In recent years, the number of online degree programs has expanded exponentially, and many people have taken whatever online Bachelor’s and MBA programs are available. More recently, a number of online Law Degree programs have also sprung up leading many people to wonder… is it really possible to get your law degree online? More importantly, are these Juris Doctor degrees worth anything and can you really practice law with them?
The Straight Scoop on Online Law School
Several online universities such as the University of Phoenix, Concord/Kaplan Law School, and DeVry offer distance learning law degrees. These programs are comparable in cost to other online doctoral level degrees with fees ranging from $30-90,000 depending on the program. Students can usually take them part-time or full-time and the full Juris Doctor degree is completed in 3-5 years.
Classes for most of these programs are offered online with reading and other materials purchased by students. Some offer in-person classes as optional additions. Teachers interact with students online, and assignments are usually submitted via email. Courses required for online Juris Doctor programs are typical of full-time programs and include topics such as Civil Procedure, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Property and Torts, among others. Upper level classes include subjects such as Constitutional Law, Evidence, Family Law, Trusts and Probate, as well as other required and recommended courses.
Programs typically require the student to take the LSAT and submit transcripts from undergraduate programs, as well as write essays to gain acceptance. In general, admission criteria and standards are lower than those of reputable law schools and students gain admission that might not qualify if they apply to a nationally recognized traditional school.
Someone who is interested in studying law and taking all the major courses required by JD can get a solid law school education by earning an online degree. The ability to create your own schedule, the flexibility to spread the degree over time, and the reduced cost compared to traditional programs make it an attractive alternative if you are simply seeking the Juris Doctor for your own benefit and experience. education it offers. offers
The big problem with online law school
However, there is one very important and fundamental downside to earning your Juris Doctorate online. As of now, 49 states require a person to earn their JD degree from an institution accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Without this credential, he cannot sit for the bar exam and become a practicing attorney in his state. The exception to this is the state of California, which allows certain distance learning Juris Doctor students to sit for the bar exam if they have met certain requirements, but only from certain specific online Law Degree programs.
