Introduction
For many people with dreams of practicing law, the Juris Doctor (JD) is the ultimate educational goal. Traditionally, law school has been an in-person, full-time, three-year commitment that requires students to relocate near campus. But in today’s world, with technology reshaping education, many aspiring lawyers are asking: Can I earn my JD online?
Arizona State University (ASU), home to the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, is among the institutions exploring new pathways for students to access legal education. While the American Bar Association (ABA) still limits how much of a JD program can be delivered online, ASU has built a strong reputation for offering innovative online legal programs, flexible options, and even hybrid pathways that bring more accessibility to legal studies than ever before.
This article dives into the reality of the ASU JD program and its online/hybrid possibilities, what prospective law students should know, alternative online law degrees at ASU, and how the landscape of online legal education is evolving.
What Is a Juris Doctor (JD)?
The Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary professional law degree in the United States. It is required to sit for the bar exam and become a licensed attorney in most states.
Length: Typically 3 years full-time.
Format: Rigorous coursework, case method studies, legal writing, internships, and often clinical experiences.
Outcome: Eligibility to sit for the bar exam, practice law, or pursue roles in policy, government, or business.
Can You Earn a JD Fully Online?
As of now, the American Bar Association (ABA) does not accredit fully online JD programs. While it has loosened restrictions to allow more credits online (especially after COVID-19), the JD still requires a significant portion of in-person coursework.
What this means for ASU students:
You cannot currently complete a fully online JD from ASU or any ABA-accredited law school.
However, ASU offers online options for some law-related programs and hybrid learning models that make earning a JD more flexible than before.
ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
ASU’s law school is consistently ranked among the top 25 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. It is known for its:
High bar passage rates.
Strong employment outcomes for graduates.
Innovative programs in areas like Indian Law, Health Law, and Business Law.
Commitment to accessibility and online learning.
JD Program Format at ASU
While the JD is not fully online, ASU has integrated distance-learning components and increased flexibility:
Traditional Full-Time JD – On-campus in Phoenix, 3 years.
Part-Time / Flex JD Pathways – For students who need a lighter course load.
Hybrid Learning – Some courses may be offered online or in hybrid form, but core JD requirements still involve in-person attendance.
Online Alternatives at ASU
For students who want legal education online but don’t necessarily need to practice as attorneys, ASU offers several fully online law-related degrees through the College of Law:
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS) – 100% Online
Designed for professionals who want legal knowledge without becoming lawyers. Common tracks include:
Business Law
Healthcare Law
Criminal Law
Intellectual Property Law
Who it’s for: Business leaders, HR professionals, healthcare administrators, journalists, or anyone whose work touches law but doesn’t require bar admission.
- Master of Laws (LLM) – Some Online Options
For international lawyers or U.S. attorneys who want to specialize. Not a JD, but useful for advanced legal education.
- Certificates in Law and Legal Studies
Shorter, focused programs for professionals who want targeted legal expertise (e.g., contract management, compliance).
Why Students Choose ASU for Law Studies
Even though a JD cannot be fully online, students choose ASU’s law programs because of:
Reputation – Top-ranked law school with strong alumni networks.
Faculty – Taught by leading legal scholars and practicing attorneys.
Location – Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing metro areas with expanding opportunities in law, business, and government.
Flexibility – Online legal studies programs (like MLS) open doors for non-lawyers to gain expertise.
Military and Global Reach – ASU Online makes it possible for professionals worldwide to access legal education.
Curriculum Highlights – JD Program
For those pursuing the traditional JD, coursework includes:
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Criminal Law
Property Law
Civil Procedure
Legal Writing and Research
Professional Responsibility
In addition, students choose electives in areas like:
Health Law
Business and Corporate Law
International Law
Indian Law
Intellectual Property
Clinical programs and externships also allow hands-on legal practice.
Online Learning at ASU Law
Even if the JD isn’t fully online, ASU uses modern digital learning tools to support law students:
Online Course Materials – Recorded lectures, case briefs, digital libraries.
Discussion Forums – Collaboration with peers and professors.
Hybrid Seminars – Some electives offered with online flexibility.
Virtual Career Support – Resume workshops, networking, and job placement services are all available remotely.
Admissions Requirements – JD
ASU Law’s JD admissions are competitive. Requirements include:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
LSAT or GRE scores.
Personal statement and resume.
Letters of recommendation.
Strong academic record.
For online alternatives (like MLS), LSAT is not required, making them more accessible to working professionals.
Career Outcomes
With a JD:
Licensed Attorney (after bar exam).
Roles in corporate law, criminal defense, prosecution, government agencies, nonprofits, and international organizations.
With an Online MLS or Law Certificate:
Compliance officer.
HR director.
Business manager with legal expertise.
Policy advisor.
Healthcare administrator.
Pros and Cons of Pursuing a JD (and Online Options)
Pros:
Prestigious law degree (required to practice).
High earning potential as an attorney.
Pathway to leadership roles in law, government, or business.
Cons:
Not fully online (must attend in-person).
Time commitment: 3 years full-time.
High cost compared to shorter legal studies programs.
For many students, the online MLS or certificate options at ASU are a more practical fit if they want legal education without bar admission.
Challenges of Online Legal Education
ABA Rules – Limit fully online JDs.
Hands-On Learning – Moot court, clinics, and internships are essential and hard to replicate fully online.
Networking – Law is relationship-driven; online students must be proactive in networking.
ASU addresses these with hybrid models, virtual events, and strong career services.
The Future of Online JDs
While no ABA-accredited school currently offers a 100% online JD, the landscape is shifting. ASU is positioned as a leader in innovation and could be at the forefront if/when the ABA expands online accreditation.
Until then, students have two strong choices at ASU:
Pursue the JD with hybrid flexibility (but expect to attend in person for much of it).
Choose the online MLS or law certificates for advanced legal education without practicing law.
Conclusion
The ASU JD program remains a traditional, highly respected, on-campus law degree. While not fully online, it incorporates flexible and hybrid options that reflect the realities of modern education. For those who need a 100% online pathway, ASU offers excellent alternatives like the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), which delivers advanced legal knowledge without the requirement of bar admission.
Whether your goal is to become an attorney or simply gain legal expertise to advance in your career, ASU provides one of the strongest platforms in the country. With its reputation, resources, and innovative approach, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law ensures that military personnel, working professionals, and students worldwide can access legal education that fits their lives.
The bottom line: if you’re serious about law and want the best mix of prestige, innovation, and flexibility, ASU’s law programs — whether JD or online alternatives — deserve a spot at the top of your list.
