accepted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships awarded by the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University. Incoming student scholarships are renewed annually, provided the student remains in good standing. Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University does not offer conditional scholarships. Merit scholarships specifically for part-time students include the following, a number of which are funded from the proceeds of endowed funds.

  • Catherine Celeste Dillon Memorial Scholarship
  • John J. Hickton Scholarship
  • Law Alumni Scholarship
  • M. Murray Lubic Endowed Scholarship
  • Dean's Scholarship for Excellence
  • Law Faculty Scholarship for Excellence
  • Law School Scholarship for Excellence

No separate applications are required. Read more about scholarships.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Competitive tuition rates and generous financial aid make Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University affordable. And a number of employers offer tuition reimbursement that can be applied to law school tuition.

Students work directly with Duquesne University's Office of Financial Aid to apply for federally funded or institutional aid such as Stafford Loans, GradPLUS Loans, and private educational loans. Interested students should submit a FAFSA before May 31. Applicants to the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University DO NOT have to complete the Duquesne Financial Aid Application. Learn more about applying for aid as a graduate student.

Curriculum

First Year Part-Time Day Required Courses

Course Credits
Civil Procedure and Drafting I (fall) 3
Civil Procedure II (spring) 2
Contracts I and II (fall and spring) 6
Legal Research & Writing I and II (fall and spring) 5
Legal Skills (fall- optional) 1
Advanced Legal Skills (spring- required for bottom 25% following fall semester) 1
Torts I and II 5

Second Year Part-Time Day Required Courses

Course Credits
Advanced Legal Reasoning (fall- required for bottom 25% following first year) 2
Constitutional Law I and II (fall and spring) 5
Criminal Law (fall) 3
Criminal Procedure: The Police Function (fall or spring) 2 or 3
Property I and II (fall and spring) 6
Business Associations (may be taken in the second or third year- fall or spring) 3

Third Year Part-Time Day Required Courses

Course Credits
Business Associations (may be taken in the second or third year- fall or spring) 3
Evidence (fall or spring) 3
Professional Responsibility (may be taken in the third or fourth year- fall or spring) 3

*Strongly Recommended courses for Third Year Part-Time Day students: Conflict of Laws- 2 credits, Estates and Trusts- 3 credits, Family Law- 3 credits, Secured Transactions- 1 or 3 credits

Fourth Year Part-Time Day Required Courses

Course Credits
Core/Applied Competencies I and II (fall and spring) 6
Professional Responsibility (may be taken in the second or third year- fall or spring) 3
Sales (fall or spring) 2

*Strongly Recommended courses for Fourth Year Part-Time Day students: Conflict of Laws- 2 credits, Estates and Trusts- 3 credits, Family Law- 3 credits, Secured Transactions- 1 or 3 credits

Course descriptions may be found on the Law School Registrar's Curriculum page.

Courses shown are required. Students are advised that the graduation requirement for all divisions is 87 credits total.

All matriculating students are required to satisfy an Upper Level Writing requirement and 6 credits of Experiential Learning.

Because Duquesne periodically reviews and revises its curriculum, course offerings and credit hours are subject to change at any time.

Program Information

Duquesne Kline School of Law offers a unique program for students to pursue legal studies on a part-time day schedule within four years. Part-time day students may also enroll in evening and summer classes. Admission criteria and performance standards are the same for all students.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Doctorate

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

87