Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs

BEST ONLINE JURIS DOCTORATE IN LAW
By James Barham
Published:

Which are the best online Juris Doctorate programs in the United States? We help you find the top ABA-accredited online law degree programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The best online juris doctorate law degree programs are hybrids and require some parts of the program to be completed on-campus.
  • Many of the on-campus portions of an online juris doctorate law degree program can be completed during weekend sessions.
  • To qualify to sit for the Bar Exam, an online juris doctorate law degree program must be ABA-accredited.

Best Online Juris Doctorate Degree Programs

Sort by:
  1. Syracuse University
  2. University of Denver
  3. Loyola University Chicago
  4. Seton Hall University
  5. University of New Hampshire
  6. Cleveland State University
  7. University of Dayton
  8. Touro University
  9. Southwestern Law School
  10. Mitchell Hamline School of Law
  1. Cleveland State University 91%
  2. University of New Hampshire 87%
  3. University of Dayton 81%
  4. Seton Hall University 77%
  5. Loyola University Chicago 77%
  6. Touro University 77%
  7. University of Denver 64%
  8. Syracuse University 59%
  1. University of New Hampshire 16 to 1
  2. Cleveland State University 15 to 1
  3. Syracuse University 15 to 1
  4. University of Dayton 15 to 1
  5. Loyola University Chicago 14 to 1
  6. Seton Hall University 14 to 1
  7. University of Denver 11 to 1
  8. Touro University 11 to 1
  1. Syracuse University $57,591
  2. University of Denver $54,819
  3. Loyola University Chicago $47,808
  4. Seton Hall University $46,880
  5. University of Dayton $44,890
  6. Touro University $20,750
  7. University of New Hampshire $15,520
  8. Cleveland State University $11,610
  1. University of Denver $53,640
  2. Mitchell Hamline School of Law $48,180
  3. Syracuse University $41,616
  4. Seton Hall University $25,218
  5. Loyola University Chicago $18,990
  6. Southwestern Law School $18,430
  7. University of Dayton $18,090
  8. University of New Hampshire $14,170
  9. Touro University $12,708
  10. Cleveland State University $10,419
  1. Mitchell Hamline School of Law
  2. Southwestern Law School
  3. Touro University
  4. University of Dayton
  5. Cleveland State University
  6. University of New Hampshire
  7. Seton Hall University
  8. Loyola University Chicago
  9. University of Denver
  10. Syracuse University
  1. Syracuse University 59%
  2. University of Denver 64%
  3. Touro University 77%
  4. Loyola University Chicago 77%
  5. Seton Hall University 77%
  6. University of Dayton 81%
  7. University of New Hampshire 87%
  8. Cleveland State University 91%
  1. University of Denver 11 to 1
  2. Touro University 11 to 1
  3. Loyola University Chicago 14 to 1
  4. Seton Hall University 14 to 1
  5. Cleveland State University 15 to 1
  6. Syracuse University 15 to 1
  7. University of Dayton 15 to 1
  8. University of New Hampshire 16 to 1
  1. Cleveland State University $11,610
  2. University of New Hampshire $15,520
  3. Touro University $20,750
  4. University of Dayton $44,890
  5. Seton Hall University $46,880
  6. Loyola University Chicago $47,808
  7. University of Denver $54,819
  8. Syracuse University $57,591
  1. Cleveland State University $10,419
  2. Touro University $12,708
  3. University of New Hampshire $14,170
  4. University of Dayton $18,090
  5. Southwestern Law School $18,430
  6. Loyola University Chicago $18,990
  7. Seton Hall University $25,218
  8. Syracuse University $41,616
  9. Mitchell Hamline School of Law $48,180
  10. University of Denver $53,640

Those with a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree influence many facets of our society, from governmental rules, estate planning, contract conflicts, and criminal justice.

Many law schools are broadening their curriculum to include online JD degree programs to better prepare students for the Bar Exam and get their license to practice law in the US. It is important to note, however, that online JD degree programs are not 100% online degree programs; instead, they’re hybrid doctorate degree programs that are a mix of online and on-campus graduate degree coursework.

What is a Juris Doctorate?

A Juris Doctorate degree, also known as a JD or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, is a professional degree designed to prepare students for a legal profession after completing an online master program. It is the most popular educational route to sit for the Bar Exam in the US.

JD degree programs require students to complete 85 to 90 credit hours, generally taking three years of full-time study; part-time students can take up to five years. Online law degrees provide training that is identical to an on-campus program and they give students the skills and knowledge to pass the Bar Exam.

It is important to note that you can only obtain a JD by graduating from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).


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The 10 Best Online JD Doctorate Degrees

This list was based on the American Bar Association’s list of accredited institutions. Our ranking is composed of the ten best online law degree JD programs with the following criteria in mind.

  • Student support services
  • Financial aid opportunities
  • Popularity in rankings
  • Reasonable tuition costs
  • Networking opportunities
  • Availability of online programs/courses
  • Accreditation with colleges and schools commission agencies and academic organizations

These criteria, however, are not to say that the ABA-accredited law schools not included on the list are below average. All traditional and online law schools have their own strengths, but the following ten schools stood out the most during our evaluation.

  1. #1

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #7 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #5 Best Research Universities in New York 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    22K

    What is Syracuse University known for?

    Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: JDinteractive

    Required Credit Hours: 87 credit hours

    Completion Time: 4 years

    Syracuse University’s College of Law offers several online law programs, including an online JD degree program called the JDinteractive. The online program is designed to be completed in four years in a part-time format.

    There are weekly self-paced class sessions before every live online class. The self-paced courses allow students to have a thorough introduction to the content discussed in live sessions. It uses online lectures, hypothetical illustrations, interactive activities, and multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

    On top of their asynchronous and synchronous online classes, students will be required to attend residential courses. Residential courses give students the ability to work alongside peers, gain critical skill-building experience, and visit Dineen Hall to network with instructors, current students, and alumni. Residentships are available numerous times a year.

    The residency courses include:

    • Legal Foundations
    • Legal Applications
    • Professional Skills
    • Advanced Legal Topics

    Learn more about Syracuse University’s College of Law online JD degree program.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
    • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score no more than 5 years old
    • Registration with the Law School Admission Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
    • Official transcripts of records
    • Two to four letters of recommendation
    • Resume/CV
    • Personal Statement
    • Why JD Statement
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Denver

    Denver , CO
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #2 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2023 #2 Best Colleges in Colorado 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/28

    What is University of Denver known for?

    University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: Professional Part-Time JD

    Required Credit Hours: 90 semester hours

    Completion Time: 4 years

    The University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law offers a hybrid professional online JD program designed for working adult students. Although only a third of the 90 semester hours can be completed online, students can still expect flexible class schedules thanks to customizable on-campus courses.

    Online components of the professional JD program include discussion boards, interactive exercises, and other assessments using a user-friendly technology platform that allows students to interact with instructors and classmates. Two-thirds of the program will be spent face-to-face over the weekend sessions, from 8:15 AM – 5:15 PM on Saturdays and 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM on Sundays.

    Students who complete the requisite first-year and upper-level JD courses can expect a more flexible schedule moving forward. Depending on your schedule and availability, you can take advantage of scheduled classes, externships, and clinical work.

    While earning your JD degree, you can also enroll in certificate programs to boost your resume. Thanks to the school’s certificate programs, you can tailor your degree based on your legal interests. You can enroll in the following certification options:

    • Animal Law Program
    • Workplace Law Program
    • Corporate and Commercial Law Program
    • Constitutional Law and Rights and Remedies Program
    • Intellectual Property Law and Technology Law Program
    • International Legal Studies Program
    • Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program

    If you’re interested in the school’s hybrid Professional JD degree program, you can visit their website and contact their admissions representatives to learn more about the program and application process.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree (3.0 GPA)
    • Resume
    • Personal statement
    • Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) score and LSAT Writing
    • All transcripts from post-secondary schooling
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Official scores from the TOEFL-Test of English as a Foreign Language, IELTS-International English Language Testing System, or C1 Advanced for non-native speaker
    Compare school

  3. #3

    Seton Hall University

    South Orange , NJ
    #21 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/27

    What is Seton Hall University known for?

    Seton Hall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: Part-Time Weekend JD

    Required Credit Hours: 88 credit hours

    Completion Time: 4 years

    Seton Hall University’s School of Law hybrid JD degree program allows students to complete some coursework online via distance learning during weekdays and attend on-campus classes on weekends.

    Students are on campus from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and 9:00 AM to 2:15 PM on Sundays during their first two years. The scheduling of courses gets considerably more flexible after the first two years.

    You’ll use the learning platform at Seton Hall to participate remotely in discussions with your professors and classmates and engage in self-directed tasks when you’re not on campus.

    While having only a limited number of hours on campus, weekend students can integrate successfully into the law school community. Part-time students can work as community helpers, write for Incarcerated Persons Workforce Re-Entry and the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall Law, and visit border detainees to offer legal assistance. Some students rise to prominent leadership positions in the Law Review and the Student Bar Association while also placing highly in Mock Trial and Moot Court competitions.

    Students who want to have a specialization can consider enrolling at Seton Hall’s School of Law. The concentrations that law students can choose from include:

    • Law and Technology
    • Health Law
    • Gaming, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Sports Law Initiative
    • Compliance

    Each concentration consists of a set of required courses and electives. Additionally, some concentrations require students to complete an advanced legal writing project.

    Explore more about Seton Hall’s Weekend Part-Time JD degree program by visiting their website.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree; no minimum GPA required but the average GPA accepted is 3.49
    • Official transcript of records from previously attended colleges and universities
    • Resume/CV
    • LSAT scores; no minimum LSAT score is required but the average score of accepted students is 158
    • LSAT writing sample
    • One letter of recommendation
    • Personal statement
    Compare school
  5. #4

    University of New Hampshire

    Durham , NH
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/27

    What is University of New Hampshire known for?

    University of New Hampshire’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: Hybrid Juris Doctor (JD)

    Required Credit Hours: 85 credit hours

    Completion Time: 4 years

    University of New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce School of Law provides one of the best hybrid JD degree programs with the most financial aid opportunities. The Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI) and UNH Franklin Pierce have an exclusive cooperation that helps ASIPI members get scholarships and launch intellectual property leaders across Latin America.

    This JD degree program focuses more on intellectual property and technology law. The curriculum combines traditional 1L themes with specialized intellectual property, technology, and information law material.

    Online students of the school’s hybrid JD degree program enjoy the same faculty experts in intellectual property and technology law. They write laws, build startups, offer IP value advice to world leaders, research the most recent sports law concerns, aid developing nations in transitioning to an information economy, and direct research on privacy and data.

    In addition to having world-class faculty, you’ll also learn from industry experts worldwide. For example, the Chief Patent Counsel for Microsoft, or the Chief Counsel for Global Trademarks at Pepsi, could teach you about patent strategy or how branding can change an industry.

    You can learn more about the hybrid JD degree program and its financial aid opportunities by visiting the Franklin Pierce School of Law website.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Personal Statement
    • Resume
    • Supplemental Statement
    • Two recommendations
    • Transcripts from each post-secondary college or university attended
    • Valid LSAT score or GRE score
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Southwestern Law School

    Los Angeles , CA

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Southwestern Law School known for?

    Southwestern Law School’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: Part-Time Evening JD

    Required Credit Hours: 87 credit hours

    Completion Time: 4 years

    Southwestern Law School offers a hybrid JD degree program with on-campus evening courses. Instead of requiring students to attend evening classes four evenings a week, this program allows students to attend two evenings of commute time and complete the remaining class sessions online. Students will be required to complete the remaining graduation requirements by enrolling in a few extra courses during the academic year, the summer, or an intersession term.

    This program offers many working adults a financially viable way to pursue a legal degree while continuing to work a full-time job schedule. The comprehensive legal education provided to students enrolling in the evening program is the same as that provided in the day program.

    The program’s first two years will be spent following the prescribed curriculum. Students can participate in honors programs, externships, and clinics during their third and fourth years.

    In addition to being affordable and flexible, this JD degree program also allows students to pursue a concentration. Concentrations include:

    • Criminal Law and Advocacy
    • Civil Litigation and Advocacy
    • Entertainment and Media Law
    • Critical Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
    • Public Interest Law
    • Labor and Employment Law
    • Technology Law and Entrepreneurship

    Students who prefer not to have a concentration can combine courses.

    Learn more about the Part-Time JD degree program at Southwestern Law School by browsing through their webpage.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Undergraduate pre-legal education
    • LSAT score
    • Law school admissions test writing sample
    • Application file
    • Personal interviews by the admissions office
    • Three recommendation letters
    • Resume/CV
    Compare school

  7. #6

    Touro University

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    8K

    What is Touro University known for?

    Touro University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: FlexTime Hybrid JD

    Required Credit Hours: 88 credit hours

    Completion Time: 4 years

    Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center at Touro University is one of the most accessible hybrid JD degree programs. The program’s curriculum was carefully designed to fit the schedules of adult learners who want to pursue legal education but do not have the luxury of leaving their full-time jobs.

    The program provides students with the most recent evidence-based teaching and learning methods, giving students the greatest freedom while maintaining a demanding course of study that equips them with the necessary abilities for legal practice.

    Students will complete online courses and must be present in person for classes for 12 Sundays during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students should also expect to be on campus for another two Sundays for final exams each semester and a potential backup Sunday if a makeup day is necessary. The remaining assignments will be completed asynchronously, allowing students to finish them whenever and wherever suits their schedules.

    Students who want to focus on a particular area of law can choose from a number of academic concentrations at Touro Law.

    Touro Law currently offers two specializations:

    • Land Use and Sustainable Development Law
    • Criminal Law

    Visit Touro College’s Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center’s FlexTime Hybrid JD degree website to learn more about the program.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree
    • LSAT/GRE score
    • Personal Statement and LSAT/GRE Writing Sample/s
    • Professional experience and achievement after college
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Resume/CV
    • Official transcripts
    • TOEFL and IELTS scores for international students
    Compare school
  9. #7

    Mitchell Hamline School of Law

    Saint Paul , MN

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Mitchell Hamline School of Law known for?

    Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: Blended JD

    Required Credit Hours: 84 credit hours

    Completion Time: 3 years

    The blended learning program offered by Mitchell Hamline combines the greatest aspects of online and in-person training. This degree program gives students the main advantage of online learning that can be tailored to coincide with their work-life schedules. You choose the most effective time management strategy to fulfill the deadlines and work demands.

    Mitchell Hamline School of Law is a pioneer in offering law degree programs. As a result, MHSL had the opportunity to develop a technology foundation and continuously enhance its teaching methods.

    The program now provides a curriculum structured to an Executive and Weekend option, with a well-liked case-study workshop component where students can learn firsthand from attorneys and those who have participated in cases.

    Law students can complete the JD degree in three years instead of four with a blended hybrid, weekend, and executive curriculum. It contains a case-study workshop that takes up a lot of on-campus time, a flexible architecture that lets students tailor their schedules and curricula, and an “asynchronous” structure that lets students do the online component of their studies on their own schedule.

    For the first two years, you’ll take two blended classes, two-thirds online and one-third in-person. During the last two years, you can select from various courses in blended, on-campus, and totally online forms. After the first year, summer courses are offered, and J-term courses begin in the second year.

    Explore the blended JD degree program at Mitchell Hamline School of Law by visiting their website.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Completed application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
    • Credential Assembly Service report through LSAC
    • LSAT score
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Resume
    • Values statement
    • Personal statement
    • Additional statements or addendums (as needed)
    Compare school

  10. #8

    Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #11 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/28

    What is Loyola University Chicago known for?

    Loyola University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: Weekend JD

    Required Credit Hours: 86 credit hours

    Completion Time: 4 years

    Loyola University of Chicago’s School of Law has a Weekend JD law degree that combines on-campus instruction with one of the nation’s top suppliers of online legal education. The program allows student to earn their degree without altering their current work-life schedules.

    The program allows students to learn about procedural and substantive law, including how the administrative state, political institutions, and other academic fields affect it, all without altering their current work-life schedules. Moreover, the school states that 89% of graduates find employment in 10 months.

    The weekend component of the program requires students to be on campus every other weekend from 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM on Saturdays and 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM on Sundays. The online learning component of the JD program is conducted through Sakai, a highly dynamic and collaborative online learning environment. Numerous flexible course alternatives and a wide range of electives will be offered, including summer coursework, independent study, and intersession courses.

    The program requires at least six credit hours of experiential learning. As students advance in their coursework, they can customize their degrees by tailoring them to match their goals and interests. There are no concentrations.

    Interested? Check out the program’s course formatting and determine whether the demand fits your needs. You can visit the Weekend JD program website for more information.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
    • Official transcripts from higher education institutions attended
    • One letter of recommendation
    • LSAT score
    • Personal Statement
    • Resume
    • Transcript evaluation
    • TOEFL or IELTS score report for international law applicants
    • Qualifications for admissions to the Bar
    • Character and fitness questions

    Loyola University Chicago’s Online Degrees

    EdD in School Psychology
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DHCML in Healthcare Mission Leadership
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DNP in Nursing Practice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nurse Practitioner
    • Clinical Nurse Specialist
    • Systems Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-80
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #9

    Cleveland State University

    Cleveland , OH
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2023 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2023 #9 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2023 #9 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    What is Cleveland State University known for?

    Cleveland State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: Online JD

    Required Credit Hours: 90 credit hours

    Completion Time: 3.3 years

    Cleveland State University’s College of Law Online JD degree program offers 100% online didactic coursework with six in-person weekend residencies. It’s one of the top-ranking online JD programs in the US. On top of its accessibility, the school’s JD degree is also considered one of best value school as it charges in-state tuition rates to out-of-state students.

    While the didactic coursework is fully online, online students should expect to undergo a demanding curriculum requiring them to complete experiential learning opportunities. First-year students will have a personal alumni mentor to introduce them to the field and support their professional growth. You’ll develop problem-solving and professional competencies for ethical practice while learning fundamental legal ideas, conducting legal research, and analyzing legal material.

    If you want to tailor your degree, specialized classes are available in commercial law, corporate compliance, criminal law, cybersecurity, and space law. You can also enroll in certificate programs to maximize your time in law school. Cleveland State currently offers two certificate programs for online JD students:

    • Health Law
    • Cybersecurity

    Moreover, you will have the chance to converse with clients, counsel and offer trial strategy advice, draft briefs, conduct client research, and draft legal arguments in both real and simulated encounters. The school will even provide ample courses to select from that will help you support startup law firms or give back to the community.

    If you’re intrigued by this program, visit Cleveland State University’s College of Law’s online JD website.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Final transcript showing degree conferral to the Law School Admissions Council’s Credential Assembly Service (LCAS)
    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Personal statement
    • LSAT or GRE score
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Resume
    Compare school

  13. #10

    University of Dayton

    Dayton , OH
    #25 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/26

    What is University of Dayton known for?

    University of Dayton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Degree: Online Hybrid JD Program

    Required Credit Hours: 90 credit hours

    Completion Time: 4 years

    The University of Dayton School of Law offers a hybrid JD degree program. Students can expect to experience a cutting-edge approach to legal education that will prepare them for the legal field. You’ll participate in weekly live online classes, finish engaging online coursework, and visit the campus for Get REAL Intensives, which are in-person learning opportunities.

    One of the unique features of this program is that it allows JD students to pursue a Postgraduate Master of Laws (LLM) Degree Program without spending any additional money. The LLM degree program helps students develop legal knowledge in certain subjects by allowing them to pursue a specialized practice or explore additional legal disciplines that align with their interests.

    JD graduates who decide to pursue a master’s degree in law can choose one of the following specializations:

    • Criminal Law
    • Applied Business Law
    • Intellectual Property
    • Cyberlaw
    • Social Justice

    Learn more about the University of Dayton’s School of Law’s Online Hybrid JD Program.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Undergraduate transcript(S)
    • CAS Registration
    • LSAT or GRE Scores
    • Two professional letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement
    • Qualifications for admission to the Bar
    • Resume/CV
    • Optional LSAT/academic statement
    • Optional diversity statement
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What To Expect from ABA-Accredited Professional Law Degree Programs

Mid- or senior-career professionals can benefit greatly from attending online law degree programs. The greatest way to start a fulfilling and rewarding new job practicing law may be to earn a Juris Doctorate (JD) at the best online law schools.

The average cost of attending law school, including living fees and additional costs like books and supplies, is $45,990 per year. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average overall expenditure is $206,180.

When enrolled full-time, law school takes three years to complete. Part-time students, on the other hand, generally complete the didactic and experiential coursework in four to five years.

JD curricula frequently emphasize the methods and techniques utilized in court and for legal research. Additionally, you can get the chance to concentrate your research on one area of law. Typical concentrations include:

  • Advocacy law
  • Business law
  • Civil law
  • Constitutional law
  • Contract law
  • Employment law
  • Criminal law
  • Entertainment (or media) law
  • Environmental law
  • General practice law
  • Intellectual property law
  • Maritime law
  • Tax law
  • Torts
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Frequently Asked Questions about Online Juris Doctorate Degrees and Online Law Schools

Why are ABA-accredited JD degree programs completed in hybrid learning formats only?

Since 1952, the American Bar Association (ABA) has served as the benchmark for accrediting law schools. No ABA-accredited institutions currently offer a fully online law education, with zero on-campus requirements. Lawyers and attorneys must pass state Bar Exams, follow the rules for ethical behavior, and develop client trust under challenging situations.

ABA-accredited institutions require students to complete externships and spend weeks on campus each year to enhance learning from their online coursework, network with faculty and peers, and put their knowledge into practice.

ABA-Accredited vs. Unaccredited Law Schools

You might have heard about non-ABA law schools, but you might not have fully understood them. After all, it is a topic that is frequently sidestepped in favor of discussing the more illustrious law schools that the ABA accredits.

The key distinctions between schools with ABA accreditation and those without it are the educational standards available to students and how simple it is to sit for the Bar Exam after graduating, which is the last step in securing employment as legal professionals or lawyers.

ABA-accredited institutions have undergone stringent examination and worked to comply with specific criteria to become accredited. Therefore, ABA-accredited law schools are proven to provide better academic rigor. The quality of the classes at non-ABA-accredited law schools may not be as uniform as those at an ABA-accredited school.

Consequently, while graduates of ABA-accredited law schools are always eligible to take the exam, most (but not all) states do not let graduates from non-ABA schools sit for the Bar Exam.

A non-ABA law school may be the best choice if you want to remain in the state where you attend law school. An ABA law school, on the other hand, is best if you want the freedom to move with your legal degree.

In most states, you can retake the Bar Exam after several years of practice, although it may take 10 to 15 years.

Can online JD graduates from accredited law schools sit for the Bar?

If your law school is ABA-accredited, you can qualify to take the Bar Exam, work in any state, and become an attorney in that state.

Are LSAT scores needed in online law programs?

While LSAT scores are mandatory for some online law schools, other law schools accept an LSAT or GRE score as long as they were taken in the last five years.

What are the differences between a Juris Doctor and a Juris Master online law degree program?

A Juris Master concentrates on more specialized areas of business, nonprofit, or government positions that do not need to pass the Bar Exam. A Juris Doctor degree prepares students to sit and pass the exams to become lawyers or judges.

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