Is Online Law School Worth It? What You Need to Know Before Enrolling

Law school is a valuable way to gain a professional edge. Whether you’re looking to make a career change or advance in your current field, a background in law can set you apart and open doors to new opportunities.

In-person programs can be a barrier for many candidates, but law school can be completed online. Distance programs offer the same quality education you’d receive in person, but without the geographic and logistical barriers. This post will explore why online law school works for adult professionals, and how to choose the program for your needs.

How Online Law School Works

The online law school experience depends on the type of degree you pursue. The three most common are:

• Juris Doctor (JD): A professional degree typically required to practice law in the United States¹
• Master of Laws (LLM): A graduate qualification for lawyers seeking to focus on a specific area²
• Master of Jurisprudence (MJ): A graduate-level law degree geared toward non-lawyers in related fields

The Master of Jurisprudence is a unique option for adults seeking to elevate their careers. It offers a thorough grounding in specific areas of the law for those in or aspiring to leadership and compliance positions. Tulane University Law School offers online MJ programs in three dynamic fields:

• Employment law 
• Energy law
• Environmental law 

The curriculum for online law degrees mirrors the in-person experience. Students in JD programs get a comprehensive education geared toward practicing law, while LLM students pursue legal education in a specific area of the law to elevate their practice. Some MJ programs provide a broad understanding of legal concepts and focused coursework on a specific area of law, while other programs focus solely on a specific area of law. Tulane’s online MJ programs, for example, dive deeply into legal issues and regulatory requirements in the chosen area of focus, from dispute resolution to policy development. Depending on the workload each student can take on, it’s possible to complete these programs in as little as two years. However, JD programs are typically three years in duration.

Each online law program at Tulane Law includes both synchronous courses, which are real-time lectures students attend together, and asynchronous courses, which allow students to access course content at their convenience.

Key Benefits of Online Law School

Studying law online has logistical and financial advantages. It’s a more flexible option for working adults and parents, whose commitments can make traditional law school difficult to attend. Online programs give students greater control over their class and study schedules, especially when they include asynchronous courses.

Studying online also expands your school options when you can’t or prefer not to relocate. Tulane Law’s online MJ programs require only one Immersion Weekend per year, making it possible for students across the country to attend.

This geographic flexibility can even reduce your living expenses while in school. It eliminates relocation costs and the daily commuting expenses associated with on-campus education. You can take the money you’d spend on gas, parking and food away from home and apply it to your tuition, which may be lower than that of an in-person program.

Potential Drawbacks

Students choose online law school because it meets their needs and fits their busy schedules, but it’s not the ideal choice for everyone. Virtual learning almost always requires more self-discipline than an in-person program, if only because everyday life is distracting and sometimes overwhelming. While in-person students have defined class schedules in dedicated spaces, distance learners must find the time and space to study at home. Local libraries can be immensely helpful for students who need a quiet place to focus on schoolwork.

Online law students may also miss out on networking opportunities and in-person interactions. According to legal education resource LawHub, these interactions are the most common pathway to a first job after law school.³ Some online schools, however, do offer a chance for students to connect through online events and in-person gatherings.

Cost Breakdown

The cost of online legal education is often lower than the in-person equivalent, though tuition and fees vary significantly across institutions. Online students also have access to many of the same financial aid and scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of attendance.⁴

Tuition typically accounts for most of the cost of online law school, but there are additional fees to consider. Common expenses for online students include technology fees and proctoring costs. Ask each school for a detailed cost breakdown and inquire about financial aid possibilities.

Students in an online MJ program at Tulane Law School may qualify for federal financial aid, and some receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Resources are available to help you understand your options.

How to Choose the Right Online Law Program

Online law degrees are respected and considered comparable to in-person programs, provided they come from accredited institutions. Look for schools with professional accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA), which accredits JD programs. The ABA does not accredit non-JD programs, but its recognition speaks to the school’s commitment to quality legal education.⁵

Consider schools with knowledgeable faculty, particularly those with experience in your target area of law. Look for programs such as Tulane Law School’s MJ in Labor and Employment Law, whose faculty members are leading scholars and practitioners in business and workplace law. The school should also offer career services, including bar-prep support, where applicable, to help students succeed.

Look closely at the program’s curriculum. If you’re pursuing a specialized degree, such as an MJ, it should cover all core topics from policy and dispute perspectives. Finally, learn about the student experience by seeking out testimonials or speaking to student representatives.

Become a Legal Professional With an Online Law Degree 

A legal education prepares you for leadership positions that make a real difference. Whether you plan to advocate for employees as a labor law professional or help to shape environmental and energy policy, an online Master of Jurisprudence from Tulane Law School can help you take that next step.

If you’re ready to impact the field you’re passionate about, learn more about our admissions process today or contact us with any questions. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our admissions outreach advisors, who can guide you to the right program.