DEGREE TERMS & LENGTH OF PROGRAMS

Law School tuition is based on a single rate for the degree term. This may be different from what you have seen or experienced at other schools. Novus Law School does not utilize a traditional academic calendar, and tuition is not charged on a semester, quarter, or course-by-course basis. Tuition for each degree program is bundled into one low, economical rate that includes individualized curriculum design, course instruction, program mentor and administrative counseling, student manuals, and text selections. Degree terms have a specific start and end date based on registration and degree program.

DEGREE TERMS
JD – 24 months accelerated or 32 months non-accelerated from degree term start date. JD Students can complete their program in as little as 24 months by taking no degree term breaks. All students are placed in the accelerated degree term at registration.  In no event shall more than 24 months of study be allowed for completion of the Juris Doctor program unless pre-approved in writing for degree term breaks. Students are initially registered in the accelerated degree term.
EJD – 22 months accelerated or 30 months non-accelerated from degree term start date. EJD students can complete their program in as little as 22 months by taking no degree term breaks.  In no event shall more than 22 months of study be allowed for completion of the Executive Juris Doctor program unless pre-approved in writing. Students are initially registered in the accelerated degree term.
LLM – 12 months from the degree term start date.  LLM is a non-accelerated program and no degree break is permitted.  In no event shall more than 12 months of study be allowed for completion of the Master of Laws (LLM) program unless pre-approved in writing.
BSL – 12 months from the degree term start date.  BSL is a non-accelerated program and no degree break is permitted. In no event shall more than 12 months of study be allowed for completion of the Bachelor of Law (BSL) program unless pre-approved in writing.
DUAL DEGREE BSL/JD – 27 months from the degree term start date.  The BSL portion must be completed within the first 12 months of registration, including the required Bachelor's Final Project. The remaining JD requirements must be completed within the following 15 months. Degree Term Breaks are not permitted during the initial 12-month BSL portion, but breaks may be approved during the JD portion, for an additional 4 months.

DEGREE TERM BREAK - JD & EJD ONLY
A Degree Term Break allows students to temporarily pause their studies, similar to a scheduled break in a traditional academic program, while extending their degree term by the approved break period. Students may take up to four (4) months of approved break time during the first eight (8) months of their degree term and an additional four (4) months during the second eight (8) months, for a maximum of eight (8) months. No more than four (4) months of break time may be taken within any 12-month period. Students requesting a Degree Term Break must submit the official University Degree Term Break form at least 15 days before the requested break begins. All breaks require prior University approval and must be scheduled before the original registered degree term expires, with sufficient time remaining to accommodate the requested break. Retroactive breaks are not permitted.
Degree Term Breaks are available exclusively to JD and EJD students. The LLM and BSL programs have established 12-month degree terms and do not offer Degree Term Breaks.

SELF-PACED STUDY
Novus University Law School programs are designed for flexible, self-paced independent study, allowing students to balance their legal education with personal and professional commitments. Students are not required to attend daily or weekly classroom sessions and may submit academic assignments according to their individual schedules.
Although students determine their own study pace, all programs have established degree term limits and academic requirements. Core courses require a minimum of 30 days each and may not be completed in less time. Students are encouraged to complete core courses in 30-45 days with 8-10 hours a week of study. Students can take longer but should remain mindful of the degree term time.

CONTINUOUS MONTHLY ENROLLMENT (CME)
Degree terms are calculated in calendar months from the student's registered start date. Students who do not complete their program within the established degree term may continue their studies through Continuous Monthly Enrollment (CME), subject to additional monthly tuition charges. Continuous Monthly Enrollment (CME) allows students who have not completed their degree requirements within the established degree term to continue their studies month to month without incurring the full tuition cost of another degree term. Students who have not completed their degree requirements are automatically placed on CME when their applicable degree term expires, unless they have officially withdrawn from the University. Monthly tuition charges continue until all degree requirements have been completed or the University receives an Official Withdrawal. Unpaid balances are due in full at the time of withdrawal.

For applicable charges, see Program Fees.