Juris Doctor (JD)

Yes, as an ABA-accredited law school, ASU Law has also received acquiescence to offer the JD part-time and online. 
The ASU Law JD is the same degree taught by full-time faculty regardless of delivery.

No, Arizona State University diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or on campus. All diplomas and transcripts simply read “Arizona State University.”

The curriculum for the ASU Law JD, delivered part-time and online, is designed to be completed within three and a half to four years. Most classes are asynchronous, but the initial four terms require the completion of a sequenced core curriculum plan.

Students can expect to have approximately the number of instruction hours per the number of credits enrolled in for the term. For example, in the first three semesters when students are completing 11 credits for the core curriculum, students can expect to have approximately 11-12 hours of instruction per week. The ABA recommends approximately 3 hours per credit hour of course preparation time outside of instruction per week. Thus students could expect approximately 33 hours of course preparation time while enrolled in 11 credits as an example.

Most classes are delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students more flexibility to complete coursework on their own time while still engaging with faculty and other students. Students should expect to be required to participate in one block of synchronous learning per week, typically taking place on a weekday evening. Synchronous learning requirements will be announced two months prior to the start of each semester.

A leave of absence can be requested but is not guaranteed.

Students learn from the same full-time faculty at ASU Law and receive the same course content as on-campus students. While the first four terms of the program require the completion of a core curriculum plan, coursework and additional electives are tailored for students who will go on to work in public service or practices within rural communities. Examples include prosecution, public defense, agency or district counsel, legislative counsel, small firm or solo practitioner in a rural community, tribal attorney.

Transferability of credits depends on the policies of the other school, and it is the responsibility of the student to verify acceptance.

Each jurisdiction establishes its own requirements for eligibility to take the bar exam and for bar admission, which include specific standards for an applicant’s legal education. Since all ASU Law JD graduates have completed an approved degree program from an ABA-accredited law school, they appear to meet the current criteria in most jurisdictions, making them likely eligible for bar admission in many states. In addition to the bar examination, there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every jurisdiction.

Since requirements can change, applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Applicants should carefully consider these factors before beginning their legal education. For questions, reach out to the ASU Law Admissions team at [email protected].

See Arizona State University’s professional licensure disclosure.

Yes, classes are designed to be flexible in support of a work, life and study balance for students.