Accelerated January Degree Program

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Accelerated Program allows students to begin law school in January (spring term) and graduate within two and a half years, instead of the traditional three year full-time curriculum.
Preston Hall and Gerber Glass Library
a student

Get your Degree in Under Three Years

The Accelerated Program allows full-time and part-time, day students to enroll in Law School in January and complete their degree in under three years. The length, structure, and content of the January Accelerated Program mirrors the traditional fall start program. Students “accelerate” by completing the second semester of their 1L year over the first summer and then commencing their 2L year that fall. Students who begin in the traditional fall semester may also accelerate by utilizing summer sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Accelerated Program

Q: When is the deadline for applying, and when can I expect to hear an answer?

A: While there is no final deadline as we work on rolling admissions, the priority application deadline for spring entry is December 1st.  Decisions typically take 2-3 weeks after completion of your application.

Q: If I enter in the spring semester, will I be at a disadvantage from my peers who are enrolled in the traditional full-time three year program?

A: No.  Students entering in the spring accelerated program will be fully integrated into law school life and have access to all the same services and activities available to first-year fall start students, including financial aid, career services, student groups and law review.  For spring accelerated students interested in law review, there will be a separate write-on competition after the final exam of the summer session.

Q: What are the median numbers for the LSAT and GPA?

A: Admission into the 2 1/2 Year Accelerated Program is just as competitive as fall admissions.  For the 2021 admit pool, the median LSAT was a 152 and the median GPA was 3.3.

Q: What is the latest LSAT score that will be considered?

A:  Applicants should take the LSAT exam by November for spring admission. Pace operates on a rolling admission program, meaning students may still apply and be accepted for enrollment following the December 1st suggested deadline.  Decisions typically take 2-3 weeks after completion of your application.  Applicants interested in fall admission should take the LSAT by the June exam.

Q: When does this program start in spring ?

A:  Classes begin the second week of January.  

Q: Do you offer the Flex JD scheduling option to students starting in January?

A: No, the Flex JD scheduling option is only available to students who start in the fall term.

For any other questions regarding our 2 1/2 Year Accelerated Program, please contact the Office of Admissions at 914-422-4210 or at admissions@law.pace.edu.