Juris Doctor, JD

Full-Time Program

The JD program is a 3-year, full-time course of study that begins in August with a 3-day orientation for new students. The JD degree is awarded upon completion of the satisfactory completion of 89 credit hours, including a selection of required courses. Completion of the program must be attained within seven years of the date of first registration. Full-time study is defined as registration for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester plus regular attendance at scheduled class meetings. In addition, all law students must complete 60 hours of pro bono legal service in order to graduate. Visit the law school website for a detailed description of the degree requirements. 

The first-year curriculum offers a conventional format of required substantive courses and intensive small group seminars in legal writing, research, and advocacy. The program for the second and third years is primarily elective and includes writing and research seminars, clinical and skills workshops (some of which involve students in actual litigation under the Supreme Court’s Student Practice Rule), and a variety of courses in both traditional and new areas of law.

Part-Time Program

In the fall of 2008, the law school launched a part-time evening program, leading to a JD degree. Part-time students share the same competitive qualities of the full-time student body and graduation requirements are the same for both programs. 

A student in the part-time program typically takes between 8-11 course credits over 3-4 evenings per week. The first 2 years of the part-time program are structured to allow students to complete most of the required courses. Making steady part-time progress, including summers, a student should be able to graduate in 4 to 5 years. There is no separate application for admission; applicants may indicate on their application a desire to be considered for the part-time program. Students admitted to the part-time program may continue to hold a full-time job.

Hawaiʻi Online JD Program

The Hawaiʻi Online JD Program is a completely online program allowing students to earn their JD degree without having to relocate, leave their families, or cease their employment elsewhere. In this flexible learning format, students across the Hawaiian islands, United States, and world interact with their peers and instructors in a blended synchronous (on a set schedule) and asynchronous (on the student’s own schedule) educational environment. Students can complete the program in a minimum of four years.