Questions About Law School Online
Well paid and highly respected, lawyers draw on skills including public speaking, persuasion, and critical analysis. Law students learn to understand and practice the law. Attending a top-ranked school can lead to high-paying career paths in fields such as business and politics.
Applicants to online law schools
typically need a bachelor’s degree. However, students with various backgrounds
can receive admission. Common undergraduate majors for law students include
English, political science, history, and business.
This guide to online law schools provides an overview of available degrees, typical courses, and career options.
Questions
About Law School
1. Can I go to law school online?
Many schools
offer hybrid JD programs, but few deliver fully online JD programs. Learners
may pursue other law degrees entirely online.
2. What types of law degrees are there?
JD programs
prepare students to practice law. Law students can also earn a master of
science in law, a master of legal studies, or a juris master.
3. What degree do I need to get into law school?
Law school
applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school. Most
programs accept students with any undergraduate major.
4. Why Get a Law Degree?
While earning
an online law degree, learners build extensive legal knowledge. These programs
prepare students for various legal careers. While law school is expensive,
lawyers often earn high salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports
that lawyers earn a median salary of $126,930 per year.
Many online
law schools offer master’s degrees in the field. However, fully online JD
programs are rare. Learners who want to attend law school online may consider
hybrid JD programs, which blend on-campus and online learning. Degree-seekers
in hybrid programs may visit campus only a few times per semester.
5. How Much Does a Law Degree Cost?
Tuition rates for law degrees vary by school. However, EducationData.org reports an average tuition cost of $137,533 for JD programs. Most law programs require three years, but part-time options may take longer to complete.
As of 2022,
only St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, offers a fully online JD
program with approval from the American Bar Association. However, many online
law schools offer hybrid JD programs. Institutions may also deliver other fully
online law degrees, such as a master of legal studies.
6. Additional Online Student Fees
Students who
attend law school online may save on costs associated with relocating or
commuting to campus. Online learners typically pay additional technology fees,
which cover services such as tech support. Online students may also pay
graduation fees.
For hybrid
programs, learners must pay travel expenses for required in-person activities.
Degree-seekers may attend conferences or visit campus regularly. Graduates of
JD programs also pay to take the bar exam.
7. How Much Do Law School Majors Make?
Graduates of
JD programs commonly become lawyers, who earn a median salary well above the
median for all occupations. Lawyers with significant experience may secure
positions as judges or magistrates, who earn an annual median salary of
$141,080.
People with a
law-related master’s degree can apply their legal expertise to a variety of
careers. Degree-holders may become hearing officers, who earn an annual median
salary of $97,520. Graduates can also pursue roles as human resources managers,
legal assistants, and lobbyists.
Courses in a Law Program
Law students gain a comprehensive
understanding of the U.S. legal system and the practice of law. Learners
develop skills in critical analysis, legal research, and writing.
Law programs cover topics
including civil procedure, criminal law, and constitutional law. Many programs
offer specializations such as environmental law and civil rights law. The
following list highlights three courses common to law programs. Course titles
and content vary by program.
- Legal Research and Writing
Writing and research play a major role in legal practice. This course focuses on legal writing strategies for documents such as trial memoranda and appellate briefs. Students explore the relationship of legal research to case preparation and analysis.
- Property Law
Property law focuses on the private ownership of land and personal property. This course covers topics such as landlord and tenant relationships. Other topics include land-use issues and forms of concurrent ownership. Students examine adverse possession and easements.
- Constitutional Law
Posting Komentar untuk "Questions About Law School Online"