Phoenix School of Law (PSL) announced that it is expanding its current schedule from two academic terms to three academic terms beginning in the fall of 2013. The academic terms will start in the fall, spring and summer. Students have the option of attending either two or three terms during the academic year. The new structure offers significant advantages to students and is responsive to challenges currently facing legal education and the legal industry.
The advantages of the new structure include:
Course Scheduling
• Required Courses Offered Every Term: New students will have the option of beginning their legal studies in January, May or September. Required courses will be offered in each term so students have the option in the third term of continuing classes, participating in experiential learning opportunities, or taking time off. Moreover, the availability of three full terms in each academic year affords students a wider choice of elective and required course offerings.
• Increased Course Availability for Part-time/Evening Students: PSL offers the only part-time program for law students in the state of Arizona. The addition of required courses, additional electives, and increased experiential learning opportunities in each term expands the variety of courses available for part-time students.
• Accelerated JD Degree: Students can choose to attend classes for all three terms and graduate in 2 years resulting in reducing their overall debt and accelerating their legal careers.
Clinics, Internships, and Externships
• Increased Opportunities: Students will have a greater opportunity and flexibility to participate in experiential learning opportunities. The longer summer term of 12 weeks will allow students to gain more practical experience and additional academic credit.
• Year – Round Options for Gaining Work Experience: The flexible scheduling option provides the opportunity for full time work experience at any time of the year, which is optimal for both the student and legal employers.
“We continuously strive to improve and differentiate our program of legal education. Many of these improvements came about as a result of the great ideas of our students, faculty, staff, board members, and the legal community. Our new scheduling options allow our students to continue to develop and apply those practical skills most valued by legal employers”, stated Shirley Mays, Dean of Phoenix School of Law.
