JDP students attend classes during the summer and on weekends during the school year for three years.

The Summer Session involves 18 hours of classes per week for six weeks. Two additional weeks are required for completion of papers and meetings with faculty.

During the academic year, students attend classes every other weekend for eight weekends per semester: on Fridays, classes meet 4:30pm - 9:00pm, with one hour set aside for a group dinner and discussion; on Saturdays, students attend classes 9:00am - 5:30pm, with one hour set aside for a group lunch and discussion.

In addition to coursework, students are required to participate in professional residencies during Fall and Spring semesters of the first two years of study.