Here's a question - Do online schools accept instructors who have say a JD from an online law school, such as Concord? A lot of schools seem to want instructors with a Phd (don't think it matters if it is from a DL program) - so would they accept someone with an DL JD?
That depends on the hiring school. RA schools (with or without DL programs) generally look for instructors with an advanced degree from a RA school. Some RA schools may accept an advanced degree from a DETC school. I would check with the school you would like to work for and ask. If you do not intend to practice law, you would probably be better off getting an advanced degree in another field from a RA school.
Re: here's a nod to my ignorance... RA = Regionally Accredited. You can learn more about who the regional accreditors are here: http://www.degreeinfo.com/regional.html You can also check out the web link in my signature line for plenty of basic info on distance learning and accreditation.
Re: here's a nod to my ignorance... Regional Accreditation Regional Accreditation Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Since it doesn't look like you live in California, what are you hoping to do with a DL law degree? Move to CA and practice law? -Travis
Re: at this point Since there is a very limited number of online law schools, I suspect that getting a teaching gig at one of them would be difficult. If you are interested in teaching CJ or law classes outside of a law school (i.e. business law, political science, etc...) you would probably be best served by getting a RA masters degree in CJ or something similar. From what I understand, a DL JD by itself is virtually worthless outside of California (and select other states) without bar admission. The only exception may be one of the two DETC schools. Even those degrees may not be recognized by some RA schools as acceptable credentials. Perhaps others will chime in here but...I was under the impression that significant work experience was needed to get a teaching job. You do not practice law now, and with a DL JD you wouldn't be able to practice outside of California (or Wisconsin) for a number of years. Do you feel your experience would get you in the door for a teaching gig at a university? If so, maybe a more accepted degree would get you to the same place...
Sorry for the confusion.. I have a Masters in Justice Administration that I did online through Norwich University. My goal originally was to do that and then go to a brick & mortar law school and go into criminal prosecution/administrative law judge. I currently am a Hearings Officer with the DOC in my state, after working as a Community Corrections Officer for 9 years and in Security Police for 4 years before that. So, my goal had been law school - but recently I have been checking salary ranges in my area for Dep. Prosecutors and realized that they start out at $10k less than I currently earn - so I feel that going to Law School wouldn't be worth it financially. Additionally, I have been looking at teaching on CJ courses and was looking at either a PhD in Criminal Justice or a JD - my question was whether the JD would be accepted as a credential for teaching online Bachelor/Masters degree programs. I looked at Concord as an option to still get the "legal" education - but agree that it probably wouldn't be worth as much as the PhD in regards to teaching online programs. Does that make more sense?
