The Best Law Schools With Online Programs
Traditional law schools offering Juris Doctor (JD) programs typically do not offer fully online options due to the interactive and hands-on nature of legal education. However, there are some institutions that offer online programs related to legal studies, such as Master of Laws (LLM) degrees or certificates in specific legal areas. These programs are often designed for practicing attorneys or individuals seeking to enhance their legal knowledge in a particular area.
Top Law Schools With Online Programs
Here are a few reputable institutions known for their online legal studies programs:
Concord Law School
Affiliated with Purdue University Global, Concord Law School offers online JD, Executive Juris Doctor (EJD), and LLM programs. The JD program is designed for non-traditional students and does not qualify graduates to sit for the bar exam in California or any other jurisdiction.
The tuition for the Juris Doctor (JD) program at Concord Law School is approximately $45,000 per year for full-time students and $35,000 per year for part-time students. The Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) program tuition is similar, while the Master of Laws (LLM) program tuition varies depending on the specialization.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Mitchell Hamline offers a hybrid online/on-campus Executive JD program designed for experienced professionals who cannot attend traditional law school. The program combines online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives.
The tuition for the Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) program at Mitchell Hamline School of Law is approximately $2,000 per credit, with the total cost varying depending on the number of credits required for graduation.
Vermont Law School
Vermont Law School offers several online LLM degrees and certificates in environmental law, energy law, food and agriculture law, and other areas of specialization.
The tuition for online Master of Laws (LLM) degrees and certificates at Vermont Law School varies depending on the program and specialization. Generally, tuition costs for these programs range from $1,000 to $1,500 per credit, with total program costs typically ranging from $20,000 to $40,000.
Washington University School of Law (St. Louis)
Washington University offers an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program designed for non-lawyers who seek to enhance their legal knowledge and skills for career advancement.
The tuition for the online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program at Washington University varies depending on the number of credits required for completion. As of my last update, the tuition rate was approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per credit.
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
USC Gould School of Law offers an online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program with concentrations in compliance, entertainment law, and human resources law.
The tuition for the online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program at USC Gould School of Law varies depending on the concentration and number of units taken per semester. As of my last update, the tuition rate was approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per unit.
Syracuse University College of Law
Syracuse University offers an online Executive Master of Laws (LLM) program in international law, business, and trade, designed for experienced professionals in the field.
The tuition for the online Executive Master of Laws (LLM) program at Syracuse University varies depending on the specialization and number of credits required for completion. As of my last update, the tuition rate was approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per credit.
Top Programs
Is an Online Law Degree Worth It?
Whether an online law degree is worth it depends on your specific circumstances, goals, and the type of online program you're considering. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the worth of an online law degree:
Career Goals: If your goal is to become a licensed attorney and practice law, an online law degree may not be the best option. Traditional Juris Doctor (JD) programs typically require in-person attendance and provide the rigorous legal education and training necessary to pass the bar exam and practice law. Most jurisdictions have strict requirements for bar admission, which may not be met by online law degrees.
Specialized Knowledge: If you're already working in a legal or related field and seeking to enhance your knowledge in a specific area of law, an online Master of Laws (LLM) or Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program could be beneficial. These programs are often designed for working professionals and offer flexible online coursework in specialized legal areas.
Flexibility: Online law programs can offer greater flexibility for students who cannot attend traditional on-campus programs due to work, family, or other commitments. If you need the flexibility to study at your own pace and on your own schedule, an online law degree may be worth considering.
Accreditation and Reputation: It's essential to research the accreditation and reputation of any online law program you're considering. Look for programs offered by reputable institutions with accreditation from recognized accrediting bodies. Consider factors such as faculty qualifications, curriculum, student support services, and alumni success when evaluating the program's reputation.
Cost and Value: Evaluate the cost of the online law program compared to the potential benefits it offers. Consider factors such as tuition, fees, and additional expenses, as well as potential returns on investment in terms of career advancement, salary potential, and personal fulfillment.
Networking Opportunities: One potential drawback of online programs is the limited opportunities for in-person networking and interaction with peers, faculty, and legal professionals. Consider whether the online program offers virtual networking events, alumni connections, or other opportunities to build professional relationships.
What States Accept Online Law Degrees?
As of March 2023, California stands as the solitary state permitting graduates from online law schools to participate in the bar examination.
The majority of states mandate completion of an accredited law degree program to qualify for the bar exam. For instance, in Indiana and other jurisdictions, candidates must first graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA has sanctioned 18 hybrid or online programs, while many law schools provide hybrid programs that do not necessitate approval.
In 2021, only four states—California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington—allow individuals aspiring to become lawyers to take the state bar exam without attending a traditional law school.
