A juris doctor degree, or JD, offers professional training for lawyers. A three-year postgraduate degree, a JD prepares graduates to take the bar exam and practice law.
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Legal studies students learn about the court system, build legal research and writing skills, and examine methods of dispute resolution. An online format offers flexibility for working professionals and busy students.
A bachelor’s in legal studies or pre-law prepares graduates for a variety of career paths, including as a paralegal, arbitrator, or mediator. Many of these fields offer above-average salaries and strong projected job growth. Other legal careers, such as attorney or judge, typically require a JD degree. However, an online bachelor’s program in legal studies enables graduates to apply to law school to become a lawyer.
Our list ranks the most affordable online law and legal studies programs to help prospective students find the best fit for their budget and career goals. This article also introduces requirements for entering a law program, the benefits of earning an online degree in law, and scholarships for online law students.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV |
2 | University of Dayton | Dayton, OH |
3 | Thomas Jefferson School of Law | San Diego, CA |
A juris doctor degree, or JD, offers professional training for lawyers. A three-year postgraduate degree, a JD prepares graduates to take the bar exam and practice law.
Lawyers typically hold a JD degree and pass the bar exam to practice law. Other legal careers often require a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in law, or an associate degree.
People often use the titles “lawyer” and “attorney” interchangeably. Lawyers and attorneys both possess legal training, but the title of “attorney” specifically refers to those qualified to practice law.
An online law degree at the undergraduate level typically takes four years for full-time students. Applicants with prior college credit often complete their degree in less time.
A law degree trains students in legal analysis, research, and writing. While lawyers need a JD to practice law, an undergraduate law degree offers foundational training in the legal system. Degree-seekers explore topics like the history of the American legal system, comparative laws, and economic regulations.
Within an online law program, majors often specialize their course of study with a concentration in paralegal studies, business law, or compliance. A concentration offers focused training that often leads to a specialized career path after graduation. The degree also prepares graduates for JD programs.
A law degree offers many personal and professional benefits for students. While strengthening analytical skills and studying the law, learners increase their earning potential and advance their career.
Undergraduates interested in an online law program need to meet prerequisite requirements. At most colleges, that means holding a high school diploma or the equivalent and taking a standardized test like the ACT or SAT.
Transfer students often need to meet different requirements. Many colleges require official college transcripts showing a minimum GPA for transfer admissions. Applicants need to submit letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, or a resume, depending on the school.
After gaining admission, law students complete general education, major, and elective requirements. Programs often include a capstone project or thesis to graduate.
Professional organizations help online law students prepare for the next steps after earning their bachelor’s degree, whether that means entering the workforce or applying to law schools. In the legal field, professional associations offer networking opportunities, professional development support, and training opportunities. Many also host career centers.
Undergraduates pursuing an online degree in law qualify for many scholarship opportunities. Professional organizations, private foundations, and law firms all offer scholarships for students studying the law. In addition to the following opportunities, students often look for scholarships based on their career goals, state, or school.
Who Can Apply: Offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the scholarship supports students pursuing a career in an anti-fraud field. Eligible applicants attend an accredited school full-time. The scholarship application requires official transcripts and two letters of recommendation.
Amount: $10,000
Who Can Apply: Emery Reddy offers a scholarship for students studying the law, including students pursuing an online law degree. Eligible applicants demonstrate a dedication to the study of law by submitting a 500-word essay. Emery Reddy also offers a paralegal studies scholarship.
Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: Offered by a Las Vegas injury law firm, the scholarship supports college students pursuing a legal studies degree. Eligible applicants demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA and the scholarship gives preference to Nevada applicants. In addition to academic achievements, the scholarship takes financial need into account.
Amount: $2,000
Who Can Apply: This scholarship opportunity welcomes applications from undergraduates planning a career in law. Applicants submit a transcript, resume, and essay on the greatest challenge facing workers’ rights in the future. The scholarship selects recipients based on their academic record, career promise, and the persuasiveness of their essay.
Amount: $1,000
Morgantown, WV
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Located in Morgantown, WVU offers an online master of legal studies designed for students who need a working knowledge of the law but do not plan to become lawyers. Students can choose from three concentrations: healthcare, justice systems, and homeland security.
The 30-credit program focuses on regulation, policy, and compliance. Students take courses such as law and the legal system, law and society, and researching the law. Students take elective courses in their chosen concentration, including homeland security, healthcare law, or immigration and border security. Most students finish in just 18 months, and all courses occur on a flexible schedule.
The graduate school requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 to begin the admissions process, but the department prefers at least a 3.0. Students may waive the GRE requirement with five or more years of relevant work experience or with a minimum GPA of 3.4.
WVU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Dayton, OH
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Based in Dayton, Ohio, UD offers several online law programs, including a hybrid juris doctor (JD) and an online master of laws (LL.M.).
The hybrid JD takes four years to complete and offers students more flexibility than a traditional law degree. Students attend weekly live classes through online frameworks and attend two to three on-campus experiences per year. Students can take the bar exam pending their state's requirements.
The LL.M. in American and transnational law program occurs solely online, and students finish in as little as one year. Students gain an understanding of U.S. law and legal practice.
Law school applicants submit applications through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and must submit LSAT scores or the GRE. LL.M. applicants must hold a JD and may apply through LSAC or the law school.
UD is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and boasts departmental accreditation from the American Bar Association.
San Diego, CA
$$$$$
Located in San Diego, California, Thomas Jefferson offers several online law programs, including three master's degree concentrations and one doctor of juridical science (JSD) program.
Master's concentrations include financial compliance and risk management, taxation, and financial services. Students take eight-week, asynchronous courses, allowing them to concentrate on fewer courses per term. Students with a law degree may opt for the master of laws track, while those with a bachelor's degree may choose the master of science in law track. JSD students complete 60 credits of in-depth, independent study to complete the program.
Master's students may choose one of eight start dates per year and should contact the graduate admissions department for admission requirements. JSD applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a master's degree to qualify for admission.
Thomas Jefferson is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.
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