Part-Time Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
NIU Law is launching a part-time J.D. program in Naperville, designed for anyone ready to pursue a legal career without putting the rest of their life on hold. Whether you are managing a career, raising a family or balancing other commitments, this program is built around how you live. Classes meet in person two evenings per week and select weekends, with additional online sessions in the evenings or on weekends depending on the semester.
Applications open Sept. 1, 2026. The part-time J.D. program launches in Fall 2027. Submit your information below to be notified when the application opens.
Same degree.
Different schedule.
The NIU Law Naperville Part-Time J.D. program offers the same rigorous legal education as our full-time program in DeKalb — the same faculty credentials, the same graduation requirements, the same degree — delivered on a schedule that works for people with careers, families and commitments. The program is fully accredited by the American Bar Association.
If you have been thinking about law school but assumed the schedule was not workable, this program was built for you.
Program at a Glance
| Duration | Four years to complete |
| Location | NIU Naperville campus |
| In-person classes | Two evenings per week and select weekends during fall, spring and summer terms |
| Online classes | Additional online sessions depending on the semester |
| Credits required | 90 (same as full-time program) |
| Degree awarded | Juris Doctor (J.D.) — identical to the NIU Law full-time degree |
| Starting cohort | Fall 2027 with an expected entering class of 30–40 students |
| Application opens | Sept. 1, 2026 |
| Tuition | Charged on a per-credit-hour basis; total tuition the same as the full-time program, paid over four years |
A Typical Schedule
The schedule below is illustrative only and subject to change. Final course days and times are still being determined and may include Saturday sessions.
| Day | Modality | Time | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Online | 6 – 7:20 p.m. | Legal Research |
| Tuesday | In person | 5:45 – 7:20 p.m. 7:30 – 9 p.m. |
Torts Civil Procedure |
| Wednesday | Online | 6 – 7:20 p.m. | Legal Research |
| Thursday | In person | 5:45 – 7:20 p.m. 7:30 – 9 p.m. |
Torts Civil Procedure |
| Friday | No class | ||
| Saturday | Select weeks — schedule TBD | ||
The Curriculum
Part-time J.D. students complete all of the same courses required of full-time students at NIU Law's DeKalb campus. The program offers a structured set of electives giving a broad overview of legal practice. Clinical and experiential training experiences will be available to students and tailored to the timing needs of working professionals.
After completing the equivalent of the 1L core curriculum, roughly half of your coursework will be available as synchronous or asynchronous online classes, giving you additional flexibility as you progress through the program. Additional elective credits may also be available through NIU Law's DeKalb campus.
Your Faculty
Your classes will be taught by a talented group of faculty including full-time NIU Law faculty dedicated specifically for the part-time program in Naperville. Some classes will also be taught by DeKalb faculty, giving you access to the benefits of that community. In addition, you will be taught by experienced adjunct practitioners from the Chicago metropolitan legal community.
Naperville-based faculty will serve as your academic advisors throughout the program, providing consistent, personal support from people who know your schedule and your goals.
Clinical Training
Evening and weekend court appearances — built around your schedule, not the other way around.
Hands-on legal experience is a core part of the NIU Law Naperville program.
Plans are already in the works for a criminal defense/public defender clinic, which will offer evening and weekend court appearances through partnerships with the Kane County and DuPage County Public Defender Offices.
A transactional business clinic is also planned as the program grows, providing additional opportunities for students interested in business and commercial law. Additional experiential opportunities will build on the rich legal and business community offerings of the Naperville and broader DuPage County region.
Student Support Services
Students in the part-time J.D. program in Naperville will have full access to the comprehensive support services that define the NIU Law experience, including:
- Academic success and bar preparation support, including a dedicated Assistant Director based on-site in Naperville
- Career services, coordinated in collaboration with our DeKalb campus and expanded with dedicated Naperville staff as the program grows
- Library services, delivered primarily online, with seamless access to NIU Law's DeKalb collection through a convenient book loan system
- Admissions advising and enrollment support, from inquiry through matriculation
- Pro bono, internship and externship opportunities, fully integrated with NIU Law's established programs
All services are designed to support students balancing professional, family and personal responsibilities, with evening-aligned access and a high-touch, student-centered approach.
Technology
The NIU Naperville campus is fully equipped for legal education. Classrooms feature the same technology as NIU Law's DeKalb campus along with on-site technical support.
Location
NIU Law's part-time J.D. program is located at the NIU Naperville campus, conveniently situated in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Tuition and Costs
Tuition is charged on a per-credit basis. Over the four-year program, part-time J.D. students will pay the same total tuition as full-time students, spread across an additional year to match course enrollment.
A Naperville Program Fee is assessed each semester, supporting the unique benefits and resources available to part-time students at this location. NIU Law is a public law school with a long commitment to access and affordability. Financial aid is available to part-time law school students.
Why NIU Law Naperville?
NIU Law has been training Illinois lawyers for decades. Our graduates go on to serve as judges, prosecutors, public defenders, corporate counsel and solo practitioners across the state and beyond. The Naperville program brings that tradition of accessible, practice-ready legal education to one of Illinois's most dynamic professional communities.
For Employers and Organizations
The NIU Law Naperville Part-Time J.D. program is an opportunity for forward-thinking organizations to invest in their people. Employees who earn a law degree while continuing to work bring immediate value — stronger analytical thinking, deeper understanding of legal and regulatory environments, and long-term career growth rooted in your organization.
We welcome conversations with employers and organizations interested in supporting employees who enroll in the program. To learn more about how NIU Law can work with your organization, contact Kellie Martial at kmartial@niu.edu.
Request Information
The application for the Fall 2027 entering class opens Sept. 1, 2026. Submit your information and we will notify you when the application opens.
Contact Us
AdmissionsSwen Parson 151
815-753-8595
law-admit@niu.eduDean's Office
Swen Parson 270
815-753-1068