If you want to become a lawyer or create a new career opportunity, the best online law schools can help you achieve your goal.
When most people think of Law, the first thought that comes to mind is the image of a solicitor in the courtroom. Generally, the most common route to practice law is by earning a Juris Doctorate (JD) first. After which you can sit for the bar exam.
If this is your goal, you’ll need to attend an online law school with ABA accreditation (unless you reside in a few select states). The ABA is responsible for accrediting all the best online law schools within the United States. They ensure a high level of quality across the country. Because there’s such a high standard involved in the legal industry, only certain online law programs have received accreditation by the American Bar Association.
However, there are many other paths in the legal field besides courtroom lawyers for which you may not need an ABA accredited online law degree. If you have a busy schedule, then a degree from a regionally-accredited online law school might be your best bet. These programs are just as thorough as those in brick-and-mortar locations. Here, we’ll be looking at some of the best online law schools—that hold ABA or regional accreditation— that you can find. But before we dive in, let’s answer a few questions you might have about online law programs.
Can You Go to Law School Online?
Yes, you can go to law school online.
Online law schools are for people who want to kickstart their legal career or advance to the next level. These schools are virtual and offer a curriculum parallel to a brick-and-mortar law school. Online law schools give students the skills necessary for a legal career. They also prepare students for law-related jobs in technology, business, and other industries. Students who attend the best online law schools can access high quality legal education via the internet, meeting virtually for lectures, case law reviews, class assignments, and discussions.
Today there are many quality online law schools. To determine the best online law school for you, you’ll need to consider your career goals. If your aim is to become a lawyer, hybrid JD programs accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or California Bar Association (CBA) allow you to complete the majority of your law education online.
Online law schools accredited by the ABA or CBA are legitimate and prestigious meaning any degree received from that school will be acceptable to future employers. ABA-accreditation is the same thing as ABA-approval. Technically, the ABA approves schools that go through the accreditation process.
If your career goals do not include becoming a practicing lawyer, regionally accredited 100% online law schools are an excellent option in terms of cost and convenience. Learn how to choose the right online law degree below.
Types of Degrees at Online Law Schools
At an online law school, you can earn law degrees from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level. In order to become a lawyer, you’ll need to earn either a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor for Juridical Science (JDS). All of these degrees are available from online universities.
Note that the majority of online law degrees are “hybrid” degrees. These degrees allow you to complete most of your work online. However, they also require several in person residency sessions. These residencies usually take place over one or two weekends per semester.
When considering accreditation, the best online law schools will be ABA-accredited.This mark of prestige allows you to fully expand your professional options in the future and make sure you qualify for the most competitive positions.
Juris Doctorate
A JD program is the standard degree earned by future and practicing lawyers. However, in order to use your JD degree to become a lawyer, it must be an ABA accredited program. ABA-accredited on-campus or online JD programs enable you to qualify for your state’s bar exam.
Furthermore, JD degrees enable you to qualify for fulfilling legal careers. This includes such careers as teaching law, legal writing, and as a legal compliance advisor or consultant for businesses.
JD degree programs are typically three years long, but they can extend to four years. They have high admission requirements. Online JD programs cover a variety of legal topics ranging from legal writing to law applications. Most JD degrees also enable students to specialize in areas such as criminal law, environmental law, tax law, etc.
GetEducated's Picks
- Liberty University Doctor of Law & Policy
- Liberty University Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Educational Law
- Taft University System Juris Doctor / Executive
Master of Laws
An LLM or Master of Laws degree is a specialized degree offered by many online law schools. This master’s program can be pursued by bachelor’s degree holders or JD holders to advance their legal knowledge.
LLM programs typically only last for 1 to 2 years. They are ideal for those who want extralegal knowledge without becoming a lawyer. For example, a financial analyst who wants to better understand tax laws might earn an LLM degree with a focus on taxation legal rules.
There are a few primary differences between LLM and JD degrees. LLM degrees expand student knowledge about the law but don’t teach students how to practice law as lawyers. LLM programs are also drastically more affordable than JD degrees.
GetEducated's Picks
- Drake University Master of Jurisprudence in Compliance & Risk Management
- Liberty University Juris Master
- American Public University System Master of Arts in Legal Studies
Doctor for Juridical Science
A Doctor of Juridical Science, also called a Doctor of the Science of Law or JSD, is a research doctoral degree. It’s more similar to a Doctor of Philosophy degree than either of the above two degrees. It’s considered to be a highly valuable advanced law degree. It is ideal for future academics who wish to study how law forms, how law is applied, and so on.
A JSD degree can also be ideal for teaching law at American universities and internationally. It’s the best degree to pursue if you want to pursue a career in politics or judicial administration, rather than working as a lawyer.
GetEducated's Picks
- Liberty University Doctor of Law & Policy
- Liberty University Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Educational Law
- Taft University System Juris Doctor / Executive
Are There Any Accredited Online Law Schools?
When it comes to the best online law schools, the gold standard is accreditation by the American Bar Association. The ABA accredits programs that meet its rigorous standards. These standards regulate course content, test difficulty, and student experience.
However, the ABA does not accredit any fully online law programs with one exception—the 100% online law program from St. Mary’s University.
Instead, the ABA accredits “hybrid” programs, which are typically 80% online and 20% in person. The in-person requirements are usually weekend on-campus residencies that occur once or twice per semester. Hybrid JD programs accredited by the ABA offer the best of both worlds in that you will get a quality education with a higher level of convenience than traditional programs.
Suppose you want to be hired by the best firms. Then you need to make sure your program comes from a law school online accredited by the ABA. Likewise, if you want to work as a lawyer, you must usually complete law school at an ABA-accredited institution.
However, some states may allow you to work as a practicing lawyer even without ABA accreditation. California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington let law students from non-ABA schools sit for the bar exam and obtain law licenses. Even if you attend a non-ABA-accredited law school, you can still have a worthwhile career. For example, you can work as a business consultant, legal analyst, and legal writer or advisor.
In addition to ABA accreditation, make sure that your school is accredited by a regional accrediting organization, like the HLC.
California Online Law School Accreditation
California is a great example of a state where you don’t have to attend an ABA-accredited school to become a lawyer. Instead, you need to attend a California Accredited Law School (CALS), to sit for the state Bar Exam. Each CALS University is accredited by the California State Bar Committee of Examiners (CBE).
The CBE accreditation process is similar to the ABA accreditation process. The CBE is a state accrediting body instead of a national accrediting body. It still implements rules about rigor, time spent on-campus vs. online, and course content. In this way, all practicing California lawyers are trained up to a suitable level before practicing.
That said, there are some differences between these two organizations and the accrediting processes. For example, the ABA requires every law school to use entrance exams in their admission processes, like the LSAT or GRE. In contrast, the California Bar doesn’t require law schools online to use entrance exams at all.
In summary, if you want to be a lawyer in California, attending a CBE-accredited institution is more important than attending an ABA-accredited school. That said, attending an online ABA-accredited law school will still be beneficial, especially if you ever want to practice law in another state.
6 Cheapest Online Law Schools
The online law school cost can vary tremendously depending on the institution and how many credits you already have. Generally, you should expect to pay $10,000-$15,000 or more per year of education after your bachelor’s degree. There are lots of cheap law schools online you can attend. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best depending on which degree you want to pursue.
Cheapest Online JD
University of New Hampshire
Degree Name: Juris Doctor / Intellectual Property & Technology
Student Fees In-State Total: $115,820At the University of New Hampshire, you can acquire an online JD with a concentration in intellectual property and technology. This hybrid program offers many benefits. These include clinical legal practice opportunities, extensive academic support and career services, as well as automatic scholarship consideration.
The hybrid JD program maintains all ABA standards, so it is ABA-approved. Therefore, graduates are automatically eligible to take the New Hampshire Bar Exam. Meanwhile, the intellectual property and technology focus gives students information to practice law to support inventors and technologists, as well as advise startups and corporations that build the future.
University of Dayton
Degree Name: Juris Doctor
Student Fees In-State Total: $138,680The University of Dayton offers an online JD degree as well. It takes four years to complete from start to finish and offers extensive flexibility. All students study topics such as torts, constitutional law, and civil procedure.
Furthermore, all students must complete a capstone course. Over the course, students have to complete a simulated legal problem. During this problem, them must operate as if they were already a practicing lawyer. Students can further take advantage of a short-term 3+3 program. This opportunity allows them to begin their legal education in the final year of their bachelor’s degrees.
Keep in mind that there are three admission cycles for the program. Students must complete the LSAT or GRE exam. Additionally, they need to submit two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement.
Cheapest Online Masters of Laws
Liberty University
Degree Name: Master of Laws in International Legal Studies
Student Fees In-State Total: $14,257Liberty University’s LLM degree offers a unique educational perspective with an emphasis on Christian faith and philosophy. It integrates legal studies with a Christian worldview. This program could be advantageous for future religious lawyers. Likewise, it would be excellent for legal experts who wish to advise organizations like churches.
The degree is further beneficial due to its focus on international legal studies. This terminal degree assists legal students better understand international laws and processes. It covers complex topics ranging from trade law to international business. The program also covers public law to international human rights law and beyond.
Generally, students can take advantage of tuition discounts. The average per credit hour rate for graduate courses hovering around $275. Veterans can take advantage of additional discounts.
University of Arkansas
Degree Name: Master of Laws in Agricultural & Food Law
Student Fees In-State Total: $15,337.68At the University of Arkansas, students can acquire an affordable Master of Laws with an emphasis in agricultural and food law. This fully integrated curriculum is offered by nationally recognized scholars. It is available for both full and part-time students.
Distance learning law school students will all participate in life classes using video conferencing software. Furthermore, all students benefit from a strong alumni network with over 400 students who offer mentoring opportunities.
After graduation, students can reach out to the Indigenous Food and Agricultural Initiative. This organization offers both experiential and professional outreach opportunities. Therefore, it may be easier than normal to acquire a job after getting your degree. There are 24 credit hours included in this degree.
Cheapest Online Associate of Arts in Law
Cowley County Community College
Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Law
Student Fees In-State Total: $8,410Cowley County Community College offers a 62 credit hours associate degree in law. This AA degree is a criminal justice program. It prepares students for successful careers in law enforcement, corrections, or legal professions.
The program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice, criminal law, and agency administration. However, this might be a better online associate program for future legal professionals, not future lawyers. It is primarily intended for law enforcement professionals or legal advisors.
How to Choose Your Best Online Law School
As you consider which of the best online law schools will meet your needs, be sure to consider a few major factors including:
Cost
Some of the best online law schools are cheaper than others. While you may pay down your student loans eventually, some cheaper online law schools may allow you to achieve financial stability more quickly. Of course, don’t only choose your school based on cost. Some cheap law schools online may suffer in terms of prestige, student services, or financial aid opportunities.
Type
Most ABA-accredited online law schools require some in-person attendance from time to time or are hybrid rather than 100% online. The only exception to this is the law program from St. Mary’s University.
Accreditation
The best online law schools are accredited by the ABA or CBA. However, a regionally accredited online LLM may also suit your professional goals and be of excellent quality.
Student Aid & Resources
Besides offering a quality education, the best online law schools will also provide supplementary resources to help you complete your education and do so affordably.
15 Best Online Law Schools
So, here are the best online law schools. GetEducated mined its database of online law schools. The following online law schools accredited offer the highest number of online law programs. Don’t see the exact program you are looking for here? Check out GetEducated’s complete database of online law schools.
Regent University
Regent University offers a host of law degrees online. These include various master’s degrees and graduate certificates. Each of the law programs is founded on comprehensive educational principles. Many of them are available online or on-campus depending on your preferences.
Note that degrees from Regent University have a distinctly Christian tone. As a religious institution, Regent University always integrates academics with biblical values and faith-based information. Keep this in mind if you choose to apply to this school.
In total, Regent offers the following law degrees and graduate certificates:
– Graduate Certificate in Law and Higher Education
– Graduate Certificate in Law and Public Policy
– Master of Arts in Law / Alternative Dispute Resolution
– Master of Arts in Law /Business
– Master of Arts in Law /Cybersecurity Law
– Master of Arts in Law /General Legal Studies
– Master of Arts in Law /Healthcare Law
– Master of Arts in Law /Human Resources Law
– Master of Arts in Law /Human rights and Rule of Law
– Master of Arts in Law /Immigration Law
– International Business Transactions
– Master of Arts in Law /Nonprofit Organization Law
– Master of Arts in Law /Regulatory Compliance
– Master of Arts in Law /American Legal Studies
– Master of Arts in Law /Human RightsGiven this range of programs, you should be able to find one that fits your professional focuses or desires. In addition to a wide spread of programs, Regent University provides clinical experience opportunities for its law students. These include civil practice clinics, practicums, and third-year practice certificate experiences.
Each of these options give students a chance to obtain clinical experience in legal contexts and scenarios, such as law offices. The experiences gained from these opportunities should have graduates acquire employment positions shortly after exiting school.
Students should also consider a joint degree program from Regent. Joint degree programs allow students to combine different degrees into compressed programs. Examples include Juris Doctor and MBA or Juris Doctor and M.A. in Organizational Leadership.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers a variety of top-tier online law programs. These include:
– Graduate Certificate in Business Law
– Graduate Certificate in Entertainment Law and Industry
– Graduate Certificate in Financial Compliance
– Graduate Certificate in Health Care Compliance
– Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Law and Compliance
– Graduate Certificate in Online Compliance
– Master of Studies in LawUnfortunately, there’s only one master’s degree you can take online. That said, there’s a lot to like about this school. Namely, the fact that its online interface is intuitive, easy to access, and conference of.
USC’s Gould School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association. It’s well-known as an excellent institution of higher education overall. The MSL degree in particular is perfect for early career professionals who want to become lawyers in the near future.
It’s a 100% digital program that combines both synchronous and asynchronous components. No GRE or LSAT is required, and it’s completed on a part-time schedule. Therefore, it’s perfect for working professionals. The program can be completed in 16 months and scholarships are available for all applicants. Applicants can choose from three start dates in the fall, spring, or summer.
Suppose you already have a degree or don’t want to get a full law degree. Then any of the graduate certificates can be beneficial. These take approximately 9 to 12 months to complete and don’t require the GRE or LSAT for admission, either.
Liberty University
If you’re currently practicing Law and wish to expand your expertise, or advance your career, then Liberty University is a great online law school accredited to move you to the next level. There is a wide range of online law programs at Liberty University. These programs range from certificate to postgraduate degrees. The most important online graduate law degrees include:
– Master’s in Law
– Juris Master (JM) degree
– Master’s in Health Law
– Master’s in Legal Compliance
– Master’s in American Legal Studies
– Master’s in International Legal StudiesAll the programs at Liberty University are unique, as they have a “Christian worldview.” The school strives to blend faith and reason with academics to achieve a whole and practical education. The graduate and undergraduate degree programs are entirely online. They allow you the flexibility to study from home and work. There are no predetermined login times at Liberty University online law programs. Students can pace their studies and submit their assignments on their schedule.
Private professional partners, such as certified public accountants, lawyers, attorneys, mediators, and other legal practitioners, provide real-world experience to students.
Loyola University Chicago
At Loyola University Chicago, students can pursue five different online law degree programs. These programs include:
– Master of Jurisprudence in Children’s Law and Policy
– Master of Jurisprudence in Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management
– Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law
– Master of Laws in Business and Compliance Law
– Master of Laws in Health LawTo attend the MJ or Master of Jurisprudence programs, students must submit several letters of recommendation. Applicants also must submit a statement of purpose, and a resume. These programs are ideal for non-legal professionals who don’t want to become lawyers, but who want to further understand law in a specific context or industry.
For example, an MJ in Children’s Law and Policy could be beneficial for superintendents or school policy designers. This program will prepare students better understand how the legal system can affect students of all ages.
Meanwhile, Loyola University’s Master of Laws or LLM programs are perfect part-time online opportunities for busy attorneys that want to focus on a specific expertise. The LMM in Health Law program is a perfect example. It’s a 24-credit program in total that can be completed mostly online. Each course is taught by full-time practitioner faculty members. Students will complete courses that focus on the ethical, political, and regulatory elements of healthcare delivery. These course will enable them to operate as better healthcare facility administrators.
Normally, Loyola University requires online students to attend education immersion weekends. Hence, it’s not 100% online. That said, at the time of this writing, the University has canceled the in-person education immersion weekends (likely due to COVID-19 concerns). As of right now, students automatically get credit for the weekends.
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University offers five degree law programs. These are:
– Master of Science in Education Law
– Master of Science in Employment Law
– Master of Science in Health Law
– Master of Science in Law and Policy
– Master of LawsThe first four programs are available online and in person and can be completed in as little as two years. What’s more, the GRE and the LSAT tests are optional and not required for admission. Each of these programs is 36 credits in total. They feature multiple start dates in September, January, April, and June.
Those students who want to accelerate their education can choose Fast-Track options. You have to work with an admissions advisor to design a custom and fast-paced plan of study. However, it enables you to complete any of the MS in Law degree programs in one year or four terms instead of two years.
Nova Southeastern offers many concentrations depending on your focus. These include such specializations as employment law, health law, and education law. You can alternatively pursue an LLM degree. An LLM is a highly flexible option. It can be completed in one or two years, and it is comprised of 30 credits in total.
The LLM program is delivered in a hybrid format, so it’s a blend of both online and on-campus courses. Keep this in mind if you’re looking for a 100% learning solution. Depending on your preferences, you can take the LLM program and focus on one of five areas of study. The five areas of study are international law, litigation and dispute resolution, health law, business and entrepreneurial counseling, and intellectual property, cybersecurity, and technology law.
Vermont Law School
In 2016, Vermont Law School (VLS) launched its distance learning law school degree option for working students and students willing to take online classes with the institution. It offers graduate online law degrees including:
– Master of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy
– Master of Environmental Law and Policy
– Master of Arts in Restorative Justice
– Master of Energy Regulation and Law
– LLMVermont Law School offers many of these one-year Master’s Degree programs to students who do not wish to pursue a professional law degree. These online master’s programs offer in-depth law classes and how it affects the immediate environment instead of the regular theories.
Students in institutions like VLS can tailor their degrees to meet specific needs and interests. Additionally, students who wish to transfer to another institution or take non-degree courses for continuing education can also apply at the school.
One advantage of the Vermont Law School is that the online LLM and graduate programs are equivalent to residential programs. Plus, the transcripts at the end of your program do not differentiate between online and physical classes.
On the other hand, the LLM programs from VLS are for post-JD students to major in Food and Agriculture Law or Environmental Law. These programs allow students to take the next step in their career paths and better impact their communities.
Apart from the master’s and LLM programs, VLS also offers online professional certificates and online courses for Juris Doctorate Credit.
The online classes at VLS are highly flexible and interactive. Students can expect around 2-3 assignments weekly that require a significant amount of writing. A minimum of 20-25 hours is expected from students weekly, and most students follow the programs on a part-time schedule. However, depending on a student’s preference and schedule, programs can take as little as 18 months or the maximum five-year period.
You can apply for VLS law programs or find out more about the Vermont Law School to identify what programs best suit you.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M offers four distinct online law programs:
– Master of Jurisprudence in Risk Management
– Master of Jurisprudence in Wealth Management
– Master of Laws in Risk Management
– Master of Laws in Wealth ManagementThese programs are fully online or hybrid. This gives you the flexibility to attend school at a pace that works for your needs. Each course is designed with remote law school students in mind. Additionally, each program in its entirety takes about six semesters to complete.
The risk management programs are ideal for compliance officers, risk specialists, asset forfeiture managers, as well as similar professionals who want to improve their legal understanding of their field. The LLM program is ideal for current or training lawyers who want to develop new specific skills about topics like anti-money laundering and compliance that aren’t covered in law school.
Meanwhile, the Master of Jurisprudence programs are now called Masters of Legal Studies. They’re good for professionals who want the legal training they need to succeed without having to attend law school. In any case, graduates from the school benefit from the extensive Aggie network. Students have access to tons of student support resources. These include an online library, tutoring assistance, and plenty of financial aid opportunities.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona offers four distinct online law programs. These are:
– Bachelor of Arts in Law
– Graduate Certificate in Legal Information and Scholarly Communication
– Master of Laws
– Master of Legal StudiesThe graduate certificate is an ideal choice for working professionals who want to enhance their understanding of legal information concepts. It’s comprised of 15 units and has to be completed in three years. By and large, this graduate certificate is perfect for law librarians who wish to better understand their fields and qualify for higher-paying positions.
Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Arts in Law is available part-time or full-time depending on your needs. It includes access to a conference of curriculum covering topics like constitutional law, criminal and civil procedure, and torts. Students can choose electives, plus attend a legal internship to launch their careers early. Alternatively, students can complete extra courses to accelerate their path to law school. It’s an interdisciplinary and very effective program for aspiring lawyers.
The Master of Laws degree is available for students who already have a law degree. It’s a very flexible program. It allows students to specialize in three areas if they choose the general LLM. The three areas of speicalization are Introduction to US Law, which is for students who want to take the bar exam, Mining Law, and Health Law.
Students can take the Indigenous People’s Law and Policy LLM or the International Trade and Business Law LLM. Both of these programs focus on their titular subjects.
A Master of Legal Studies online program has three start dates. It covers concentration topics like human rights, health law and policy, and environmental law and policy. The program is perfect for non-legal professionals who nevertheless want to enhance their effectiveness and knowledge of industry-specific legal topics.
Northeastern University
Another top online law university is Northeastern University, which offers:
– Graduate Certificate in Health Law
– Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Law
– Master of Legal Studies
– Juris DoctorateNortheastern University is classified as a research university headquartered in Boston. It has campuses spread across the country and even reaching as far as Vancouver and Toronto in Canada. Perhaps one of the most attractive benefits of the school is its cooperative education policy. This policy incorporates professional experience with classroom study. But above that, the university also runs a rigorous hybrid JD program known as FlexJD.
FlexJD is a program that allows you to earn your Juris Doctorate through a mix of online and on-campus learning. The great thing is that you can pursue this program part-time. The FlexJD program allows you to complete your coursework remotely while fulfilling a limited in-person learning quota at the Boston Campus. Students can earn their JD in four years, instead of the traditional three years. Additionally, students are qualified to sit for the bar exam.
In addition to the FlexJD program, Northeastern University also offers an LLM program that is 100% online. The Master of Law program offered by Northeastern University prepares students to take up leadership roles in Law and business across the world. Other online law degrees of Northeastern University include Graduate Certificate in Business Law, Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Graduate Certificate in Health Law, and Graduate Certificate in Human Resources (HR) Law.
Pennsylvania Western University
Pennsylvania Western University has three online law programs to consider. These are:
– Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence
– Graduate Certificate in Law & Public Policy
– Master of Science in Legal Studies / Law & Public PolicyEach of these programs benefits from Pennsylvania Western University’s extensive online resources. For example, the BA in Jurisprudence is a comprehensive undergraduate program taught by expert faculty. It prepares graduates to work as paralegals, businesspeople, real estate professionals, and future lawyers.
The program further benefits from student-centered advising, giving students access to customized support. All courses are offered year-round to help students reduce the time to degree completion.
Meanwhile, the graduate certificate and Master of Science degrees are offered 100% online. They combine a variety of course topics in the humanities, political science, and criminal justice subjects.
The master’s degree in particular is 30 credits and features start dates in fall, winter, spring, and summer. The degree does not require GRE or LSAT scores. Therefore, it is a little more accessible compared to other degrees with the same focus.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University has three online law degree options:
– Executive Master of Laws in Securities & Financial Regulation
– Executive Master of Laws in Taxation
– Master of Studies in Law in TaxationThe online versions of the Executive programs have students take the same courses and final exams. This is because practically all courses are available in both formats. Only a few smaller, seminar courses are available to on-campus students exclusively.
The graduate degree programs do require applicants to have J.D. degrees from an ABA-approved law school or a bachelor’s degree in law from an approved non-United States law school.
Students who take the online taxation LLM degree must complete 24 hours of coursework. This includes 10 tax specialization credits. The securities and financial regulation degree is also comprised of 24 credits.
In short, both of the degrees focusing on taxation are perfect for nonlawyers. They cover crucial legal topics that professionals in business or industry can use to better achieve their professional goals.
Purdue University Global
Purdue is a sub-brand of the Purdue University group that caters to students looking to study online. It offers the following online law degrees:
– Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support & Services
– Bachelor of Science in Legal Support & Services
– Master of Science in Legal StudiesEstablished in April 2018, the school serves a wide range of educational levels. These range from doctoral level through Master’s, bachelor’s, associate’s, and down to credential programs. Even though the university has physical locations, we’ll focus on its online programs and what they offer.
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) statistics data reveals that Purdue Global has provided more legal support services programs than any other institution in the US. The school has a curriculum that focuses on legal reasoning and analysis. The program also focuses on jurisprudence, legal history, ethical decision-making, jurisprudence, and other areas of Law. Students at Purdue Global can choose a curriculum path that mirrors their needs. Students can select electives to improve their chosen tracks. Like other online law schools in this list, Purdue Global allows you the flexibility to pursue work or study at your own pace.
Undergraduate degree and certificate programs at the school include Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services, Legal Secretary Certificate, Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services, and Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate. Furthermore, Purdue Global offers graduate degree programs that include Master of Science in Legal Studies, Juris Doctor (Concord Law School), and Executive Juris Doctor (Concord Law School). The Juris Doctor degree here allows you to take the bar exam in California and ultimately qualify as a California-licensed attorney.
The University of Alabama
At the University of Alabama, students can attend three online law degree programs, including:
– Juris Master’s in Taxation
– Master of Laws in Business Transactions
– Master of Laws in TaxationThe University of Alabama’s Juris Master’s in taxation offers trained accountants even more tax training. It’s a good choice for business students and CPAs who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Meanwhile, the LLM in taxation is meant for lawyers who need a broad yet in-depth education. It is especially relevant to those who want to concentrate on estate planning or business tax. Both of which are available specialties for this degree program. The LLM in business transactions is the perfect choice for trained lawyers who want to service more tax and business clients or pivot into a business-based career.
In all these cases, the graduate department of the University of Alabama’s law school features flexible and asynchronous scheduling. All the online programs are 100% online. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about any in-person seminars or last-minute on-campus requirements. The programs do not require LSAT or GRE scores from applicants.
Washington University in St Louis
Washington University in St. Louis offers:
– Master of Laws in Taxation
– Master of Laws in US Laws
– Master of Legal StudiesWashington University’s law degrees are top of the same world-class faculty as its on-campus programs. Students can take advantage of collaborative tools to connect with other students and their professors in real-time. Many professors take advantage of synchronous recordings and live chat presentation features to simulate in-person classroom environments. Note that these online programs are not asynchronous, as all students must attend live weekly classes.
Furthermore, the university offers optional weekend immersion experiences for all online students. These are perfect opportunities to network and grow one’s professional contacts. Although, they aren’t necessary for graduation.
The MLS is intended for nonlawyers who want to gain additional legal skills to further their career objectives. Meanwhile, the LLM degree is available to online students with both US laws or taxation concentrations. These are meant for working attorneys who want to specialize in one area of law or another.
Western New England University
At Western New England University, students can attend the following online law programs:
– Master of Business Administration / Business Law
– Master of Laws in Elder Law & Estate Planning
– Master of Science in Elder Law & Estate PlanningThe Western New England University programs are online and highly interactive. For example, the LLM in Elder Law and Estate Planning provides students with a unique 24-credit program. This program covers topics such as wills and trusts, income taxation, federal wealth transfer taxation, and much more. Students can enroll part-time or full-time in the fall or spring.
Furthermore, both the LLM and the MLS programs are available with accelerated schedules. Students can complete them in as little as one year. It is essential to keep in mind that these programs are not asynchronous. Students are required to attend live lectures.
Meanwhile, the MBA program with a concentration in business law is perfect for working business professionals who wish to specialize in legal concerns for their companies. It’s also not entirely asynchronous. It’s available full-time or part-time and is comprised of 12 courses. Students are expected to complete it in 1.5 to 2 years.
Advantages of Online Law Schools
Recently, the cost of attending traditional law schools has been rising steadily. This rise in cost has caused many to question the value of law degrees. According to Law School Transparency report, public law schools cost as much as $28,000 yearly. On the other hand, private law schools cost an average of $49,000 in expenses yearly. The price increases have pushed many law students into debt. Apart from the generally lower tuition fees at online schools, there are several other benefits of earning an online law degree. If tuition from the best online law schools are still out of reach, you may want to consider applying for financial aid.
Opportunities for International Jobs
If you are interested in a career abroad, then an LLM from one of the best online law schools would come in very handy. The LLM degree has international recognition, meaning graduates can use their degree in the US and abroad.
LLM degrees are perfect for those who don’t want to become lawyers, but who may nonetheless benefit from more legal knowledge in their field. For example, a business owner might earn an LLM degree to learn more about business laws. That business owner would be better equipped to scale their business or take tax advantages.
Alternatively, a financial advisor for a company might earn an LLM degree with a specialization in accounting or tax law. That way, they can provide better legal advice to their clients. LLM degrees are more affordable than JD degrees, since they only take 1 to 2 years instead of 3 to 4.
Consider earning an LLM degree if you want to learn more about the law for your professional prospects. Especially consider an LLM if you don’t want to become a practicing lawyer or take the bar exam.
Specialization
A degree like the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) has a unified curriculum that allows students to learn law basics. However, graduates interested in specializing can narrow their focus by studying further via an SJD or LLM. Business law and entertainment law are great examples of specialization areas for online law school programs. It is up to the student to choose what interests them the most.
Easy Career Growth & Switch
If you want to advance in your profession or make a switch to an alternative law career, then entering a program at one of the best online law schools is a great option. Although lawyers need only their bachelor’s degree and a JD, earning a degree like the LLM not only expands your knowledge it also strengthens your resume.
Flexibility
One of the advantages of the best online law schools is the convenience and flexibility it affords the learner. Law students in physical schools have to attend lectures all week long. On the other hand, the reverse is the case for online law schooling. Students can fit coursework into their busy schedules, and learn from home, a café, or their workplace.
Additionally, the best online law schools allow online students the flexibility to earn while they are learning. Online learners can study around their work schedules. A traditional in-person program does not have that ability. Another great benefit of working while earning a degree is that certain employers may take up a percentage of the online tuition. Companies do so if the coursework improves employee knowledge and output.
Online Law School Admission Requirements
There is very little difference in the application for regular law schools and their online alternatives. Before you begin the application process, you must understand what is required. Doing so will increase your chances of landing a spot in the law school of your choice. These prerequisites are general and may change based on the institution.
To prepare to apply to an online law school, be sure to research the online law school in question. Make sure the program comes from one of the online law schools accredited by the ABA, as detailed above. You should also ensure that you have enough time to complete your application. Many online law school programs have strict admissions windows. After which you’ll have to wait until the next year or term to begin your education.
If you know you want to be a lawyer early on, try to go to law school as early as possible. By doing this, you will complete your education and maximize your lifetime earnings.
A Bachelor’s Degree
You must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution to get into law school. The reason for this is simple. A JD is a postgraduate degree, and as such, you need an undergraduate degree before you can apply.
Admissions Test
Most online law school programs demand that candidates take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Developed to test core areas, the LSAT comprises 175 questions, with scores converted to a 120-180 range scale. However, many are an online law school no LSAT requirement. The University of Southern California is one such school. Other online law schools that don’t require LSAT scores include Nova Southeastern University, California University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Alabama.
Personal Statement
The vast majority of law school applications often demand a personal statement. Personal statements require a student to answer open-ended questions depending on the school. For example, a personal statement might require a student to write a short essay about why they want to go to law school. Another possible topic is what they hope to achieve once they have their law degree. Additionally, applicants might have to answer why they want to attend a specific university. Most personal statements are anywhere between 300 and 700 words.
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are a vital part of law school applications. A best online law school will demand 2-3 letters from someone who has worked with you in a professional or academic setting.
Can I Take the Bar Exam After Attending an Online Law School?
That depends!
If you attend an ABA-approved online JD program, you can sit for your state’s bar exam. ABA-approved online law schools offer hybrid programs. Hybrid programs are 80% online, you’ll have to spend 20% of the time in in-person residency periods from time to time.
However, suppose you don’t attend an ABA-approved law school online. Then you can only sit for your state’s bar exam if you wish to practice as an attorney in California, Virginia, Vermont, or Washington.
With those four states, you have to acquire a law degree from a state bar-approved law school. For example, California law students must complete a CBE-approved law program to sit for the California Bar Exam.
Therefore, you should research your state’s bar exam requirements heavily before attending an online law school. That way, you’ll know which accrediting organizations are important and which law programs will suit your needs.
What Career Paths Can I Pursue After Online Law School?
If you study law online, you can pursue a wide variety of different career paths.
For example, it’s now possible to get your Juris Doctor degree online. Thereby, you can become a practicing attorney. However, becoming a lawyer isn’t your only career path if you join an online law school.
You can also become a legal expert in one area or another for your business, such as taxation law. Thus, accountants may benefit from taking online law school classes. In these classes, they learn more about taxation laws and penalties for the businesses and clients they work for.
On the other hand, attending a law school online could help you run your business more successfully as an executive, manager, or entrepreneur. By grasping the laws surrounding business and taxation, you’ll be better equipped to run and grow a successful business without tripping over any legal issues.
For another example, you could take your legal education and become a private investigator. With your knowledge of the law, you’ll be well-equipped to avoid tripping over any legal loopholes. You will be able to provide important information to your clients from private individuals to businesses.
Or you could take a law degree and become a law professor. You could teach the topics you learned in law school to a future generation of legal experts. Law professors have stable careers. They may eventually earn tenure, allowing them to enjoy the security of their work without having to worry about getting fired.
Related Resource: 12 High Paying Alternative Careers with a Law Degree
FAQs
How long is law school?
Law school is typically 3 to 4 years long. You need to spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree, then another three years for your JD. If you are neither of those degrees part-time, it will take you longer.
Which states accept online law degrees?
All states accept online law degrees provided that the degrees are from accredited institutions. Generally, it’s more important to be licensed as a practicing attorney if you wish to work in a new state. However, states such as California, Vermont, Washington, and Virginia also accept aspiring lawyers who complete state bar-approved programs, not just ABA-approved ones. Therefore, you don’t necessarily need to complete an ABA-approved law program if you wish to practice as a lawyer in those states exclusively.
Are online law degrees worth it?
They can be. If you want to attend a specific school but can’t move there personally, an online law program could be the ideal solution. Online law programs can be highly worthwhile if you want to continue working, but still move forward in your professional path by attending an online law school.
Furthermore, an online law degree could be beneficial if you want to attend an ABA-accredited institution without having to move. Remember, though, the most ABA-approved universities do require you to go to campus at least several times over their terms.
The Best Online Law Schools Await You!
The analytical abilities and skills learned at an online law school are just one of the numerous benefits. Students owe it to themselves to be thorough about their choices.
Want to ensure you’re on the right track for your career and degree choice? Then check out the online law degrees in GetEducated’s degree database to research more about your future as an online law degree student.