In this program, you earn your JD with a mix of in-person and online classes while still graduating in the same time as traditional JD students. With both full-time and part-time evening options, you can take classes that fit your schedule. Students must earn a 3.0 GPA in their first year of law school to enroll in online classes.
Benefits of Hybrid Online JD (HJD)
- First-year curriculum is in person in Boston (30 credits/10 classes).
- After your first year, HJD students can enroll in online classes or a mix of in-person and online for upper-level courses (54 credits).
- Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in first-year courses or above to enroll in online classes.
- Write-on to journals and law review, participate in student groups virtually, join a moot court competition team online.
HJD students are full members of the Suffolk Law community who can make use of all Suffolk University buildings, just as a traditional student. HJD students just have more flexibility if you choose not to be on campus.
Full-Time JD in Three Years
Graduate in three years as a full-time Hybrid Online JD student while having the same first-year experience as those in the traditional JD program. All of your 1L courses (30 credits/10 classes) will be held in-person to provide you the opportunity to meet classmates and professors and get involved with the Suffolk Law community. If you enroll in the full-time program, 1L classes will take place during the day for five days a week. The final two years of the degree (54 credits) can be completed fully remote, or a mix of in-person and online, so long as you earn a 3.0 GPA during your first year.
Part-time Evening JD in Four Years
Graduate in three and a half to four years as a part-time evening Hybrid Online JD student. Many of our students enrolled in the part-time evening program have a full-time job, a family to care for, or another obligation that prevents them from taking classes during the day. During your first year, in-person classes are held three nights per week after 6 p.m. First-year curriculum includes eight courses in person and two courses in person during the third semester (2L fall). The remainder of the degree can be completed fully remote, or a mix of in-person and online, so long as you earn a 3.0 GPA during your first-year curriculum classes.
What are Hybrid Law Classes Like?
HJD courses are designed to meld top-notch faculty with the best practices for distance education. Suffolk Law is specifically designing courses for the HJD to use best practices for distance learning. Some courses are best organized as a lecture-based approached. Other courses will utilize all the bells and whistles of virtual platforms. The point is that we’re doing this thoughtfully and with sensitivity to the opportunity to use technology to deliver added value. While instructors’ styles may vary, students can expect dynamic, interactive learning opportunities.
How to Apply
First-Year Students
New first-year students who are interested in the Hybrid Online JD should submit the same application and follow the same steps to apply as traditional JD applicants. On LSAC.org, select the "Fall-First Time" application; then, under the degree program options (Question 3), select "Hybrid Online JD."
Due to the intensity of the program, admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited to 25 students. If you are ready for a program that offers you the academic rigor and real-world experience you'll need to succeed with the flexibility to live or work away from campus after the first year, apply today.
Space is limited so we strongly recommend that applications for first-year students be submitted before February 1.
Transfer Students
Suffolk Law is accepting transfer students into the HJD beginning in fall 2024. If you are admitted into this program, you can finish your JD fully online from anywhere in the world.
- In addition to the transfer application requirements, Hybrid Online JD applicants must submit the application form (sent to your email address from Law Admissions if your application is competitive) and an additional essay reflecting on the experiences and/or attributes that have prepared you for an online JD program and explain how your participation would enrich the Suffolk Law community even while you pursue remote classes. Please limit your essay to 2 pages.
- Transfer applicants should submit fall 1L grades with their application. Admission decisions will be made based on fall 1L grades and conditioned on comparable performance during spring semester
- Transfer students are eligible for the HJD if they have completed two semesters of law school and have earned at least a 3.2 or higher in their 1L classes
- Evening students admitted to the HJD who have not yet completed the 30-credit first-year curriculum (10 classes) will be required to complete the 1L classes in person during fall 2024. Typically, this means evening HJD students will take two in-person classes in fall 2024 and the remainder may be taken online
- Transfer students may apply to join the day or evening HJD program. Classes in the part-time evening HJD will all be offered synchronous (live) after 6 p.m. Eastern Time
- Space is limited. Transfer students interested in the HJD must have exceptional qualifications
- We recommend that transfer students apply by March 1 for priority consideration
Current Suffolk Law Students
Current Suffolk Law students may apply to switch into the full-time or part-time evening HJD beginning in fall 2024. If you are admitted into this program, you can finish your JD fully online.
- Current students apply to the HJD using an application form sent to eligible students at the start of the spring semester, which includes an additional essay reflecting on the experiences and/or attributes that have prepared you for an online JD program and explain how your participation would enrich the Suffolk Law community, even while you pursue remote classes. Please limit your essay to 2 pages
- Current Suffolk Law students should submit their fall 1L transcript. Transcripts may be submitted as an attachment with your personal statement or sent via email. Admission decisions will be made based on fall 1L grades and conditioned on comparable performance during spring semester
- Space is limited. Students interested in the HJD must have exceptional qualifications
- Current students must apply by March 1 for fall 2024. Admission decisions will be announced by April 1