What is the difference between the 2-year JD and the traditional 3-year JD program?
2-year JD students take the same courses, gain the same experiential education, participate in the same activities and meet the same requirements for graduation as students in the traditional JD program. The difference is that 2-year students take courses at a more intensive pace, taking up to 17 credits per semester for six consecutive semesters; the summer, fall, and spring semesters over two years. As a result, 2-year students are eligible to take the bar exam after two years: one full year earlier than students who complete the 3-year JD. Because the 2-year program is considerably more intense, we seek students who bring academic credentials or life experiences that suggest they will be very likely to succeed in this special cohort.
What are the advantages of the 2-year program?
Students can complete their JD in two years, enabling them to enter the job market a year earlier than students who pursue a traditional 3-year JD. As a result, the length of time they spend as a full-time student with limited earning power is substantially reduced.
Can I apply to the 2-year program as well as the 3-year JD program?
Yes. Just indicate on the application you are applying to the 2-year JD program, and you will automatically also be considered for the 3-year JD. If you are admitted into the 2-year JD program and would like to be considered for the 3-year program, please email lawadmissions@drexel.edu. The Admissions Committee will review your request to change programs.
Are the application deadlines different for the 2-year and the 3-year JD?
Students seeking admission to the 2-year program should apply by the priority deadline of January 15th. We will accept applications after January 15th but cannot guarantee there will be space left in the program.
If I’m not accepted into the 2-year program, can I still apply for the 3-year JD?
Students who are not accepted into the 2-year program will be considered for fall admission with other applicants for the 3-year JD program.
What is the cost of attendance in the 2-year program?
All law students pay the same
tuition.
Does the law school offer scholarships for students in the accelerated JD program?
Yes. 2-year students are eligible to receive all of the merit scholarship funds available to other students at the law school.
Can 2-year students enroll in concentrations, co-ops, and clinics?
Yes. 2-year students can participate in all of the academic programs offered to students in the traditional JD program. Given the compressed timeline, students should work closely with their advisor(s) in planning for specific opportunities such as year-long clinics.
Can 2-year students join Law Review, Moot Court, Trial Team, the Student Bar Association and other student organizations?
Yes. 2-year students can participate in all activities in which traditional law students participate, though leadership opportunities may be limited in some co-curriculars where Accelerated students can only participate for one academic year.
If the 2-year program proves to be too intense, can students enroll in the traditional 3-year program?
Students may “decelerate” from the 2-year program with the approval of the Dean of Students. This change must be made no later than the third term of the program.
During the second summer of the 2-year program, can I seek a paying job?
Absolutely, but you will also be required to take at least five academic credits during the second summer of the program to stay on track. Alternatively, many students choose to complete a co-op placement for credit during this period.
I have more questions; who should I contact?
Contact
Admissions and they will direct you to the appropriate resource.