Executive J.D. programs are designed to teach working professionals about legal issues and procedures. Learn about degree requirements, prerequisites, online study options and course topics.
Executive J.D. Degree Defined
An executive J.D. degree program is designed to help working professionals advance their careers by expanding their legal knowledge. This type of degree program may be appropriate for people working in diverse fields, such as education, business, healthcare or real estate. Additionally, these part-time executive J.D. programs offer flexible scheduling or online classes to accommodate full-time work schedules. Executive J.D. degree programs aren't designed to qualify you to sit for your state's bar exam but to provide you with a legal education. You can usually complete an executive J.D. program in 3-5 years.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAnExecutiveJurisDoctorDegree">Important Facts about an Executive Juris Doctor Degree</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Common Courses</td><td> Legal writing, intellectual property, ethics</td></tr>
<tr><td>Concentrations</td><td> Law and Technology, Criminal Justice, Innovation Protection</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Accountant, medical professional, law enforcement officer, educator</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td> Comfort with independent research, self-discipline, analytical reasoning and communication skills</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$127,990 <i>(Lawyers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>10% <i>(Lawyers)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AreOnlineProgramsAvailable">Are Online Programs Available?</h3><p>Some executive J.D. programs can be completed entirely online, although you may be required to go to an approved testing site to take exams. Other programs are hybrid programs that have some required on-campus courses and also offer distance-learning opportunities. In an online executive J.D. program, you can communicate with your professors through electronic message boards, e-mail and telephone. You have access to tutorials and legal research programs, such as Lexis, through your school's website. Coursework is completed on your schedule, although you have the option to view some live courses through an electronic classroom.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionsRequirements">What Are the Admissions Requirements?</h3><p>You need at least a bachelor's degree to be considered for admission into an executive J.D. program. Some admissions committees may prefer that you have professional experience. You can also expect to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and submit college transcripts from every school you've attended. Additionally, some programs may enforce educational requirements; for example, you may need to have earned a minimum GPA or taken prerequisite classes.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesCouldITake">What Classes Could I Take?</h3><p>Coursework in an executive J.D. program provides training in advanced legal theory and applications. The first year of study requires many of the same courses as the J.D. program, followed by greater flexibility in the curriculum to suit the student's career interests. This degree program may culminate in a comprehensive project or exam, which may be collaborative. The following are examples of classes you might find in the curriculum:
</p><ul><li>Legal research methodologies
</li><li>Legal writing
</li><li>Torts
</li><li>Criminal law
</li><li>Health law
</li><li>Civil procedures
</li><li>Property law</li></ul>
