Frequently Asked Questions for the Part-Time Hybrid Program

When will the Part-Time Hybrid Program enroll its first class?

• We plan to enroll our first PTHP class in August 2027. We will start accepting applications on Oct. 1, 2026 for enrollment in August 2027, pending acquiescence from the American Bar Association.

   

What does “hybrid” mean?

• “Hybrid” means the program blends concentrated in-person residency with live, synchronous online learning. You will participate in a mandatory in-person Semester Launch (described below), while completing the vast majority of your degree through highly interactive online coursework. We also offer optional Campus Convergence Days throughout the semester for students who wish to spend more time networking and engaging on campus.

What are the application requirements and admission standards?

• The application requirements and admission standards are the same as for the full-time program.

When is the application deadline?

• While the priority deadline is March 15, we admit students on a rolling basis once the application opens in October. This is the same for the full-time program.

Is admission to the PTHP less competitive than the full-time program?

• No. Admission standards are the same for both programs.

Are the graduation requirements the same as the full-time program?

• Yes. All J.D. students must meet the same academic and graduation requirements.

Is the degree the same as the full-time program?

• Yes. The program is equally rigorous, and graduates earn the same Juris Doctor degree.

Will my diploma indicate that I was in the part-time hybrid program?

• No. Your diploma will simply reflect that you earned a Juris Doctor.

Will I be taught by the same faculty as full-time students?

• Yes. All faculty who teach in the hybrid program are experienced teachers who also teach in the full-time program.

Is the program synchronous or asynchronous?

• All required courses are structured around a model of synchronous instruction with required (virtual) attendance. Elements of asynchronous instruction are incorporated where that modality can be leveraged effectively. All synchronous classes are held in the Pacific Time Zone and typically begin after 5 p.m.

How much of a time commitment is the hybrid program?

• Make no mistake: this is a rigorous, fully ABA-accredited law program. It is not an "easier" alternative to a traditional law degree; it simply offers geographical flexibility. Beyond the live, synchronous evening classes, you must dedicate a substantial amount of time each week to reading, briefing cases, and completing assignments. As a general rule, law students must spend two to three hours studying for every one hour spent in class.

  Additionally, our synchronous online classes operate exactly like a physical classroom. Attendance and punctuality are strictly enforced. Logging in late, multitasking, or treating class time as optional is not permitted. If your current professional or personal obligations do not afford you the bandwidth to consistently attend live classes and dedicate extensive hours to nightly preparation, we strongly encourage you to wait for a more optimal time to apply.

What does the PTHP experience look like?

• The program is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining a structured academic experience.

First Two Years (structured curriculum)

You are required to be on campus for the first two calendar days of each fall and spring semester. Because our classes operate on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule, this two-day Semester Launch ensures that the very first session of every core class takes place face-to-face. We use this highly-concentrated model because it is a proven best practice for online education. It ensures you meet your cohort and professors face-to-face to build critical social and professional bonds before transitioning to the digital classroom. To maximize the value of the trip, we also provide “wrap-around” programming that complements your class schedule during these two days, focusing on academic success and professional identity.

Third and Fourth Years (flexible curriculum)

You will enroll in upper-division electives, with options for both in-person and online courses. It may be possible to complete remaining degree requirements fully online.

When are classes held?

• Online classes are typically held Monday through Thursday, with as much as ~3.5 hours of (synchronous) instruction. Class times can vary, but they start no earlier than 5:15 p.m. and end no later than 9:45 p.m. Pacific Time.

 Are classes live or self-paced?

• Classes are synchronous and held in real time. You are required to attend at the scheduled class time.

   

How many credits will I take each semester?

• Please refer to our sample curriculum for a detailed breakdown of credit loads by semester.

   

Can I switch to the full-time program?

• During your first two years, the PTHP features a highly-structured cohort-based foundational curriculum, meaning you must remain in your designated hybrid track. However, beginning in your third year, the programs seamlessly integrate. At that point, a formal change becomes largely unnecessary, as you will register for upper-level courses alongside residential students and can build your schedule from the exact same menu of in-person and online electives. If you decide to move to full time, be in touch with UNLV’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office, if you would like to adjust your loan packaging to reflect full-time status.

What is tuition for the PTHP?

• Please visit our J.D. tuition and fees page for current information.

What financial aid options are available?

• If you qualify, you may use federal student loans to help fund your education. Private loans are also available.

Are scholarships available?

• Yes. You may be considered for merit-based scholarships, similar to those awarded to students in the full-time program.

Are my travel and lodging costs for the Semester Launch reimbursed?

• No. You are responsible for your own travel and lodging during the required residency periods. We recognize that travel is a meaningful investment, particularly for working professionals, so the Semester Launch is intentionally brief - just two days per semester - to help keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.

  Additionally, the official student budget used by UNLV Financial Aid and Scholarships includes estimated travel and transportation expenses, which means you may be able to use federal financial aid to help cover your trips to campus.

Is it "easier" to get admitted into the part-time evening program?

• The Admissions Committee uses the same standards for admission to the day and evening programs.

Can non-residents qualify for Nevada residency?

• If you do not physically reside in Nevada, or cannot satisfy the requirements for residency, you will not be eligible for resident tuition.

What experiential opportunities are available?

• You will have robust opportunities to participate in simulations, practicums, and externships. Our expanded externship team is dedicated to working one-on-one with you to identify and vet rigorous field placements in your home community (including specific placements designed to satisfy the Supervised Practice Program requirements of the new Nevada Comprehensive Licensing Exam). Please keep in mind that while we maximize schedule flexibility wherever possible, many real-world externships (such as those with judges or government agencies) will naturally require some availability during standard daytime business hours.

Can I participate in legal clinics?

• Currently, our in-house legal clinics are currently offered in person on the UNLV campus, primarily during standard daytime business hours. If you live locally (or can travel to) and have the daytime flexibility to meet client needs, you are welcome to apply and enroll, subject to standard availability and application requirements.

 Can I participate in the law school’s journals?

• Yes. You are fully eligible to compete for membership on the law school’s journals through the standard selection process (such as the write-on competition). Because the editorial and research duties require a heavy weekly time commitment, we strongly encourage working professionals to weigh this opportunity carefully against their employment and coursework demands. 

What about mock trial and moot court?

• You are fully eligible to audition for all of Boyd’s advocacy teams. Because these competitions traditionally require significant synchronous practice hours with your teammates and travel to in-person regional events, we encourage interested students to carefully consider their scheduling flexibility. At the same time, the law school is actively expanding our participation in virtual advocacy competitions that better align with the lives of working professionals.

Can I complete a Concentration?

• Yes. You are fully eligible to pursue any of the law school’s available concentrations. However, because each concentration has unique, specialized course requirements, completion depends entirely on whether those specific upper-level electives are offered in an online or evening format during your time in the program. While the courses for some concentrations will naturally align with the hybrid schedule, others may require in-person or daytime attendance.

What support services are available?

• Boyd Law offers dedicated staff and resources to support your academic and professional success throughout the program. And of course, you have access to all university wellness resources.

Will I truly feel like a part of the Boyd Law community?

• Absolutely. There is no separate “shadow” program at Boyd. You are a full, equal member of our community. You will be taught by the same core doctrinal faculty, navigate the same curriculum, be held to the exact same rigorous grading curves, earn the identical degree, and have access to the same resources as students in the full-time program.

   

Can I use the law school’s facilities?

• Yes. You are welcome to use all Boyd Law facilities, including the law library, study rooms, student lounges, and other campus spaces, whenever you are on campus. We emphasize that you are not a guest at UNLV, but a full member of the law school community. This means you enjoy the exact same building access privileges as your residential colleagues, including full 24-hour access to the law library.

   

What if I do not live in Las Vegas?

• Many PTHP students will live outside the Las Vegas area. While your day-to-day synchronous coursework may be completed remotely, our support extends to you wherever you live. And of course, whether you are traveling in for the mandatory two-day Semester Launch or just visiting, the physical campus and law library are always yours to use.

Will I have access to career services?

• Yes. You receive the same robust career development support as full-time students.

Can I participate in on-campus interviews and recruiting events?

• You receive the same access to on-campus interviews and recruitment opportunities as students in the full-time program.

Can I enroll in a dual degree program, like the JD/MBA?

• Yes, though participation may depend on your ability to attend MBA/other dual degree courses that are offered in person.

Are there any limitations on distance education credits for bar eligibility?

• Yes. Some jurisdictions place limits on the number of distance education credits that may count toward bar eligibility. Because these rules vary by state, you are strongly encouraged to review the requirements in any jurisdiction where you may plan to seek admission. For example, New York limits distance education credits to a maximum of 15 that may count toward bar eligibility and does not permit any distance education coursework until after you have completed at least 28 credits toward your J.D.

How can I contact the admissions office? Do you have a general email address?

• You are welcome to be in touch with us. Although we don't have a general email address for the admissions office, you can contact any member of the admissions office. You can also call our main line at (702) 895-4189.

How can I get an application fee waiver? Do you also provide CAS fee waivers?

• While we're unable to provide CAS fee waivers, we're happy to provide an application fee waiver. Contact Lindsey Slavin or Wayne Pirtle for an application fee waiver. Be sure to provide us with the email address you used to register with LSAC.