Part-Time Evening J.D. Scheduling Options

Chicago-Kent College of Law offers a robust yet flexible schedule for evening division students. Our evening students enjoy the camaraderie and personalized attention that comes with in-person learning, while also enjoying the flexibility afforded by a reduced course load and some remote classes.

Beginning in Fall 2024, first-year evening classes will meet in-person three days per week (Monday-Wednesday) and remotely on Thursday evenings. Evening students also have the option of taking one summer session class before the first year to ease the transition to law school and reduce the fall course load. 

A brief description of each scheduling option appears below with sample schedules. If you have questions about any of these options, please contact the Office of Admissions at 312.906.5020 or admissions@kentlaw.iit.edu.

Credit Hours and Course Schedules

Evening students in the first year typically take 11 credit hours per semester, scheduled four nights per week. After the first year, evening students typically take eight to 11 credits per semester and attend classes three or four nights per week, depending upon their course selections. Part-time students can finish their degree requirements in four years, particularly if they take classes during one summer session.

Upper-Level Evening Classes

After the first year, evening students can take additional summer classes and take classes during the late afternoon if their schedule allows. Most upper-level evening courses will also meet remotely on Thursdays, so that evening students will likely be able to plan on only three days a week of commuting to school. 

Sample Schedules

Under the traditional schedule, part-time students take 11 credit hours per semester during the first year and attend class four nights per week. Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings with classes held remotely on Thursday.

Sample schedule subject to change. Fall and spring courses may be offered on different nights than indicated.   

Fall Semester

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday (Online)

6:00 PM

Torts
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Criminal Law
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Torts
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Torts
6:00-6:55 PM

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 1
8:00-9:25 PM

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 1
8:00-8:55 PM (as needed)

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 1
8:00-9:25 PM

7:00 PM

Criminal Law
7:00-7:55 PM

Torts (5 cr.), Criminal Law (3 cr.), and Legal Writing 1 (3 cr.) = 11 credits total

Spring Semester

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday (Online)

6:00 PM

Contracts
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Contracts
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Property
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Property
6:00-6:55 PM

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 2
8:00-9:25 PM

8:00 PM

Property
8:00-8:55 PM

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 2
8:00-9:25 PM

7:00 PM

Contracts
7:00-7:55 PM

Contracts (5 cr.), Property (4 cr.), and Legal Writing 2 (2 cr.) = 11 credits total 

Under this option, students enroll in one doctrinal class during the summer session preceding the start of the regular academic year, take a reduced course load during the fall semester, and follow a traditional schedule during the spring semester. Students are not required to take courses during the summer following the first year, but may opt to take elective courses. 

Sample schedule subject to change. Fall and spring courses may be offered on different nights than indicated.   

Summer Term ("Leading" Summer)

Meets for 10 weeks from late May to early August

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

6:00 PM

Criminal Law
6:00-8:00 PM

No Classes

6:00 PM

Criminal Law
6:00-8:00 PM

No Classes

Criminal Law (3 credits total)

Fall Semester

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday (Online)

6:00 PM

Torts
6:00-7:50 PM

 

6:00 PM

Torts
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Torts
6:00-6:55 PM

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 1
8:00-9:25 PM

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 1
8:00-8:55 PM (as needed)

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 1
8:00-9:25 PM

 

 

Torts (5 cr.) and Legal Writing 1 (3 cr.) = 8 credits total

Spring Semester

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday (Online)

6:00 PM

Contracts
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Contracts
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Property
6:00-7:50 PM

6:00 PM

Property
6:00-6:55 PM

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 2
8:00-9:25 PM

8:00 PM

Property
8:00-8:55 PM

8:00 PM

Legal Writing 2
8:00-9:25 PM

7:00 PM

Contracts
7:00-7:55 PM

Contracts (5 cr.), Property (4 cr.), and Legal Writing 2 (2 cr.) = 11 credits total 

Students with unique scheduling needs may request permission to enroll in one course in the day division and take the remaining courses in the evening division. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and, due to scheduling restrictions, only a limited number of requests may be granted each year.