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The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

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Updated October 24, 2023

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A doctorate in legal studies considers research methods, legal theory, justice policy, and jurisprudence as they pertain to legal institutions and the legal profession. Many programs prepare legal professionals and practicing attorneys to expand their expertise into specific areas of law, including maritime law, intellectual property law, and human rights law. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% growth for postsecondary instructors , including those in criminal justice and law, between 2022 and 2032. Use this guide to learn more about what you can expect from an online doctorate program in legal studies.

For more degree and career info, jump to:

• Choosing an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program
• What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program?

Careers with a Doctorate in Legal Studies

Legal phd programs for you.

Because numerous types of degrees fall under the umbrella of “Doctorate in Legal Studies,” the following sections display top-ranked programs from several related ranking articles on our website. To learn more about these different degrees, follow the link at the end of each section to their corresponding ranking article.

• Criminal Justice
• Homeland Security
• Public Administration

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

California University of Pennsylvania

• California, PA
• Online + Campus

The online doctor of criminal justice program at California University of Pennsylvania ranks as one of the field's best degrees. The public university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.

After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. As the field's terminal degree, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

California University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 4,367

Online Master's Programs: 13

Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,288

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

#2 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

National University

• San Diego, CA

The Ph.D. in homeland security leadership and policy at Northcentral University offers a doctorate in an online learning format. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students meet with career advisors and faculty mentors.

The online program requires a minimum of 82 credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. A doctorate can lead to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.

Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

National University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: Data not available

Online Master's Programs: 26

Online Doctoral Programs: 15

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,983

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

#3 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Walden University

• Minneapolis, MN

Walden University offers a Ph.D. in criminal justice program with an online learning format. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.

After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. With a doctorate in, professionals may work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Contact the program for more information about doctoral admissions.

Walden University at a Glance:

Online Master's Programs: 39

Online Doctoral Programs: 20

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,039

#4 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

• Colorado Springs, CO

The online doctor of management in homeland security program, offered by Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, ranks as a top program in the field. At the private institution, degree-seekers take doctoral classes in a flexible format. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.

Degree-seekers move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. As the field's highest degree, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.

The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 27,043

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,710

#5 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

California Baptist University

• Riverside, CA

Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the doctor of public administration program at California Baptist University. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible enrollment options at the private university. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.

During the online program, learners complete advanced coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. A doctorate prepares graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.

At the accredited institution, doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about admission requirements.

California Baptist University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 6,112

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,830

See more of the Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Degree Programs .

Choosing a Doctorate in Legal Studies Program

50 Best Online Colleges & Universities Earning a doctorate in legal studies online give you extensive training in research and scholarship as you pursue coursework on legal theory and practice. You acquire knowledge applicable to personal and professional goals, with many programs providing you the opportunity to tailor the program to a particular subset of law.

The interdisciplinary nature of a legal studies doctoral program provides you with exposure to legal subfields across historical and geographical boundaries. Corporate law professionals, for example, can explore the intricacies of finance and commerce law, while civic-minded legal activists can focus on environmental or human rights law.

Legal studies and law doctoral degrees require two to three years of coursework with at least one additional year to write a dissertation. Coursework prepares you to conduct research necessary for your dissertation. You will also develop a research proposal with faculty and work closely with advisors.

Some programs give you the opportunity to teach undergraduate students and participate in mock trials. Students also complete comprehensive oral or written exams over all of the classes taken. This demonstrates your expert knowledge of standards, practices, and principles of legal studies. Students must pass these exams and complete a dissertation to graduate.

What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program?

Doctoral programs in legal studies vary by school and department. Some classes remain consistent across the curriculum, but many degrees offer you the chance to concentrate on a particular segment of law, legal institutions, or jurisprudence. Programs that allow you to structure your program based on individual interests also give you practical knowledge applicable to your personal and professional goals.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Doctoral Degree in Legal Studies

• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Corporate lawyer, human rights lawyer, corporate negotiator
• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Criminal justice professor, law school professor, law school administrator, legal researcher
• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Law school professor, legal scholar and researcher

Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Legal Studies

• Research Methods: Research methods courses train students to use qualitative and quantitative research techniques to gather data in anticipation of their dissertation. Students use research tools, including statistics and ethnographic software.
• Jurisprudence: Coursework on jurisprudence provides students with the history and philosophy of law to understand its current application. Students assess their own relationships with law and justice as well. Jurisprudence classes may involve activities such as moot court.
• Anthropology of Law: A course on the anthropology of law focuses on the relationship between law and society. Students learn about the interactions of culture, people, and institutions in the context of regulations, legal applications, and ethical norms.
• Current Issues and Trends in Law: Students learn about contemporary matters related to law and legal policy through extensive readings, in-depth discussions, and individual research. Classes may focus on a specific topic such as finance, management, human rights, or private law.
• Law and Morality: Law and morality classes emphasize the relationship between individual choice, dilemma, and law. Students study the nature of law as well as scenarios and case studies to assess how people make decisions when faced with punishment, penalty, or ethical conflict.

A doctorate in legal studies prepares you for careers that require expertise in research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. You gain the knowledge needed to make ethical and informed decisions in a legal setting, and increase your potential career growth in academia, government, and business.

• Median Annual Salary: $80,840
• Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 8%
• Median Annual Salary: $97,250
• Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 0.4%
• Median Annual Salary: $135,740

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Ph.D. Program

The ph.d. in law degree.

The Ph.D. in Law degree program is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through a doctoral program aimed at the production of a substantial body of academic research and writing under the close supervision of a three-member faculty dissertation committee. Unlike programs designed for students who wish to learn about law from the disciplinary perspectives of the social sciences or the humanities, the Ph.D. in Law is directed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of the law. This program offers emerging scholars an opportunity to contribute to the development of law as an academic field, and it provides an alternate pathway into law teaching alongside existing routes such as fellowships, advanced degrees in cognate fields, legal practice, and clerkships.

Because our entering Ph.D. students will have already completed their J.D. degrees, the anticipated course of study toward the Ph.D. in Law degree is three academic years and two summers in residence. In their first two semesters, Ph.D. students will enroll in courses designed to help them acquire the background and research skills needed to complete a dissertation in their field of interest and to prepare them for qualifying examinations that test the depth and breadth of the literacies and skills they have acquired. During their second year, students will prepare a dissertation prospectus and begin work on a dissertation. The dissertation may take the form of either three law review articles or a book-length manuscript and will make up a portfolio of writing that will be essential for success in the job market. Ph.D. students will also gain experience in the classroom, and receive the full support of Yale Law School’s Law Teaching Program , which has had remarkable success in placing graduates in tenure-track positions at leading law schools.

Ph.D. students receive a full-tuition waiver, a health award for health insurance coverage, and a stipend to cover their year-round living expenses, as well as support for participation in national and international conferences.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. in Law program are available starting on August 15. The deadline for submission of all materials is December 15. Applicants to the Ph.D. in Law program must complete a J.D. degree at a U.S. law school before they matriculate and begin the Ph.D. program. Any questions about the program may be directed to Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, at [email protected] .

Watch Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, describe the Ph.D. program at Yale Law School.

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• Juris Doctor Degree
• Accreditation
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JFK School of Law at National University

Accredited juris doctor program, designed for the whole learner.

Accessible – 100% Online & Affordable | Flexible – Coursework that Balances Busy Lives | Proven -Continuously Accredited since 1981

A Juris Doctor degree from the JFK School of Law at National University prepares students to become not only forward-thinking lawyers and legal professionals but also principled and dedicated public servants. Through innovative and rigorous online study, our students are ready to serve their communities and advocate for justice. We value the flexibility that distance learning provides and understand the importance of faculty-to-student mentorship and student-to-student interaction.

We provide law students the opportunity to enroll in courses that blend both synchronous and asynchronous learning – allowing you to work toward a law degree on your time and from a place that is convenient for you. We invite you to experience the NU difference.

Juris Doctor Degree Program

Flexible & accessible online jd program.

The Juris Doctor degree at the JFK School of Law at National University has been continually accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners for the State Bar of California since 1981. Our program emphasizes the practical application of theory, preparing students to successfully sit for the CA Bar Examination and enter the legal profession as highly skilled, ethical, and passionate legal experts.

We provide students with the academic support needed to succeed, including faculty mentorship, tutoring, bar coaching from the beginning of the program through preparation for the CA Bar Examination, and access to an extensive law library. All coursework is online, blending both synchronous and asynchronous sessions, while hands-on training is offered through internship and clinical programs, travel abroad opportunities, and MOOT Court and trial advocacy courses.

Service To Community

The JFK School of Law at National University is dedicated to serving local communities in the delivery of low and no-cost legal services. All law students will have the opportunity to participate in valuable and rewarding public interest internships. This work provides practical learning experiences and enriches the communities in which our students live.

“The best investment I ever made, was in myself .”

— Nadia L., Class of 2020

Whole Human Education

How We Support Our Students

We understand that you have work and family obligations. That’s why the JFK School of Law at National University provides a holistic approach to student success and well-being called Whole Human Education™. It offers the academic, financial, career, family, and emotional support our students need to excel professionally, personally, and academically.

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To speak to a dedicated enrollment advisor, please call or text 310-662-2010.

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Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs

Which are the best online Juris Doctorate programs in the United States? We help you find the top ABA-accredited online law degree programs.

Key Takeaways

The best online juris doctorate law degree programs are hybrids and require some parts of the program to be completed on-campus. many of the on-campus portions of an online juris doctorate law degree program can be completed during weekend sessions. to qualify to sit for the bar exam, an online juris doctorate law degree program must be aba-accredited., best online juris doctorate degree programs, syracuse university, university of denver, loyola university chicago, university of new hampshire, seton hall university, cleveland state university, university of dayton, southwestern law school, mitchell hamline school of law, touro university.

• University of New Hampshire 87%
• Cleveland State University 85%
• Loyola University Chicago 79%
• University of Denver 78%
• Seton Hall University 75%
• University of Dayton 74%
• Touro University 71%
• Syracuse University 52%
• Cleveland State University 16 to 1
• University of New Hampshire 16 to 1
• Syracuse University 15 to 1
• University of Dayton 15 to 1
• Seton Hall University 14 to 1
• Loyola University Chicago 13 to 1
• Touro University 9 to 1
• University of Denver 8 to 1
• Syracuse University $60,135
• University of Denver $56,439
• Loyola University Chicago $49,498
• Seton Hall University $48,960
• University of Dayton $46,170
• Touro University $21,170
• University of New Hampshire $15,520
• Cleveland State University $12,144
• University of Denver $55,260
• Syracuse University $43,428
• Mitchell Hamline School of Law $36,020
• Seton Hall University $33,528
• Loyola University Chicago $19,440
• Southwestern Law School $18,710
• University of Dayton $18,540
• University of New Hampshire $14,170
• Touro University $13,068
• Cleveland State University $10,627

The 10 Best Online JD Doctorate Degrees

This list was based on the American Bar Association’s list of accredited institutions. Our ranking is composed of the ten best online law degree JD programs with the following criteria in mind.

• Student support services
• Financial aid opportunities
• Popularity in rankings
• Reasonable tuition costs
• Networking opportunities
• Availability of online programs/courses
• Accreditation with colleges and schools commission agencies and academic organizations

These criteria, however, are not to say that the ABA-accredited law schools not included on the list are below average. All traditional and online law schools have their own strengths, but the following ten schools stood out the most during our evaluation.

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Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Political Science
• Communications
• Earth Sciences
• Social Work
• Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

• Clement Greenberg
• Joyce Carol Oates
• Megyn Kelly
• Ernest Becker
• George Saunders
• Marv Albert
• William Safire
• Story Musgrave
• Dorothy Thompson

The College of Law at Syracuse University offers different online law programs, including a JDinteractive , an online JD degree program. This program is in a part-time format that has to be completed in 4 years. The weekly self-paced classes allow students to have an extensive introduction to the content discussed in each live class session.

• Credit Hours: 87
• Program Duration: 4 years
• Format: Online
• Disability Law
• Innovation Law
• National Security Law

What We Love About Syracuse University

On top of the program’s asynchronous and synchronous online classes, students attend residential courses to give them the ability to work with their peers and gain critical skill-building experience.

Syracuse University is ideal for students who:

Are looking for a school with a diverse student body that offers a rich tapestry of perspectives, cultures, and experience.

Syracuse University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are looking for on-campus housing as the school only has a limited number of these.

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University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Anthropology
• Religious Studies
• Huston Smith
• Mohammad Javad Zarif
• Robert Gilpin
• Margaret Singer
• Bruce Hoffman
• Katherine Anne Porter
• Condoleezza Rice
• Henry T. Lynch
• John L. Horn
• Njabulo Ndebele

Through the Sturm College of Law, the University of Denver offers a hybrid professional online JD program for working adult students. While this is a 90-semester-hour program, only one-third of it can be completed online. However, students can still have flexible on-campus class schedules thanks to the customizable on-campus courses. These courses are usually done on weekends.

• Credit Hours: 90
• Format: Hybrid

What We Love About the University of Denver

Students are allowed to enroll in certificate programs while earning their JD degree. These programs are tailored based on the legal interests of the students.

The University of Denver is ideal for students who:

Prefer to have a smaller class for a better experience.

The University of Denver might not be the best fit for students who:

Because the university is community oriented, students who don’t wish to join in the activities might feel better placed at a different school.

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Loyola University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Marsha M. Linehan
• Norman Geisler
• Sandra Cisneros
• Levi Bryant
• Stuart Dybek
• Alphonso Lingis
• Shalanda Young
• Joseph Fitzmyer
• Wilton Daniel Gregory
• Fabian Udekwu
• Bob Newhart
• John Hardon

The Loyola University Chicago School of Law offers a weekend JD law degree . This is a combination of on-campus classes with one of the country’s best suppliers of online legal education.

• Credit Hours: 86

What We Love About Loyal University Chicago

Students can earn their JD degree without altering their present work-life schedules. They can also customize their degrees based on their goals and interests.

Loyola University Chicago is great for students who:

Want a vibrant campus life with a wide range of diverse student activities and engaging community events.

Loyola University Chicago might not be the best fit for students who:

Are not comfortable in an urban setting where shops, bars, and other cultural attractions are easily accessible because of the congestion and noise associated with it.

Loyola University Chicago’s Online Degrees

• Required Credits : 72
• Completion Time : None Reported
• Format : Online
• Required Credits : 66

Degree Concentrations

• Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Systems Leadership
• Required Credits : 30-80
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University of New Hampshire’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Computer Science
• Ronald Noble
• Jason Brennan
• Loren Coleman
• Jeffrey Snover
• Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
• James J. Martin
• Carlton Fisk
• Nathan Brody

Through the Franklin Pierce School of Law, the University of New Hampshire offers one of the best hybrid JD degree programs with the most financial aid opportunities. The program focuses heavily on technology law and intellectual law.

• Credit Hours: 85
• Intellectual Property
• Information Law

What We Love about the University of New Hampshire

Aside from having world-class faculty, students will learn from industry experts worldwide. This includes the Chief Patent Counsel for Microsoft or the Chief Counsel for Global Trademarks at Pepsi.

The University of New Hampshire is great for students who:

Loves to get involved with other students as everybody is naturally welcoming

The University of New Hampshire might not be the best choice for students who:

Are not partygoers, considering UNH is a party school with bars and restaurants close to campus

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Seton Hall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Criminal Justice
• Artie Lange
• Chris Christie
• Dick Vitale
• John L. McNulty
• Max Weinberg
• Malcolm Diamond
• Brendan Byrne
• Charlie Haas
• Thomas Aloysius Boland
• Bill Raftery
• Patrick E. Hobbs
• John B. Duff

Seton Hall University has a hybrid JD degree program for students who wish to complete some coursework via distance learning on weekdays and on-campus classes on weekends. In the first two years, however, students are required to attend on-campus, but the scheduling becomes more flexible after that.

• Credit Hours: 88

What We Love About Seton Hall University

Students, especially the part-time ones, can work as community helpers and visit border detainees to offer legal assistance. They also write for the Incarcerated Persons Workforce Re-Entry and the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall Law.

Seton Hall University is ideal for students who:

Want to attend a strong university that offers great education, has a diverse student body, and a vibrant campus life.

Seton Hall University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are not into the social scene, as Seton Hall University has a very vibrant one, with so many events and parties that cater to different interests and tastes.

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Cleveland State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Engineering
• Annie Easley
• Dennis Kucinich
• Mitchell Silver
• Nina Turner
• James Harris
• Bryn Forbes
• Danielle Ripich
• George Nader
• Vlado Dimovski
• Karen Kovacik

The College of Law at Cleveland State University offers an online JD degree program . This 100% online coursework is one of the top-ranking online JD programs in the US and is considered one of the best value schools because of its affordable in-state and out-of-state students.

• Program Duration: 3 years

What We Love About Cleveland State University

Specialized classes are available for students who wish to tailor their degree. There are also courses in corporate compliance, commercial law, criminal law, space law, and cybersecurity.

Cleveland State University is great for students who:

Love a campus in an urban setting with the highest-tier academic programs.

Cleveland State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer an active residential student life/party school because CSU still has a generally large commuter population.

• #10 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
• #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)

University of Dayton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Richard Schoen
• Bruce Graham
• James P. Sterba
• David Bradley
• Erica Chenoweth
• Thomas Joseph Tobin
• Ahmed K. Elmagarmid
• Fred McBagonluri
• James A. Krumhansl
• Kristina Keneally
• Peter J. Phipps

The School of Law at the University of Dayton offers a hybrid JD degree program. Students will join weekly live online classes to complete their online coursework and visit the campus to get REAL Intensives, which are in-person learning opportunities.

What We Love About the University of Dayton

JD students can pursue their postgraduate Master of Laws (LLM) degree program without spending any additional money.

The University of Dayton is great for students who:

Want a large campus

The University of Dayton might not be the best fit for students who:

Are tight with their budget because the school does not have an affordable cost of attendance.

Southwestern Law School’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Gloria Allred
• William John Cox
• Tom Bradley
• Jerry O'Connell
• Gordon H. Smith

Southwestern Law School offers a hybrid JD program with on-campus and evening courses. Students are required to attend in-person two evenings per week and complete the remaining class sessions online.

• Program Duration: 3 to 4 years
• Concentrations:
• Civil Litigation & Advocacy
• Entertainment & Media Law
• Public Interest Law
• Technology Law & Entrepreneurship

What We Love About Southwestern Law School

This JD program is a very affordable and flexible program that allows students to pursue different concentrations, including Criminal Law and Advocacy, Criminal Litigation and Advocacy, Public Interest Law, and many more.

Southwestern Law School is great for students who:

Are looking for an affordable and flexible JD program

Southwestern Law Schools might not be the best fit for students who:

Only have a limited budget for their law school since Southwestern has a relatively high cost of attendance.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Rosalie E. Wahl

Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers a blended learning JD program that combines the best aspects of both in-person and online training. The school, being one of the pioneers that offer law degree programs, had the chance to develop a technology foundation and continuously improve its teaching methods to this day.

• Credit Hours:
• Format: Hybrid/Blended

What We Love About Mitchell Hamline School of Law

In January 2015, the school was the first ABA-approved law school in the entire US to offer students the chance to finish a law degree through on-campus and online instruction. It was called the Hybrid JD.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law is great for students who:

Are looking for a blended learning option that includes the best elements of hybrid, weekend, and executive offerings.

Touro University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Joseph Buxbaum
• Yaakov Stern

Touro University, through the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, offers one of the most accessible hybrid JD degree programs. The program is designed to fit the schedules of students who wish to pursue legal education but don’t have the luxury of time to leave their full-time jobs.

• Criminal Law
• Land Use and Sustainable Development Law

What We Love About Touro University

Although students are required to be in person for classes for 12 Sundays, they complete the remaining assignments asynchronously so they can complete them wherever and whenever suits their schedules.

Touro University is great for students who:

Want to experience small class sizes with helpful professors that allow them to establish close and personal connections.

Touro University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are looking for schools with different academic programs because Touro has limited courses.

Career Outlook for Students with Law Degree

Pre-law studies, degree level: doctorate.

• Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)

Career Salaries

Average career salaries, promising job markets, top industries.

Those with a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree influence many facets of our society, from governmental rules, estate planning, contract conflicts, and criminal justice.

Many law schools are broadening their curriculum to include online JD degree programs to better prepare students for the Bar Exam and get their license to practice law in the US. It is important to note, however, that online JD degree programs are not 100% online degree programs; instead, they’re hybrid doctorate degree programs that are a mix of online and on-campus graduate degree coursework.

What is a Juris Doctorate?

A Juris Doctorate degree, also known as a JD or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, is a professional degree designed to prepare students for a legal profession after completing an online master program. It is the most popular educational route to sit for the Bar Exam in the US.

JD degree programs require students to complete 85 to 90 credit hours, generally taking three years of full-time study; part-time students can take up to five years. Online law degrees provide training that is identical to an on-campus program and they give students the skills and knowledge to pass the Bar Exam.

It is important to note that you can only obtain a JD by graduating from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) .

What To Expect from ABA-Accredited Professional Law Degree Programs

Mid- or senior-career professionals can benefit greatly from attending online law degree programs. The greatest way to start a fulfilling and rewarding new job practicing law may be to earn a Juris Doctorate (JD) at the best online law schools.

The average cost of attending law school, including living fees and additional costs like books and supplies, is $45,990 per year. According to the Education Data Initiative , the average overall expenditure is $206,180.

When enrolled full-time, law school takes three years to complete. Part-time students, on the other hand, generally complete the didactic and experiential coursework in four to five years.

JD curricula frequently emphasize the methods and techniques utilized in court and for legal research. Additionally, you can get the chance to concentrate your research on one area of law. Typical concentrations include:

• Advocacy law
• Business law
• Constitutional law
• Contract law
• Employment law
• Criminal law
• Entertainment (or media) law
• Environmental law
• General practice law
• Intellectual property law
• Maritime law

Student Submitted Questions on Online Juris Doctorate Degrees and Online Law Schools

Leo asks , “Why are ABA-accredited JD degree programs completed in hybrid learning formats only?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Since 1952, the American Bar Association (ABA) has served as the benchmark for accrediting law schools. No ABA-accredited institutions currently offer a fully online law education, with zero on-campus requirements. Lawyers and attorneys must pass state Bar Exams, follow the rules for ethical behavior, and develop client trust under challenging situations.

ABA-accredited institutions require students to complete externships and spend weeks on campus each year to enhance learning from their online coursework, network with faculty and peers, and put their knowledge into practice.

ABA-Accredited vs. Unaccredited Law Schools

You might have heard about non-ABA law schools, but you might not have fully understood them. After all, it is a topic that is frequently sidestepped in favor of discussing the more illustrious law schools that the ABA accredits.

The key distinctions between schools with ABA accreditation and those without it are the educational standards available to students and how simple it is to sit for the Bar Exam after graduating, which is the last step in securing employment as legal professionals or lawyers.

ABA-accredited institutions have undergone stringent examination and worked to comply with specific criteria to become accredited. Therefore, ABA-accredited law schools are proven to provide better academic rigor. The quality of the classes at non-ABA-accredited law schools may not be as uniform as those at an ABA-accredited school.

Consequently, while graduates of ABA-accredited law schools are always eligible to take the exam, most (but not all) states do not let graduates from non-ABA schools sit for the Bar Exam.

A non-ABA law school may be the best choice if you want to remain in the state where you attend law school. An ABA law school, on the other hand, is best if you want the freedom to move with your legal degree.

In most states, you can retake the Bar Exam after several years of practice, although it may take 10 to 15 years.

Sophie asks , “Can online JD graduates from accredited law schools sit for the Bar?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: If your law school is ABA-accredited, you can qualify to take the Bar Exam, work in any state, and become an attorney in that state.

Jaden asks , “Are LSAT scores needed in online law programs?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: While LSAT scores are mandatory for some online law schools, other law schools accept an LSAT or GRE score as long as they were taken in the last five years.

Jaden asks , “What are the differences between a Juris Doctor and a Juris Master online law degree program?

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: A Juris Master concentrates on more specialized areas of business, nonprofit, or government positions that do not need to pass the Bar Exam. A Juris Doctor degree prepares students to sit and pass the exams to become lawyers or judges.

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The 7 Best Online Schools for Doctorate in Law (Juris Doctor) Degree Programs

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A Doctorate in Law is an optional academic feat for Law majors who seek advanced learning, specialize in research, and contribute to law literature. Juris Doctor degree holders–students who have completed three years in law school and may practice the profession– are eligible for admission to the Doctorate in Law degree program.

An Online Doctorate Degree in Law is generally research-intensive and usually requires an extensive doctoral thesis. On average, students finish the degree in three to four years. The Online Doctorate in Law degree is designed for adult learners who aim to go beyond the law practice and explore other competencies, including in the areas of scholarly research and publication, as well as teaching in academia.

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Walden university, liberty university, abraham lincoln university, emory university, florida state university, loyola university chicago, california southern university, best online schools for doctorate in law (juris doctor) degree programs.

Methodology: We compiled a list of the 10 Best Online Schools for Doctorate in Law Degree Programs for 2021, listed in no particular order due to each school’s unique degree program and highlights. In exploring these features, we also mention the career opportunities for graduates who have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in the discipline. The following attributes were considered: Highlights each school’s accreditation details, required credit hours for program completion, admission requirements and retention rates, Programs designed to relay a better understanding of legal and ethical laws, public policy and legal trends to the working professional, Includes Dissertation/Doctoral study in Juris Doctor Law, Options in Concentrations; allowing students opportunities to expand on their current credentials, apply for advancements, or pursue a teaching career at the university level, 100% Online, Blended or Hybrid format options, Financial Aid options: Scholarships, Grants, Military Aid, Offers experiential learning through an effective online distance learning format by quality professors outstanding in the field of Doctorate Law (Juris Doctor), Based on prestigious and notability as an online school according to reputable academic resources. To learn more, please see our Methodology page.

ONLINE PH.D. IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH A LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY CONCENTRATION

Program Standouts: The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a Law and Public Policy concentration at Walden University explores the contemporary practices and theories and national and global issues in the administration of criminal justice.

This online doctorate degree provides the necessary skills and knowledge a student needs to attract exciting new career opportunities, whether they want to pursue leadership roles in the current organization or start a new career in criminal justice. It is ideal for students who are interested in gaining an in-depth knowledge of the law or studying legal concerns in the workplace.

Students need to have 98 credit hours to earn this online doctorate program.

Campus Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Accreditation: Walden University receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Retention Rate: 33%

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Admission Requirements:

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Admission Application
• Writing Assessment
• Application Essay
• Official Transcript of Records

Program Core Components:

• The Nature of Crime and Criminology
• Policy and Analysis in Criminal Justice Systems
• Technological Solutions and 21st–Century Crime
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration

Degree Outcomes: Graduates of this online doctorate program have the option to pursue career advancement in their current profession. They are able to evaluate the root cause of crime and its specific impact on the practice of law, procedures, and policies.

In addition, it has prepared them for a variety of positions, such as:

• private investigator,
• professor/instructor,
• criminal investigator,
• director of emergency management,
• and other roles related to the law/criminal justice industry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WALDEN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH A LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY CONCENTRATION

ONLINE PH.D. IN PUBLIC POLICY

Program Standouts: Liberty University has a Ph.D. in Public Policy that provides the ethical background and skills that students or professionals need to mold the local, national, state, and local law in order to pursue peace and instill Christian values in the pursuit of happiness.

This online Ph.D. degree is suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their current credentials, strengthen their skills in policy research or put an emphasis on educating the next generation of law professionals.

It has five specializations, namely:

• Education Policy,
• Economic Policy,
• National Security Policy,
• Foreign Policy,
• and Social Policy.

Students need to have 60 credit hours to earn this degree in a span of three years, depending on the students’ timeframes of learning.

Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Accreditation: Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Retention Rate: 32%

Acceptance Rate: 99%

• Official College Transcript of Records
• Application Fee
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Statement of Purpose
• Foundations of Statesmanship & Public Policy
• Foreign Policy, Globalization & Statesmanship
• Natural Law, The State & The Gospel
• Statesmanship, Federalism & Intergovernmental Relations
• The Founding Era & Constitution

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates of this online doctorate program are equipped with essential skills in law and governance. They are built upon their existing expertise in their chosen specialization and hone their craft to help create a better, secure and prosperous future for the nation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN PUBLIC POLICY

ONLINE JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts: The Juris Doctor online program of Abraham Lincoln University is designed for individuals who want to practice law or those interested to pursue into one of the many legal fields that a Juris Doctor degree offers.

It is ideal for working professionals and provides students with increased flexibility without sacrificing their quality of education. They are able to learn the advanced analytical skills necessary to create legal documents, perform legal research, and investigate legal issues and concerns. The Juris Doctor of ALU requires 140 quarter units to earn this degree.

The university prides itself on the establishment of a rigorous, online law degree that provides competence in the educational goals of their law students.

Campus Location: Los Angeles, California

Accreditation: Abraham Lincoln University has received accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Retention Rate: 73%

Acceptance Rate: 100%

• Completed Online Application
• $50 Non-Refundable Application Fee
• Completed Online Assessment Test
• Current government-issued photo ID
• 500-1000 Word Personal Statement describing the professional and personal goals and explanation on pursuing a Juris Doctor degree
• Official Transcript of Records  
• Criminal Law
• Contracts A and B
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Advanced Legal Research & Writing

Abraham Lincoln University’s law school graduates of the Juris Doctor program have the eligibility to become full members of the State Bar of California and are eligible to practice in California. They are able to understand the principles and theories of law, their relationships with others, and their limitations.

Graduates are prepared for a rewarding career as well as prepared for the California First Year Law Students’ Examination and California General Bar Examination.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ABRAHAM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE PROGRAM

ONLINE JD DEGREE

Program Standouts: The Juris Doctor program offered by the Emory Law of the Emory University provides empowerment to discern students’ legal path right from the beginning of their legal studies. The faculty handling the Emory Law are experts in their respective law careers and dynamic teachers in the learning environment.

The freshman year of studies immerses students in the language of the law, sophomore students have the opportunity in a one-week immersion in advocacy and a summer internship program, and the third-year students of this online doctorate program puts an emphasis on mentorship programs under the supervision of a dedicated 3L Career Center adviser.

Students will need 90 credit hours to earn this degree.

Campus Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Accreditation: Emory University has earned accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Retention Rate: 95%

Acceptance Rate: 13%

• $80 Non-refundable Application Fee
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Civil Procedure
• Introduction to Legal Advocacy, Research, and Communications I and II
• Legislation and Regulation

Juris Doctor graduates of Emory University have demonstrated an understanding and knowledge of procedural American Law and they are equipped with professional skills that are needed for ethical participation and competence as members of the legal professions.

In addition, they demonstrate competence in reasoning, problem-solving in a legal context, legal analysis, and legal research. A rewarding career awaits them in the private and government sectors that need legal expertise across different issues and concerns of the society.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EMORY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE JD DEGREE

JURIS DOCTOR (J.D.) ONLINE PROGRAM

Program Standouts: Florida State University offers a Juris Doctor program through its College of Law. This doctorate degree is completed in an average of three years depending on the students’ timeframe of learning. It is specially formatted in traditional courses and develops to include the latest in interdisciplinary and theoretical analyses.

The university offers several learning opportunities for experiential learning and courses that enable students to be competitive and highly-skilled entrants into the business, law, and government sectors. Additionally, students have the option to enroll in any FSU’s joint-degree programs namely:

• Urban and Regional Planning and Law,
• Oceanography: Aquatic Environmental Science and Law,
• Sport Management and Law,
• Business and Law,
• Social Work and Law,
• Information and Law,
• Public Administration and Law,
• Information Technology and Law,
• or International Affairs and Law.

Campus Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Accreditation: Florida State University receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Retention Rate: 96%

Acceptance Rate: 37%

• Online Application Form
• $30 Non-refundable Application Fee
• Law School Admission Test or GRE
• LSAC Report
• Residency Form
• Optional but preferable requirements such as Academic Addendum, Diversity Statement, and Letter of Recommendation
• TOEFL and IELTS Requirement (For international students only)

Program Specializations:

• International Law
• Environmental, Energy, and Land Use Law
• Business and Tax Law

Degree Outcomes: Graduates of this Juris Doctor program have a strong wealth of knowledge through FSU’s extensive and hands-on learning program. The hands-on learning experience in the Mock Trial and Moot Court programs equipped their graduates to be appellate and trial advocates.

They are provided the opportunity to hone their research and writing skills that are essentially useful when they navigate in different sectors of the society through promising legal professions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY’S JURIS DOCTOR ONLINE PROGRAM

ONLINE LAW DEGREES: JURIS DOCTOR (JD) DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Standouts: California Southern University’s Juris Doctor program is suitable for individuals who prefer the convenience and flexibility without compromising their busy, working professions.

This online JD program is a rigorous and challenging program that puts an emphasis on ethical responsibility and analytical thinking capabilities. The rigorous program has the same case books and materials that many of the country’s most prominent law schools use.

Students will become part of a community that provides overall support and tools essential to the study of law and business. CalSouthern’s JD program requires 88 credits for degree completion. Students can earn this degree in as quick as 2 years depending on their pace of learning.

Campus Location: Costa Mesa, California

Accreditation: California Southern University received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Retention Rate: 67%

• Online Enrollment Application
• $75 Application Fee
• Official Transcript of Records of Undergraduate Coursework
• JD Assessment Questionnaire Completion
• Signed Enrollment Agreements
• Contracts I and II
• Legal Writing I and II
• Constitutional Law I and II
• Professional Responsibility
• Legal Research

Graduates of CalSouthern’s online JD program acquire an advanced set of knowledge of the traditional fields of law.

They are integrated with skills that are helpful in understanding and applying legal procedures, to comprehend legal principles, limitations of the law, and excel in the State Bar of California examinations. They have the eligibility to sit for the California Bar Exam.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE LAW DEGREES: JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE PROGRAM

WEEKEND JURIS DOCTOR PROGRAM

Program Standouts: The Juris Doctor program of Loyola University Chicago is a rigorous program combined with practical experience students need to rise above the competition.

Students will work closely with world-class faculty to learn the foundations of the American legal system. The set of coursework under this program helps students learn to effectively apply the study of law to real-world challenging scenarios.

Students must complete 86 credit hours to earn a JD degree in Loyola. Experiential learning that is comprised of 6 credit hours is required to demonstrate the applied knowledge and skills of the students all throughout the program.

All online courses are offered through the university’s highly interactive and collaborative online learning platform – Sakai.

Campus Location: Chicago, Illinois

Accreditation: Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Retention Rate: 86%

Acceptance Rate: 77%

• Completed Online Application Form
• LSAT Scores
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Law School Admission Test Exam
• Character and Fitness Questions
• Qualification for Bar Exam Admissions
• Administrative Law

Students who complete the JD program will earn the same rewarding opportunity to gain benefits from quality, world-class legal education at Loyola. They have achieved unwavering success in serving different sectors of society through promising career pathways in the government and private sectors.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO’S WEEKEND JURIS DOCTOR PROGRAM

Why should i earn a doctorate in law (juris doctor) degree.

Earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is an excellent option for anyone interested in learning more about the legal field and pursuing a career as an attorney. A JD degree provides the necessary skills and knowledge to practice law and a deeper understanding of the legal system.

The degree also offers a variety of opportunities for specialization and career advancement. Those with a Juris Doctor degree can also look forward to higher salaries, increased job security, and more job opportunities.

What can I do with a Doctorate in Law (Juris Doctor) Degree?

A Doctorate in Law (Juris Doctor) Degree is the highest degree in law and is typically required to practice law in the United States. With a Juris Doctor, you could pursue a career in legal practice by becoming a lawyer, a judge, or a law professor.

Additionally, a Juris Doctor can open up policy-making, advocacy, and legal consulting opportunities. You could also apply your degree to a career in government, business, or nonprofit organizations.

Do I need a Doctorate in Law (Juris Doctor) Degree to become a lawyer?

Yes, in most states in the United States, you must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in order to become a licensed lawyer.

What is the average salary for an Attorney?

The average salary for an attorney in the United States is approximately $135,740 per year to upwards of $239,200 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure can vary depending on geographic location, experience, and other factors.

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An Online Law School Built for Working Adults.

Welcome to Purdue Global Law School (formerly Concord Law School), the original innovator of online legal education with a legacy of firsts. The nation’s first fully online law school. One of the first to be accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of California. A legal institution where working adults take the first step toward becoming tomorrow’s leaders.

Earn the Law Degree Your Career Deserves at Purdue Global Law School

As Purdue University's online law school for working adults, we offer high-quality law degree programs that feature the latest innovations in online learning, affordable tuition, and expert-led courses that fit seamlessly into your life. This is your moment. Ready to move your career forward?

Juris Doctor (JD)

Prepare to become a California-licensed attorney at our state-accredited law school. After meeting State Bar requirements, you can represent clients in court, conduct depositions, negotiate settlements, and petition to practice in federal court. A California law license may also offer you opportunities in other states.

Executive Juris Doctor (EJD)

Earn your doctorate in law without the regulatory hurdles of a Juris Doctor degree. Build your legal expertise at a law school online through concentrations in business, education, health, and technology.

See Notes and Conditions section below for important information.

Purdue Global Law School was named to  The Princeton Review 's list of  Best Online JD Programs  for the past four years (2021–2024).

A Quality Legal Education at Affordable Rates

Lower tuition means less debt and pressure after graduation — freeing you to pursue your career dreams.

Our overall JD cost is below the average cost of an ABA-approved law school.

Compared to first-time California bar pass rate in February 2023.

Purdue Global Law School has a rich, 25+ year history as the first fully online law school.

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Learn more about our Upcoming Student Information Series, Distinguished Speaker Series, and other events hosted by Purdue Global Law School.

What makes our online law school programs stand out? Our overall JD cost is far below the average ABA-accredited law school.

Our online law school programs deliver a rigorous, interactive, and relevant legal education completely within a distance-learning environment.

Backed by one of the most respected universities in the nation, Purdue Global Law School is the nation’s first fully online law school and one of the first to be accredited by the State Bar of California.

Upcoming Start Dates

Purdue Global Law School offers 3 start dates per year. Each term is 16 weeks.

You have these options of collaborating with instructors through this very structured intuitive platform that the law school has put together. You have to go through real curriculum, real professors, work on your assignments thoroughly, and they test you at every level on the curriculum.

Request More Information

To receive the Purdue Global Law School brochure and learn more about associated career pathways for our law degrees, request more information.

JD Tuition Cost Comparison —Average Cost of Tuition :  Based on the published tuition rates of 193 ABA-approved programs. Calculation uses average tuition for a nonresident full-time student for a 3-year period. Purdue Global Law School's Juris Doctor is a part-time 4-year program, which equates to 3 years of full-time study. Source: American Bar Association .

Best Online JD Program:   The Princeton Review's  Best Online JD Programs at Law School  list is unranked.  The Princeton Review  is neither affiliated with nor endorses Purdue Global Law School. Logo from the Princeton Review. ©2024 TPR Education. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Testimonials:  Testimonials were obtained by Purdue Global Law School (formerly Concord Law School). The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual; student experiences may vary.

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Law PhD by Distance Learning

What is a phd by distance learning.

A PhD by Distance Learning allows you to undertake the majority of your research at an off-campus location. You are therefore able to do the research required for your PhD in a location of your choosing; only making one annual visit to the University.

Why study by distance learning?

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the opportunity to undertake research supervised by one of our world-renowned academics without having to relocate geographically to the Birmingham region. The flexibility offered by distance learning will allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family.

Is the distance learning route for you?

The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone. You need to have a very clear idea of your research project and be able to motivate yourself. Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important. This route is well-suited to those who have a project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.

Can I study by Distance Learning in the UK?

Distance Learning courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, including the UK. 

However, it is worth noting that supervisory sessions for Distance Learning students will take place via audiovisual communications, such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person. 

While this 21st Century approach has proved effective, for those applicants who would prefer to visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with their supervisor, the traditional part-time study option would be more appropriate. 

• One return economy flight per year for the required two-week campus visit in September
• Accommodation at the University for the required two-week campus visit in September
• One return economy flight at the end of the study period for the three-day PhD viva examination
• Accommodation at the University for the three-day viva examination

How will I be supported?

You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person.  

When would I start?

We encourage you to start your PhD in the month of September so that you can attend an induction along with other PhD candidates beginning their research at the same time as you. However, other arrangements may be possible with agreement from your supervisor.

How often will I need to be on campus?

Although you may be able to undertake the majority of your study at an off-campus location, you will be fully funded to make one compulsory visit to the University per year of study. This will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You will then be invited to attend the University for annual meetings which will give you the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students both socially and academically, undertake important progress meetings and carry out necessary training. You will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce.

Am I eligible?

Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off-campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies.  

AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL UNIVERSITY UNDER UNITED NATIONS TS 49006/7 — EUCLID RESPONSIVE SITE —

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Online PhD in International Law and Treaty Law

Quick access, program type, school / institute.

Online (Asynchonous)

USD 169 per credit hour

Scholarships

Full (officials of PS); 15% off (ECOWAS and IGOs)

This highly specialized PhD program offers in-depth and comprehensive coursework in international law.

It is one of the world’s only two doctoral programs in this field offered by an intergovernmental organization constituted under international law (the other being offered by the European University Institute and it is a PhD in Law more generally, with a European emphasis).

EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide | Euclid University), an international intergovernmental organization with a university mandate, offers to select students from the general public an external (distance or online) degree program called the EUCLID DILT which is a full PhD in International Law and Treaty Law.

In terms of academic progression, EUCLID’s intention is to offer a credible path leading from the LLM (24 credits) to the MSc (additional 12 credits) and finally to the PhD (another 25 credits of coursework or directed studies, followed by the dissertation).

As a public non-profit institution, EUCLID is able to offer affordable, low-tuition programs.

Academic Presentation

This specialized PhD in international law program focuses on the actual practice of States and intergovernmental organizations, rather than the advancement of academic knowledge for its own sake.

It has primarily been designed to be used by professional diplomats working for EUCLID Participating States and can be considered an excellent route to pursue a career within governmental bodies, international law firms, academia, iNGOs and international organizations.

Thanks to its low tuition and institutional relationships, it is designed to be of special interest to African and Small States students.

Within certain parameters, the curriculum is customizable, with elective courses focusing on:

• Law of International organizations
• European law
• Human rights law
• Treaty drafting and case studies.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Admissions Checklist
• Accreditation
• Admissions Group
• Alumni Profiles

Requirements

Featured video, program outline.

Note: to consult the current and official curriculum/list of courses from the EUCLID CMS database, please visit: EUCLID Available Degree Programs and follow the program link.

Employment Outlook

Why Study @ EUCLID?

EUCLID is the only intergovernmental, treaty-based university with a UN registered charter and recognized expertise in diplomacy. Join the alma mater of ambassadors and senior officials globally.

Note: if the PDF brochure is unavailable (or outdated by 2 years), please contact [email protected]

EUCLID AT WORK: RECENT NEWS AND ARTICLES

EUCLID publishes 2023 Annual Report

The EUCLID Secretariat General is pleased to announce the release...

EUCLID Secretary-General Dookeran delivers UN ECLAC lecture

As part of the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of...

EUCLID Delegation at COP28

EUCLID (Euclid University) was officially approved as an intergovernmental observer...

EUCLID Convocation and Graduation held in Gambia

On November 29, 2023, EUCLID (Euclid University) organized a recognition...

The appropriate office and officials will reply within 2 business days. If calling a EUCLID office, make sure to call the correct location based on your profile.

The application review process takes 4-6 business days after receipt of documents.

EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide |Euclid University) A treaty-based organization with international liaison and representative offices in: New York, Washington DC, Montpellier (France)

Headquarters: Bangui, Central African Republic Commonwealth / ECOWAS Headquarters: Banjul, The Gambia

Studying with EUCLID

• Ph.D. / Doctorate
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Quick Access

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Online Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law

Transfer credits, next start date, liberty’s online ph.d. in education – educational law can equip you to implement student-focused education policies.

A legal perspective on education can make a big difference when it comes to setting policies and influencing the future of educational institutions.

With Liberty University’s 100% online Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law degree program, you can expand your knowledge, skills, and training in the legal aspects of education. The Ph.D. in Education applies relevant concepts in a way that can give you the flexibility to help learners in any setting, and the knowledge you gain in educational law can prepare you to lead others in corporations, businesses, and successful school administrations.

So whether your goal is to teach, design for curriculum and instruction, or serve in school administration, Liberty is committed to preparing future educators and leaders who impact the field of education for Christ. Liberty University’s Ph.D. in Education is a 100% online program designed to provide advanced training for educators across various fields. The specialization in educational law helps education professionals make a positive impact on educational organizations and policies.

Since understanding education law and policy can help you develop better teaching and learning environments, Liberty’s educational law degree focuses on developing your knowledge of important legal policies and theories. Through Liberty’s Ph.D. in Education, you can gain the confidence you need to lead educational organizations and help improve our education system.

The education research you develop during your academic and dissertation studies can benefit your fellow educators and build new bodies of knowledge. Through academic research excellence and a thorough understanding of education law, you can be equipped to help schools, teachers, and governments make the education system work better for students.

What can I do with a Ph.D. in Education?

Advanced training in education, educational law, and research, can help you gain the valuable communication and problem-solving skills needed to lead students and organizations to success. Our online Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law can provide you with the tools and skills you need to lead an educational administration at the county, state, or national level.

Liberty’s Ph.D. in Education can prepare you for a career as a proficient researcher, effective leader, or skilled educator. Our programs are taught from a biblical worldview and encourage educators to model high standards as they assume leadership roles within various education-related organizations. Researchers and leaders in the field of education can shape the future direction of policies, goals, and objectives within K-12, business, or state or federal government educational settings.

Why Choose Liberty’s Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law Online Program?

At Liberty University, we believe your impact on the next generation matters. All of your classes will be taught from a biblical worldview by faculty with years of experience in and out of the classroom. A terminal degree grounded in biblical principles can make you extremely valuable to educational institutions because you can be well-equipped to influence policies, procedures, and outcomes with ethical clarity and integrity.

Liberty’s Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law online degree program is designed to provide you with advanced training in the legal issues that impact academic institutions. If you’re an educator who is interested in executive leadership within education systems, an understanding of educational law is critical. Start on your path to success as an educator or a leader in a school or university through our educational law degree program.

Your time is important, so the Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law is available 100% online so that you can fit your coursework into your schedule. You may choose to network with faculty and peers within the program by participating in optional intensive courses on our campus in Lynchburg, Va., as well. Liberty University is dedicated to helping you earn your degree around your commitments.

We believe that biblical values build good policy, so your courses in the online education degree will focus on helping you to examine relevant topics and current events in light of a Christian worldview. Come join Liberty’s mission to Train Champions for Christ by equipping educators to use the law for the benefit of students.

Job Outlook for Workers with Education Doctoral Degrees

Earning a Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law can open the door to new opportunities in academics and other industries. For postsecondary education administrators, the median pay in 2020 was $97,500 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).*

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs within the post-secondary industry are expected to continue to grow through 2026.* Workers with doctorates in this field received 19% higher weekly median wages in 2020, so an effective way to build a career with a high earning potential in this field could be to earn your Ph.D. in Education.**

Military Tuition Discount We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Postsecondary Education Administrators, 2020 (viewed online July 13, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. **Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Education Pays, 2020 (viewed online July 13, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

What Will You Learn in Liberty’s Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law?

Liberty University’s core education courses can enhance your knowledge of education policy, structure, theories, and educational law. Because educational law is just as critical as educational leadership in the managing of academic institutions, this program will focus on key areas of leadership with an emphasis on educational law. Our courses in the Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law online program can help you develop new skills as you learn strategic management solutions to common leadership problems in organizations.

Liberty’s online doctoral degree in education emphasizes a Christian perspective in learning theory and can help you approach education and education research through the lens of a biblical worldview. You can also learn how global culture, legal, and economic factors can inform your approach to student engagement at different levels of schooling.

Through this program, you can:

• Learn how to evaluate education theories for application in both professional and academic settings. 
• Analyze theories and evidence-based practices that inform leadership, research, and teacher preparation in educational law.
• Design and conduct original research that adds to the knowledge base of the education field.
• Use cutting-edge educational technology to engage students and develop research, which can be implemented in your dissertation.
• Study legal policy in education and learner development.
• Develop educational law expertise in special education and other essential topics.

In the educational law area of study, you can gain specialized knowledge of larger policies that affect the field of education and the role of education policy. This area of study can help you analyze pedagogical concepts based on research and knowledge of the discipline. 

Professional Skills

What kinds of professional skills could you gain through the Education Ph.D. program?

• An understanding of policy analysis and legal theory in education
• Education research skills that can apply to a variety of organizations and institutions
• How to use distinct types of media to engage students and help them develop key problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Statistical and data analysis skills through the use of industry-leading technology
• School administration and management techniques valuable for leading organizations

Featured Courses

• EDUC 701 – Advanced Learning Theory and Research
• EDUC 747 – Advanced Educational Law
• EDUC 845 – Policy Analysis
• JURI 625 – Administrative Law

Highlights of Our Ph.D. in Education Online Program

We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.

• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• You can complete our Ph.D. in Educational Law degree program in as little as 3 years.
• This program is offered in an 8-week course format, with 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times!
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Education program can help you to develop educational management skills and foster leadership in teachers and students.
• The Ph.D. online is a 3-year program that includes an integrated dissertation process allowing you to work toward your final research project while completing your coursework.
• Completing the online Ph.D. program’s dissertation can empower you to make a unique impact in education research that can become the basis for publications, curriculum and instruction products, and other publishing opportunities.

Ph.D. in Education – Educational Law Online Degree Information

• This program falls under our  School of Education .
• View the Degree Completion Plan .
• View the  Graduate Education Course Guides .
• An extensive final dissertation project is required.

Apply Now      Request Info

Potential Career Options with an Educational Law Degree

• Education advocate
• Education survey researcher
• Educational policy legislator
• K-12 administrator
• University administrator
• University professor

Admission Requirements for Our Online Ph.D. in Educational Law Degree

A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our  admission requirements page  for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

Apply FREE This Week*

Other programs you may be interested in

Doctor of Education (EDD)

Educational Leadership

Next Start Date: May 13, 2024

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Education: Special Education

Education: curriculum and instruction, education: instructional design and technology, higher education administration, looking for a different program.

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Additional program fees may apply. See program page for details.

Disclaimer: This calculator is a tool that provides a rough estimate of the total cost of tuition, and should not be relied upon to determine overall costs, as pricing may vary by program and tuition/fees are subject to change. Estimates are not final or binding, and do not include potential financial aid eligibility.

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You have to have a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline when you are going to school online, but the amazing thing is at Liberty you do not need to do it by yourself. You really do have resources like someone who is going to school on campus.

– Janae Fleming ’15, B.S. in Education

Graduate Program

Jurisprudence & social policy graduate program, april 12, 2024, march 8, 2024, march 4, 2024, february 28, 2024, february 7, 2024.

Berkeley Law offers a unique interdisciplinary program of graduate study in law and society, leading to the Ph.D. degree in Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) . The JSP Program promotes the study of law and legal institutions through the perspectives of several disciplines, including economics, political science, philosophy, sociology, history, psychology, and criminal justice

The Jurisprudence and Social Policy Ph.D. is ideal for students interested in:

The scholarly study of legal ideas and institutions from the standpoint of one or more of the basic disciplines, such as, history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science.

Policy analysis and applied research on law-related issues in such fields as criminal justice, poverty and discrimination, human rights, urban planning, and environmental protection.

Preparation for teaching legal studies in graduate and undergraduate curriculums.

Interdisciplinary preparation for teaching law.

A Note from Associate Dean Dylan Penningroth:

Thanks for visiting our website.  The Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) Program is a unique doctoral program focused on the interdisciplinary study of law. JSP is housed within the School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, but organized under UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division. Established in 1978, JSP was the first law-focused PhD program in the United States and continues to be the leading program of its kind anywhere.

By integrating the study of law with the humanities and social sciences, JSP seeks a broad context for understanding and developing legal policy. While there are many productive ways to link law to the research tools of the disciplines, we are committed to pursuing plural, interdisciplinary scholarship that includes humanistic and social scientific approaches to the study of law. Our students generally specialize in some portion of this spectrum while learning from teachers and peers with diverse research interests. Students take a mix of interdisciplinary courses offered within JSP, as well as classes in the Law School’s traditional JD curriculum. These and other features of our program have become a model for other doctoral programs in interdisciplinary legal studies, many of which have recruited our alumni for their faculties. 

JSP faculty are leading scholars in their field who hail from a variety of disciplines – including political science, sociology, economics, history, philosophy, and psychology. Beginning with the JSP Orientation Seminar and through a range of course offerings in the humanities and social sciences, we offer students training in both empirical and normative analysis of law. Over the past decade, JSP has grown, adding faculty who offer a range of cutting-edge courses in quantitative and qualitative research methods and research design that are specially oriented to the study of law. Our substantive course offerings also have increased in scope, pushing the boundaries of knowledge across multiple fields.

JSP is closely integrated with the Center for the Study of Law and Society (CSLS), which attracts visiting scholars from all over the world, hosts one of the most dynamic speaker series on campus, and provides an intellectual hub for top-notch research on law and legal institutions. CSLS also offers the Berkeley Empirical Legal Studies (BELS) Graduate Fellowship, which brings together doctoral students studying law and social science from JSP and other programs on the Berkeley campus in a year-long research workshop. Berkeley Law is also home to a vibrant array of other research centers dedicated to issues ranging from law, energy, and the environment to reproductive rights and justice; from law and business to law and social justice; from law, morality, and public affairs to law and technology. 

This is an extraordinary time for scholars and students who have interdisciplinary training in law. The collective challenges confronting us today span diverse legal systems, fields of expertise, cultures, and regions of the world. In this context, the training we provide is not only an advantage for a professional career in academia, public service, or policy advocacy, but also urgently needed kindling for innovative theorizing, creative problem-solving, and breakthrough empirical research.

On this website you can get to know our students and our faculty and learn more about the JSP program by viewing recent course offerings and upcoming conferences. I especially urge you to learn more about our advanced graduate students currently on the academic job market, as well as our alumni. Nothing reflects so well on our program as our graduates, and what they are accomplishing with their training here at Berkeley continues to inspire us. 

If you have any questions about the JSP Program, please feel welcome to contact me, our Graduate Advisor, Sarah Song, or our Graduate Student Advisor, Michael Paz.

Dylan C. Penningroth, Associate Dean Jurisprudence and Social Policy

Doctoral Programs

College of Professional Studies

Law and policy.

The Doctor of Law and Policy program (DLP) is designed for experienced professionals who are interested in the origins, development, implementation, and analysis of legal and public policy decisions in government and related institutions.

Northeastern's Doctor of Law and Policy Program empowers leaders working in government, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors to advance in their careers with a deeper understanding of public policy. Our Doctor of Law and Policy engages students in advanced coursework that develops legal reasoning, research, and policy analysis skills. By examining the intersection of three key themes—law, research, and policy—within their professional fields, the program prepares leaders to tackle practical challenges with a multidisciplinary approach.

Through the program, you will complete a doctoral thesis that examines a compelling policy change. Graduates establish themselves as an expert on a topic in an area they would like to make a shift or see a change, to help solve new and emerging issues or explore an area they are passionate about.

The Doctor of Law and Policy program offers two different learning formats based on professional experience and need for flexibility: the Doctor of Law and Policy–Executive Program format with residencies taking place twice a quarter, and the Doctor of Law and Policy program format with quarterly residencies in Seattle or Charlotte . In both programs, the majority of coursework takes place online.

Dr. Kim Larson has left the university as of 9/15/2021.

More Details 

Unique features.

• Complete your doctorate in as little as two years through our Executive DLP format with residencies in Boston. You can also enroll in our DLP program with residencies in Seattle or Charlotte to earn your degree in 3-6 years.
• Advance your current career  by learning the skills and knowledge needed to move into policy and management positions in government, nonprofit agencies, research organizations, consulting firms, and more.
• Earn your doctorate online, with in-person residencies.  Designed for working professionals, the DLP program combines the flexibility of online learning with immersive residences.
• Past students have come from all over the country and worked for a range of employers such as Amazon, the FDA, the Department of Justice, Harvard University and other higher education institutions, the U.S. State Department, and more.
• Learn from faculty that are industry leaders.  They are distinguished policymakers, foreign service officers, international consultants, international education consulting experts, and experts in development policy with considerable domestic and global experiences.
• Cohort learning model allows students to cultivate a network of friends and colleagues from a multitude of industries, ages, and experiences.
• Past guest speakers have included Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas; Marty Baron, executive editor of the Washington Post; Mason Dunn, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition; Dr. Victor Dzau, president of the National Academy of Medicine, and more.

Program Objectives 

• Develop new leadership and strategic-thinking skills
• Utilize law as a way to be a better policy maker and change agent
• Interpret research and use it to further policy-related goals
• Be able to negotiate with stakeholders in courts, legislatures, and agencies in the corporate and nonprofit environments 

Graduates Share Their Story

View the video below to hear Doctor of Law and Policy graduates share why they chose the program, what they learned, and their area of focus.

What Program Format is Right for Me?

Testimonials, chrissie noonan, 2019 dlp graduate, scott smith, 2020 dlp graduate, cherron payne, 2020 dlp graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Academic transcripts:  Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Professional resumé:  Current resumé that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
• Academic recommendation:  This letter should come from a former professor or mentor who can speak to your ability to succeed in an academic environment. The recommender should address your capacity to conduct research and write at the doctoral level. If you have been out of school for a long time or are no longer acquainted with your professors, you may ask someone who has evaluated you during a professional training seminar or workshop to compose this recommendation.
• Two Professional Recommendations:  One must be from your current supervisor; recommendations should not come from individuals who report to you. Recommenders are encouraged to identify specific examples that highlight your skills and abilities.
• Discuss your career trajectory and your professional goals. How will earning this degree help you achieve those goals? (500 words)
• Identify an important problem or issue related to your profession. Why do you want to explore and understand this problem or issue? Be sure to articulate how this problem or issue relates to law and policy. (500 words)
• Interview:  Applicants may be requested to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process. If this is determined, we will reach out to you directly.
• Proof of English language proficiency:  ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language:  English language proficiency guidelines
• DLP Transfer Credit  – Due to the cohort model of the Doctor of Law and Policy program, transfer credits from other institutions are not accepted.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Learn About Getting Real World Experience

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Theodore (Ted) R. Johnson

Seth Harris

Megan Kennedy

Kevin M. Brannon

J.D. LaRock

Fiona Creed

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Law & Criminology alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• City of Boston
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What They Do

• Business Development
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• Community and Social Services

What They're Skilled At

• Policy Analysis
• Legal Writing
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Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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U.S. News Releases 2024 Best Graduate Programs Rankings

Find the top-ranked graduate schools in business, education, law, nursing and other fields.

U.S. News Ranks Best Graduate Schools

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To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released the 2024 rankings for multiple graduate fields.

Depending on the job or field, earning a graduate degree may lead to higher earnings, career advancement and specialized skill development.

But with several types of degrees and hundreds of graduate schools, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released its 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings today. They evaluate business, education, fine arts, health, law, library studies, nursing, public affairs, science, and social sciences and humanities graduate programs. Medical school and engineering rankings are not being released at this time.

A notable methodology change includes a new salary indicator based on profession in the business rankings.

Additionally, for the first time in four years, there are new rankings for a blend of doctoral and master's programs in audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, nurse midwifery and speech-language pathology. Graduate programs in nurse anesthesia and social work are also ranked for the first time since 2016 and 2022, respectively. Those and other specialty rankings are based on reputation ratings from scholars at other surveyed schools.

Read each program's specific methodology for the most detailed explanations of all the changes. The rankings are one source of information among many that prospective college students can use to inform their college decision. Below is a summary of the top-ranked schools in four major graduate program areas:

Best Law Schools

Best business schools, best nursing schools, best education schools.

Among the top 10 law schools . Yale Law School in Connecticut and California-based  Stanford Law School shared the top spot again. The  University of Chicago Law School in Illinois maintained its No. 3 rank, followed by a four-way tie at No. 4: Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, Harvard Law School in Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the University of Virginia School of Law .

Columbia Law School in New York ranked No. 8 again, while there was a three-way tie for No. 9: New York University School of Law , Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law in Illinois and the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Law School .

Looking beyond the top 10, multiple law schools moved up in the rankings. William & Mary Law School in Virginia, for instance, jumped nine spots from a tie at No. 45 to a five-way tie at No. 36.

U.S. News also ranked 13 law specialties: business/corporate, clinical training, constitutional, contracts/commercial, criminal, dispute resolution, environmental, health care, intellectual property, international, legal writing, tax and trial advocacy. (You can filter by specialty on the  main ranking page .)

Meanwhile, in the  part-time law school rankings – which consists of law schools with at least 20 part-time students enrolled in fall 2022 and fall 2023 – the top three stayed the same. The  Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., is once again at the top while D.C.-based  George Washington University Law School , now No. 3, switched places with the  Fordham University School of Law in New York City, which claimed second place.

Previously ranked at No. 3 and No. 6 respectively, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Stanford Graduate School of Business took the top spot in this year's full-time MBA program rankings . Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business moved down from their previous places in the top two to tie at No. 3.

While the top 10 mostly consists of the same schools as last year, both the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business joined those ranks this year. UC Berkeley rose from a three-way tie at No. 11 to a three-way tie at No. 7, while UVA moved up four spots from No. 14 to a tie at No. 10.

Farther down the full-time MBA rankings, there were some big changes. For example, Pitt's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business soared 39 spots from a tie at No. 86 to a tie at No. 47.

Meanwhile, the very top of the part-time MBA rankings looks similar to last year, with the same schools in the top 5: UChicago, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, NYU's Leonard N. Stern School of Business and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California—Los Angeles. But UChicago took the No. 1 spot from UC Berkeley this year.

Moving up from No. 2, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Maryland tied with Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Georgia to claim the top spot in this year's nursing master's program rankings. Duke University School of Nursing in North Carolina climbed up by one to claim the third spot.

Johns Hopkins ranked No. 1, as it did last year, in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program rankings. George Mason University School of Nursing in Virginia – which reported more graduates and resources per faculty – soared from a four-way tie at No. 39 to take the No. 2 spot. Duke tied with the University of Washington School of Nursing to round out the top three.

Duke also ranked No. 1 in all of the ranked nursing master's nursing practice specialties, including administration, family, both acute and primary care adult gerontology, and mental health.

Once again, Teachers College, Columbia University in New York was No. 1 in the graduate education schools rankings. This year, however, it tied with the University of Wisconsin—Madison School of Education , which climbed two spots.

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor's School of Education dropped from the top position to tie with the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies at No. 3. UCLA was previously tied at No. 7.

U.S. News also ranks nine education specialties, with the College of Education at Michigan State University claiming the top spot in the following categories: curriculum and instruction, educational administration, elementary teacher education, higher education administration and secondary teacher education.

Searching for a grad school of education? Access our  complete rankings  of Best Graduate Schools.

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• Faculty & Staff

Online J.D. Program

Welcome to st. mary’s law, where we lead with tradition and innovation., this is a limited enrollment, part-time program..

We understand that not all students have the time to enroll in law school full-time or the ability to attend classes on campus. For students with considerably more outside responsibilities,  the St. Mary’s University School of Law is proud to offer the first fully online J.D. program accredited by the American Bar Association in the nation.

Our renowned faculty, which consists of legal experts in specialties from business law to international law, receives extensive training in online education and pedagogy, and all professors are fully certified to teach online.

As an online student at St. Mary’s Law, you will have access to the same opportunities and resources as a full-time student, including career counseling and advice through the  Office of Career Strategy, academic advising from the Office of Law Success, and student services from the Office of Law Student Affairs .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (click to expand)

How will classes be taught.

The online J.D. program will consist of 50% synchronous and 50% asynchronous teaching methods for the first-year curriculum. Upper-level courses may be offered as a combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods, or fully asynchronous with heightened requirements for student interaction and stricter enrollment caps.

How will the online J.D. prepare me for the bar exam?

St. Mary’s Law has a robust, data-driven bar preparation program that is individually tailored to each student. In addition to providing extensive coaching and custom bar study schedules, our instructors work with each student to understand what approach works best for them. Online students will also have 100% access to all of our bar coaching resources. Students can expect to receive a personal bar study coach who will check in with them, set up one-on-one meetings over Zoom and help them assess their progress.

Can I decide to move from the online program to the full-time program?

After completing the first-year curriculum online, online J.D. students may opt to continue in the in-person full-time program.

Can international students apply for the online J.D.?

International students are not automatically excluded from admission to the online J.D. program; however, the program is unlikely to meet the unique needs of international students given differences in time zones and synchronous class meeting times. Rather, the program’s intent is to expand access to legal education in South Texas, and to offer opportunities nationally to those who would find it difficult to pursue a traditional in-person J.D.

Can I participate in campus events and extracurricular activities?

Online students are invited to visit campus and participate in any on-campus activities or meet with faculty and staff for assistance, at any time during their degree program. Online students will also be able to complete externships, pro bono activities and non-clinic experiential learning in the online environment. Faculty and staff will be fully available to online students through virtual office hours, email, and individual Zoom meetings. Our faculty prides itself on an open-door policy that we are eager to extend to our online cohort.

Can I participate in Registered Student Organizations?

One hallmark of the St. Mary’s J.D. experience is getting involved on campus. As an online student, you will have the opportunity to choose from more than 30 active registered student organizations, which promote a variety of interests and practice areas. Online students can even start their own student organizations and are encouraged to do so.

Is there anything I cannot do as an online student?

Not every elective course in the course directory will be offered in an online format every semester. However, students will have significant advance notice of elective availability for each upcoming semester, and will receive course advising that maximizes their educational opportunities based on interest and career goals.

Will I have to attend orientation as an online student?

To welcome all incoming J.D. students to St. Mary’s, the law school hosts a three-day, in-person Orientation program. This program introduces students to our Marianist tradition, the practice of law, the skills needed to be successful in law school and allows for opportunities to meet classmates and professors. Highlights include a mock law school class, a practice law school exam, chances to mingle with alumni and a class service project. Online students are strongly encouraged to attend this Orientation in person, and will receive information about lodging, timing and the experience as the date approaches. Online students are also encouraged to participate in our innovative First Generation Student Boot Camp, which provides several days of skills training for students entering law school as the first lawyer in their family.

Will I need to attend in-person sessions as part of my online education?

No, although there will be activities such as Orientation, that you will be strongly encouraged to attend in person.

Where can I view tuition information about the online J.D. program?

Online J.D. students will pay the current part-time tuition rate, which can be viewed in the Tuition and Fees webpage .  St. Mary’s is proud to offer an online J.D. that provides the same quality teaching, student services and community that are hallmarks of our in-person degree.  As such, online J.D. students should expect an engaging and informative classroom experience and an open “virtual” door to our online-certified faculty.  Additionally, online students will have the opportunity to take advantage of our career and academic counseling, pro bono opportunities, networking events and more.  And, the online degree comes with a significant cost savings in living expenses, board and transportation.

Curriculum for Online Students

As an online student, you will take a planned curriculum designed to teach you the foundations of substantive law and the applications of legal writing and analysis. You will always have the option of taking an in-person course, but it is not required for completion of the degree. To ensure that our online students receive a quality educational experience, our online cohort will be capped at 25 students.

View the Course Schedule for more information on the courses.

• Contracts I (2 hours)
• Civ. Pro. (4 hours)
• Legal Communication, Analysis & Professionalism (LCAP) (3 hours)

Second Term

• Contracts II (2 hours)
• Property (4 hours)
• LCAP II (3 hours)
• Criminal Law (2 or 3 hours)
• Professional Responsibility (3 hours)

Fourth Term

• Torts (4 hours)
• Constitutional Law (4 hours)

Fifth Term (Start of Second-Year Curriculum)

• Business Associations (3 hours)
• Family Law (3 hours)
• Evidence (3 or 4 hours)

Seventh Term

• Con Crim Pro. (3 hours)
• Wills, Estates & Trusts (4 hours)

Eighth Term

• Conflicts of Law (3 hours)
• Sales (2 hours)

Ninth Term (Start of Third-Year Curriculum)

• Secured Transactions (3 hours)
• Mortgages (3 hours)

Eleventh Term

Accreditation, academic requirements.

Applicants may apply to either the full-time day program or the part-time online program, but not to both. Admission and graduation standards are the same for both J.D. programs.

A candidate for the J.D. program must earn a minimum of 90 credit hours in order to graduate.  Additionally, J.D. students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher to graduate.   Other curricular and academic requirements will apply. Requirements are set forth in the  St. Mary’s School of Law Student Handbook .

Considering the online program?

We want to support you in your journey to find out which law school is right for you and your schedule. You may wish to:

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See why the U of I College of Law is an excellent choice for your academic and professional success. See our viewbook

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College of Law Library

Physical Address: 711 S. Rayburn Drive

Mailing Address: University of Idaho Law Library 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 2324 Moscow, ID 83844-2324

Phone: 208-885-6521

Idaho State Law Library

Physical Address: 501 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Mailing Address: Idaho State Law Library PO Box 83720-0051 Boise, ID 83720-0051

Phone: 208-364-4555

Web: Idaho State Law Library

• International Law

Selected international legal materials are available online from several international bodies. In addition, we've provided a selection of research resources for your use.

• Official U.N. Website
• U.N. Treaty Body Database
• U.N. Documentation Center
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• International Criminal Court
• Official EU Website
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• Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII)
• British and Irish Legal Information Institute (BAILII)
• Electronic Information System for International Law (EISIL)
• Hieros Gamos
• International Resources (Findlaw)
• Law Library of Congress (Guide to law online)
• Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law
• bayefsky.com United Nations Human Rights Treaties
• University of Minnesota Human Rights Library
• Emory Law School - Foreign and Comparative Law
• World Legal Information Institute (WorldLII)

These are the best graduate school programs in Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World

Top graduate schools in Wisconsin landed on the latest U.S. News & World Report list ranking more than 2,000 programs across the country. U.S. News & World Report published its 2024-'25 report in April, ranking graduate programs in business, education, law and nursing, among other fields.

University of Wisconsin-Madison's the School of Education tied for first overall with Teacher's College, Columbia University, according the report. That's up from third overall and second among public universities last year.

Several of Marquette University's graduate programs moved up on the list, including the master's program in the College of Nursing, which moved up from 66 to 58.

Schools were evaluated based on expert opinion and statistical data measuring the quality of the school's faculty, research and post-graduate outcomes. You can find the full list on the U.S. News website for graduate rankings on their website www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools .

Top business graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #43

Top law graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #36 (tie)
• Marquette University: #68 (tie)

Top nursing graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• Marquette University: #58 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #82 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: #107 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh: #118
• Alverno College: #119 (tie)
• Milwaukee School of Engineering: #153-169

Top medical graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #35 (tie)

Top education graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #1 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #169 (tie)
• Marquette University: #192

Top Engineering graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #27 (tie)
• Marquette University: #142 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #177 (tie)

RELATED: Here's how Wisconsin universities ranked in the 2024 Best Colleges list

U.S. News' graduate program rankings include several local, New York State universities

Hofstra University on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 in Hempstead. Credit: Howard Schnapp

U.S. News & World Report, best known for its annual college rankings, released its 2024 list of ranked graduate programs in business, education, law and nursing on Wednesday, based on data submitted by more than 2,200 programs nationally.

“Deciding where to attend graduate school can be formidable, considering the wealth of schools with distinctive and quality programs,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News.

Several local schools, as well as a number of State University of New York campuses, made the lists.

The master's program in nursing at Hofstra University's Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies ranked 38th. Adelphi University's master's program in nursing ranked 92nd and Molloy University came in at 98th. Ranked SUNY master's programs in nursing include Downstate (72), Polytechnic (100) and Binghamton (102).

"We're very proud that Adelphi University's reputation for offering high-quality degree academic and professional programs to our students is growing," said Chris Storm, Adelphi's provost and executive vice president.

U.S. News looked at 15 factors to rank the nursing programs, including an increased emphasis on program size, research and faculty resources.

Hofstra opened a new 75,000-square-foot center in 2023 focused on health care and cutting-edge research to train future nurses and engineers. The $76.8 million Science and Innovation Center includes a fully equipped operating room, intensive care suites, nursing simulation rooms, ambulatory patient rooms and science and bioengineering laboratories.

Charles G. Riordan, Hofstra provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, said this year’s ranking “is a testament to the work and dedication of our faculty, staff, students, alumni in the program and of Hofstra's investment in new state-of-the art facilities.”

Teachers College at Columbia University tied with University of Wisconsin-Madison for the top spot in graduate education programs. Locally, Hofstra's graduate education program ranked 203rd and Molloy University's program in Rockville Centre was listed in a grouping between 237-255. SUNY programs in graduate education included SUNY Buffalo (54), Albany (86) and Binghamton (130).

Evaluations were based on research activity, academic excellence of entering students, faculty resources and opinions on program quality from education school deans and school hiring professionals, according to U.S. News, which also categorized specialties in education from special education to policy.

Rankings of law schools included Hofstra University's Maurice A. Deane School of Law at 130th and the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center at Touro University in Central Islip at 168th. SUNY Buffalo's law school was ranked at 108.

Successful placement of graduates made up about 60% of the formula used to evaluate law schools.

Several SUNY programs were ranked for graduate business degrees, including SUNY Buffalo (74), Binghamton (90) and Albany (ranked in a grouping of 115-124). Half of the scores were based on academic metrics and half on successful placement and earnings outcomes of their graduates.

The list also broke down rankings by specialty in business, such as accounting and finance. The top schools nationwide were Stanford and Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania.

U.S. News delayed release of its best engineering and medical schools, saying more data analysis is needed. The U.S. News & World Report rankings have been under increasing scrutiny as more elite institutions, such as the law schools at Harvard and Yale, have declined to participate.

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Joie Tyrrell is a Long Island native and covers education for Newsday, where she has worked since 1998.

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Institute for Food Laws and Regulations

Robert saxton joins iflr as instructor & academic specialist.

Andrea Besley - April 16, 2024

Learn from an international team of experts on food laws and regulations in China. Join other food industry professionals as you pursue graduate training online, on your own schedule this summer.

Introducing Robert Saxton, Instructor & Academic Specialist

Michigan State University’s Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Saxton to the position of full-time instructor, effective summer semester 2024. In this role, Saxton will work closely with the existing team to drive forward IFLR’s mission of providing online graduate-level training in food laws and regulations to industry professionals and regulators.

Saxton brings a wealth of teaching expertise to the position. He is an attorney and a teacher, with over 25 years experience teaching advanced science in Michigan high schools. He joins IFLR to apply teaching best practices that maximize adult student learning and outcomes.

"We are thrilled to welcome our newest addition to the IFLR team. Robert brings both legal knowledge and teaching experience to the table. We look forward to benefiting from his fresh perspective on students’ learning needs and our curricula,” said  Neal Fortin , Director, IFLR.

Please join us in congratulating Robert Saxton on his new role as an IFLR instructor. We are confident that his expertise will contribute to the continued success of IFLR and its commitment to excellence in online food law education.

About IFLR:

The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) at Michigan State University offers food law courses taught online by an international network of food science, academic, and legal professionals, who understand the complex nature of food laws and how they impact the flow of food and agricultural products across national boundaries.

Our graduate-level courses are fully accredited and are designed for food industry professionals and regulators. Students may take as few or as many courses as they desire. Students may earn a  "Certificate in International Food Law" or "Certificate in United States Food Law"  after completing twelve qualifying credits (usually four courses).

For inquiries, please contact:

Andrea Besley,  [email protected]

Did you find this article useful?

Enroll now for online graduate courses for food industry professionals.

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U.S. News & World Report Ranks UH Graduate Programs Among Nation’s Best in 2024

Four UH Graduate Programs Rank in Top 10, 17 in Top 50

By Shawn Lindsey — 713-743-5725

• University and Campus

The University of Houston is once again proving that it is a powerhouse in graduate education, with 13 of its programs securing spots among the top 50 nationwide in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings, released today. Three engineering programs maintain their top 50 rank pending the release of 2024 engineering rankings, which have been delayed. In total, UH has 17 programs in the top 50.

A total of four UH graduate programs rank in the top 10 nationwide, including three from the UH Law Center: Health Care Law (No. 7), Part-Time Law (No. 8) and Intellectual Property Law (No. 8). The Petroleum Engineering program in the Cullen College of Engineering maintains its No. 9 ranking pending forthcoming rankings in the discipline. Since 2020, UH has seen a 70% increase in the number of graduate programs earning a top 50 ranking.

“Being acknowledged among the nation's top performers in these vital fields is truly gratifying and affirms the national prestige of these programs and the caliber of faculty, staff and students,” said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.  “Delivering top-tier professional and graduate programs and positioning students for success in their respective fields of graduate study is integral to our vision of ascending as a top 50 public university.”

This year, nine UH Law Center specialty programs are ranked among the Top 50 in the country, with three ranked No. 1 in the state of Texas.

Top 50 Ranked UH Graduate Programs Nationwide:

• Health Care Law (No. 7)
• Part-Time Law (No. 8)
• Intellectual Property Law (No. 8)
• Petroleum Engineering (No. 9)*
• Trial Advocacy (No. 13)
• Online Overall Graduate Education Program (No. 14)
• Legal Writing (No. 16)
• Environmental Law (No. 30)
• Tax Law (No. 32)
• Chemical Engineering (No. 34)*
• International Law (No. 38)
• Pharmacy (No. 41)
• Dispute Resolution Law (No. 42)
• Business Part-Time MBA (No. 45)
• Speech-Language Pathology (No. 44)
• Industrial Manufacturing (No. 50)*
• Political Science (No. 50)**

*2023 ranking; U.S. News has delayed 2024 engineering program rankings

**discipline not ranked in 2024 but maintains a previous top 50 ranking

Each year, U.S. News ranks professional school programs in business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing, including specialties in each area. The rankings are based on enrollment numbers, job placement rates, faculty statistics, and other essential quality indicators designed to help prospective students make informed decisions.

“Deciding where to attend graduate school can be formidable, considering the wealth of schools with distinctive and quality programs,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “The Best Graduate Schools rankings and related content empower prospective students to choose the best fi t for their educational needs and ultimately achieve career success.”

The top programs in the nation earn “best of” recognition by U.S. News. UH made the following 2024 graduate program lists:

• Best Business Schools
• Best Health Schools
• Best Public Affairs Schools
• Best Science Schools
• Best Law Schools
• Best Education Schools

To see all of the graduate program rankings, or to learn more about the ranking methodology, visit the  U.S. News & World Report website .

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Day 1 of Trump New York hush money trial

By Kara Scannell , Jeremy Herb , Maureen Chowdhury , Kaanita Iyer , Aditi Sangal and Elise Hammond , CNN

Inside the first day of Trump's trial in Manhattan criminal court

From CNN's Jeremy Herb

Donald Trump has been inside a half-dozen courthouses over the past year, but he had a new experience walking into a  downtown Manhattan courtroom Monday morning : a half-empty room.

The former president slowly walked through the cavernous and dingy courtroom, past six empty rows of benches – set aside for prospective jurors – giving a quick glance to the six reporters sitting in the back row before sauntering to the front of the room and taking his seat at the defense table.

The vacant rows served as a reminder to Trump that he’s in a different setting now that he’s a criminal defendant for the first time. By the afternoon, the courtroom was packed full with 96 jurors – some of whom may be on the jury who will hear the hush money trial against the Republican presumptive presidential nominee.

Trump only spoke three times during Monday’s session, acknowledging to the judge he understood his rights as a criminal defendant. Throughout the day Trump often engaged with his attorneys, whispering to them and sharing notes as they debated motions with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Trump also sat back at times and closed his eyes as  Judge Juan Merchan  slogged through the jury pool and asked up to 42 questions of each prospective juror.

While Trump didn’t have a platform inside the courtroom, he didn’t take long to make his feelings known when he left for the day, speaking to the camera right outside the courtroom after pulling out his iPhone from his suit pocket and handing it to an aide.

“It looks like the judge does not allow me to escape this scam. It’s a scam,” Trump said, complaining that the judge said he could not attend next week’s Supreme Court arguments on presidential immunity and his son’s graduation, though Merchan  did not rule one way or the other  on whether Trump would be excused for the graduation.

Read more about Day One of Trump's criminal trial

Here are the key takeaways from the first day of the Trump hush money trial

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Kara Scannell and Kaanita Iyer

The opening day of the first criminal trial of former President Donald Trump hit home the reality that the presumptive Republican nominee for president will be sitting in a Manhattan courtroom as a defendant four days a week.

Here are the key takeaways from day one of “The People of the State of New York vs Donald Trump.”

The difficulty in picking a jury: Merchan brought in 96 New Yorkers as prospective jurors. More than half were quickly dismissed because they said they did not think they could be fair and impartial. Among the other nine potential jurors who were questioned, none said they had read any books written by either Trump or Michael Cohen. And none had said they’d worked or volunteered for Trump.

Defense wants to slow things down: Sources told CNN that there will likely be many objections and sidebars during the trial because the defense is completely focused on preserving every issue for appeal. These tactics fit the larger Trump legal strategy, which included months of appeals to delay the start of the trial, which was successful on separate grounds. The defense now hopes legal proceedings, which are expected to last six to eight weeks, move at a slow pace with the 2024 election just months away.

Trump accused of violating gag order: Prosecutors asked Judge Juan Merchan to sanction Trump and fine him for violating the gag order prohibiting him from talking about witnesses in the case, the DA’s office or court staff. Merchan scheduled a hearing on the district attorney’s motion for next Tuesday.

“Access Hollywood” tape can’t be played, but actress can testify: Merchan sided with prosecutors in allowing Karen McDougal, an actress and model who alleged she also had an affair with Trump, to testify. Prosecutors can also introduce National Enquirer stories slamming Trump’s opponents as evidence. Trump has denied the affair. A key victory for Trump, meanwhile, was Merchan's ruling that the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape can’t be played in court, saying it was prejudicial. Prosecutors also will not be allowed to bring up other sexual assault allegations against Trump that surfaced after the “Access Hollywood tape” was made public in October 2016.

Trump is also facing charges in 3 other criminal cases

From CNN’s Devan Cole, Amy O'Kruk and Curt Merrill 

The first criminal trial against former President Donald Trump is underway in New York.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges related to his alleged role in a hush money payment scheme and cover-up involving adult film star Stormy Daniels that dates to the 2016 presidential election. 

It is one of  four criminal cases  Trump faces, while he also juggles being the Republican presumptive nominee for president. The former president is now facing at least  88 charges  over the four criminal indictments in Georgia, New York, Washington, DC, and Florida. Trump has pleaded not guilty to every charge in these cases. 

Here's a recap of each case: 

• Hush money:  Trump was first indicted in March 2023 by the Manhattan district attorney on state charges related to a hush-money payment to an adult-film star in 2016. Prosecutors allege Trump was a part of an illegal conspiracy to  undermine  the integrity of the 2016 election. Further, they allege he was part of an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, including the $130,000 payment. 
• Classified documents:  Trump was indicted in June 2023 by a federal grand jury in Miami for taking classified national defense documents from the White House after he left office and resisting the government’s attempts to retrieve the materials. The National Archives said in early 2022 that at least 15 boxes of White House records were recovered from the estate, including   some that were classified . The charges were brought by special counsel Jack Smith. 
• Federal election interference:  Smith separately charged the former president last August with four crimes over his efforts to reverse the 2020 election results. The indictment alleges Trump and a co-conspirator "attempted to exploit the violence and chaos at the Capitol by calling lawmakers to convince them ... to delay the certification" of the election. That case is currently on hold as the Supreme Court weighs Trump’s claims of presidential immunity in the matter. 
• Fulton County:  State prosecutors in Georgia brought a similar election subversion case against Trump and others. An Atlanta-based grand jury on August 14, 2023, indicted Trump and 18 others on state charges stemming from their alleged efforts to overturn the former president’s 2020 electoral defeat. A trial date has not yet been set in that case. 

Read more about  the four criminal cases  Trump faces.  

Former federal judge explains why Trump faces felony charges in hush money case

From CNN's Elise Hammond

Former President Donald Trump is facing felony charges in the hush money trial — not misdemeanors — because of the allegation of underlying crimes, a former federal judge explained Monday.

Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. 

“If you file these false business records in furtherance of another crime then it can be a felony and that's what's unusual here,” said Shira Scheindlin, a former US District Court judge.

That means that prosecutors need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump falsified business records with the intent to commit or conceal another crime — but they don’t have to prove that Trump committed that crime. 

Prosecutors allege Trump was trying to hide the reimbursement of hush money payments that were made to influence the election outcome. They also allege tax fraud, according to the indictment .

“The jury has to just find that the intent of filing the false business records or making the false business records was to further the underlying crimes and then it becomes a felony,” Scheindlin said.

CNN's Kara Scannell and Lauren del Valle contributed reporting to this post.

By the numbers: Where we stand with jury selection

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Kara Scannell and Laura Dolan

The jury of  12 , along with  six  alternates, will be chosen from hundreds of New Yorkers after an  exhaustive selection process  that could stretch beyond the first week of the trial.

Court officials expect about  500  new jurors to appear each day for the selection process. About 100 prospective jurors at a time will be brought into Judge Juan Merchan’s courtroom to be vetted.

Here is the breakdown of the first day of jury selection:

• Just after 2:30 p.m.,  96 prospective jurors were brought in for questioning and sworn in.
• At least 50 were immediately excused after saying they could not be fair and impartial.
• At least nine more prospective jurors were excused after raising their hand when asked whether they could not serve for any other reason. Those reasons were not disclosed.

Upon questioning:

• Merchan called 18 New Yorkers to the jury box for questioning. 
• Ten were questioned by the end of the day. One person  was dismissed  after she said she had firmly held beliefs about Trump and another person was chosen for the jury box. Merchan  excused another juror  who said his child was getting married on June 8.  

What's next: Around 32 potential jurors remained after Monday's session, according to a pool reporter in the courtroom. They included those who were already questioned and not excused along with those who still face questioning by Merchan on Tuesday. Another panel of potential jurors will be brought in after the first group is completed, the judge said.

The post was updated with the details on how many jurors remained after Monday's session.

Fact Check: Trump falsely claims judge won't let him attend son’s high school graduation next month

From CNN’s Marshall Cohen

After leaving court on Monday, former President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that Judge Juan Merchan would prevent him from attending his son’s high school graduation in May. 

“It looks like the judge will not let me go to the graduation of my son,” Trump said, before lamenting “that I can’t go to my son’s graduation.” 

Trump’s son Eric Trump ratcheted up the rhetoric by tweeting, “Judge Merchan is truly heartless in not letting a father attend his son’s graduation.”

Facts First:  The judge hasn’t ruled yet on Trump’s request to be excused from court so he can attend Barron Trump’s high school graduation.

Criminal defendants like Donald Trump are typically required to attend their case proceedings in person. Trump’s lawyers asked Merchan on Monday about whether their client could be excused for some events, including the graduation and the upcoming arguments in front of the US Supreme Court in one of Trump’s other criminal cases.

While Merchan didn’t let Trump attend next week's Supreme Court hearing – because Trump has to be in New York for the trial — he said it was too early to rule on the graduation.

Trump appeared to fall asleep during some moments of trial, New York Times' Maggie Haberman says

Former President Donald Trump appeared to fall asleep during the first day of the hush money trial , according to a New York Times reporter who was at the courthouse.

In one moment, his jaw kept falling onto his chest and he didn’t appear to pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him, New York Times senior political correspondent Maggie Haberman said.

“He appeared to be asleep. Repeatedly his head would fall down,” she told CNN.

The moment happened before jury selection began on Monday afternoon. According to the pool reporters inside the courtroom, Trump was leaning back in his chair with his arms folded and his eyes appeared to be closed for several minutes at a time.

Trump's team asked whether he could attend SCOTUS arguments next week. The judge said see you "here next week"

Judge Juan Merchan told Donald Trump's team he will see them next week when asked about the possibility of changing the schedule so the former president could attend Supreme Court arguments April 25.

Trump attorney Todd Blanche noted the former president "very much" wants to attend the arguments over whether  the former president may claim immunity  in special counsel Jack Smith’s election subversion case.

Prosecutor Josh Steinglass said there's no obligation that the defendant has to be present at the Supreme Court arguments, opposing the request.

"Your client is a criminal defendant," Merchan told Blanche. "He's required to be here" and not at the Supreme Court.

Merchan said he will see him "here next week."

Trump rails against hush money case after first day of trial

Former President Donald Trump railed against the criminal case against him in New York after the first day of jury selection on Monday. He called it a “scam trial” and a “political witch-hunt” in remarks outside the courtroom.

Trump was charged last year with  34 felony counts  of falsifying business records for his alleged role in a hush-money scheme  before the 2016 election . Trump has pleaded not guilty.

On Monday, Trump complained that he would not be able to attend his son's graduation from high school because of the trial.

The judge said he will not yet rule on Trump's request to skip the trial on May 17 for him to attend his son’s high school graduation. “It really depends on if we are on time and where we are in the trial,” Judge Juan Merchan said.

The post was updated with more comments from the former president.

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