Syracuse University Online Juris Doctor

Now, distance learning student can attend ABA approved online Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse Unviersity. I believe the program requires 61 credits at $1,770.00 per credit; that is about ~ $108,000.00. The program might requires some on campus experiences/residences. The first class will be offering in January 2019.

URL: http://jdinteractive.syr.edu/

 

This is really big news in the world of law education. Thanks for the post, Tekman. It requires two five-day sessions on campus each year, but otherwise is totally done at a distance. Syracuse was one of the real pioneers in distance education back in the 70s, and now it looks as if they will be again.

 

Ironically, you can't currently use this degree to sit for the bar in New York. Syracuse says they're "confident" this will change, but prospective students from NY would be insane to sign up now before it actually changes.

 

Also, it appears that the classes are synchronous and so prospective students need to be in front of their computers at times specified by the school. Still, a step forward.

 

At least that student does not have to attend campus; this is a big step for paralegal practitioners can step into the law practice. When I was a legal clerk and administrative chief in the U.S. Marine Corps, I wanted to be an attorney. However, the option was limited; with all the non-ABA Juris Doctor (JD) degrees online was not an option. Until this day I still do not understand why the American Bar Association not authorizing law schools offering an online option. The legal profession is no longer a good return on investment anymore. The law study mostly through information and discussion can be done through innovative technologies.

 

This is truly a step in the right direction. Still, without the opportunity to sit for the bar in NY, a law student would definitely be taking a $108k risk to attend now. But regardless, kudos to Syracuse for moving forward with this and the ABA approving it. After fainting, I can pick myself up off the floor now.

 

It might not be aimed at students in the state of New York. I've read that law-school applications are declining and many law-schools are faced either with declining enrollments or with lowering admissions standards. Syracuse is a fairly high-profile university but it might be feeling similar pressures.

So I'd guess that they are hoping to attract quality out-of-state applicants.

I believe that in many states, graduation from any ABA-approved law school will be bar-qualifying (provided the bar exam is passed etc.). That seems to be the case in my own California. And many states aren't so well-stocked with local law schools. So a Syracuse DL J.D. might look good in a lot of those places.

 

For anyone that is interested here is the latest guide to let you know if this will indeed work for you: https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/legal_education_and_admissions_to_the_bar/2018_ncbe_comp_guide.authcheckdam.pdf

 

some added info

https://www.localsyr.com/bridge-street/syracuse-university-offers-new-online-law-degree-program/1707866412