Interested in Graduating in 2.5 Years?
Why 2.5 Years?
Some students are interested in graduating early for a variety of reasons: to return to the job market sooner; to manage family responsibilities; to save tuition dollars; or to participate in a dual degree program. While graduating early involves some trade-offs, it may be the right decision for you. Colorado Law allows students to graduate a half-year early – in December – after five full semesters, rather than in May, after six semesters. With planning and hard work, you can structure your schedule to accelerate your graduation date, and still experience much of the rich breadth of experience that the Colorado Law experience offers. Students considering a 2.5-year JD should consider, and speak with faculty or advisors, about not only the advantages listed above, but also the disadvantages, such as fewer opportunities to take upper-level electives or to participate in activities such as editing Colorado Law’s academic journals.
How to Graduate Colorado Law in 2.5 Years
Students can obtain a 2.5-year JD by earning the required 89 credit hours at an accelerated rate in either, or a mix, of the following two ways: (a) by taking a few extra credits in each of the last three semesters; and (b) by taking several classes during Colorado Law’s three extra terms: June, July, and August summer session; three weeks in May called “Maymester”; and January intersession between semesters. Consider the following sample schedules:
Other variations are also possible; the key is to remember that the foundational first year classes comprise 30 credits and the remaining 59 credits, traditionally 15 credits per semester for a 3-year degree, must be earned more quickly to graduate in 2.5 years. Taking more summer, Maymester, or January intersession classes allows lighter scheduling in the three second- and third-year regular semesters; taking heavier loads (17-18 credits) during the regular semesters leaves the summers free for work, externship, or other enriching activities.
You need not decide until several months into your first year at Colorado Law whether you will pursue a 2.5-year J.D., but if you would like to discuss this option in advance, you can feel free to contact Kristine Jackson.
