A Proven Blend of In-Person Connection and Live Online Learning.
"Hybrid" doesn't mean self-paced or correspondence study. It means you complete the vast majority of your degree through highly interactive, real-time online coursework — anchored by short, intentional time on campus that builds the relationships great lawyers are made of.
Applications open October 1, 2026 for enrollment in August 2027. The Part-Time Hybrid Program is pending Council acquiescence.
Program Structure
The program delivers a structured academic foundation in the early years, then opens into a flexible, elective-driven path that integrates fully with the residential program.
Year 1 & 2
Build your foundation, together.
You move through the foundational curriculum as a cohort, on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule. This is a highly structured track designed around proven best practices for online legal education.
You're on campus for the first two days of each fall and spring semester for the Semester Launch — ensuring every core class begins face-to-face, with wrap-around programming on academic success and professional identity.
Year 3 & 4
Chart your own path.
During your third and fourth years, you will choose from a mix of online and in-person upper-division electives. While course availability varies by semester, the program is designed to provide significant flexibility, allowing you to complete your remaining degree requirements entirely online.
At this point, the hybrid and residential programs seamlessly integrate — you register from the exact same menu of electives as full-time students, so a formal program change becomes largely unnecessary.
Class Schedule & Format
Evenings only
Classes start no earlier than 5:15 p.m. and end no later than 9:45 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Thursday.
Live, not self-paced
Classes are synchronous and held in real time. You're required to attend at the scheduled class time.
Pacific Time Zone
All synchronous classes run on Pacific Time — plan around your local time zone accordingly.
Credit loads
Refer to the sample curriculum for a detailed breakdown of credits by semester.
In Person · Required
The Semester Launch
A mandatory two-day residency at the start of each fall and spring semester. The first session of every core class happens face-to-face — so you meet your cohort and professors before moving to the digital classroom.
Online · Live
Synchronous Classes
The core of the program. Real-time evening classes in the Pacific Time Zone that operate exactly like a physical classroom — with attendance and participation expected. Asynchronous elements are added where they genuinely help.
On Campus · Optional
Campus Convergence Days
Optional days offered throughout the semester for students who want to spend more time networking, engaging, and building community on the UNLV campus — entirely at your discretion.
- Same Admission Standards
Admission is no less competitive than the full-time program — the requirements are identical.
- Same Faculty
Taught by experienced professors who also teach in the full-time J.D.
- Same Graduation Requirements
Every J.D. student meets the same academic and graduation requirements.
- Same Grading Curves
Equally rigorous, with the same standards applied across the board.
- Same Diploma
Your diploma simply reflects a Juris Doctor, with no notation of the hybrid format.
- Same Resources
Full access to facilities, faculty, career services, and student support.
Tuition, Aid & Expenses
Hybrid students are eligible for the same financial aid and merit scholarships as the full-time program. A few things to know up front
Tuition & Fees
For current rates, including resident and non-resident tuition, visit the J.D. tuition page.
Scholarships
You may be considered for merit-based scholarships, similar to those awarded to full-time students.
Financial Aid
If you qualify, you may use federal student loans to fund your education. Private loans are also available.
Travel & Lodging
Residency travel isn't reimbursed, but the Semester Launch is kept to just two days. Estimated travel may be covered within the official UNLV student budget for aid purposes.
Nevada residency
If you don't physically reside in Nevada — or can't satisfy the requirements for residency — you won't be eligible for resident tuition. Many hybrid students will be non-residents.
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential learning, journals, advocacy, and concentrations are all on the table — with honest guidance on how each fits a working professional's schedule.
Experiential Learning
Robust opportunities for simulations, practicums, and externships. Our externship team works one-on-one to vet field placements in your home community — including placements built for Nevada's new Supervised Practice Program. Note: some externships (judges, agencies) require daytime availability.
Law Journals
You're fully eligible to compete for journal membership through the standard write-on competition. The weekly editorial commitment is heavy — weigh it carefully against work and coursework.
Concentrations
You're eligible to pursue any available concentration. Completion depends on whether the required upper-level electives are offered in an online or evening format during your time in the program.
Legal Clinics
Our in-house legal clinics are offered in person on campus, primarily during daytime hours. If you live locally (or can travel) with daytime flexibility, you're welcome to apply.
Mock Trial & Moot Court
You can audition for all of Boyd's advocacy teams. These require significant synchronous practice and travel — though Boyd is actively expanding virtual competitions suited to working professionals.
Dual Degrees (JD/MBA)
Dual degree programs, like the JD/MBA, are available — though participation may depend on your ability to attend dual-degree courses that are offered in person.
Before You Apply
A Note on Distance Education & Bar Eligibility:
Check the rules in your target jurisdiction.
Some jurisdictions limit how many distance education credits count toward bar eligibility, and these rules vary by state. Review the requirements wherever you may seek admission. For example, New York caps distance education at 15 credits toward bar eligibility and doesn't permit any distance coursework until you've completed at least 28 credits toward your J.D.
