7 Fastest Online Law Degree Programs 2025

If you're interested in becoming a lawyer, you're going to need an advanced degree that will prepare you to pass the bar exam. Many law schools provide in-person Juris Doctor degrees, but perhaps you'd prefer to study online or in a hybrid format. You may also be wondering, are there any schools offering online law degrees you can complete in an accelerated timeframe?

Keep reading as we explore some top online and hybrid JD programs for law students. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions you may have about completing your law program online.

Accelerated Online Law Degrees

Hybrid and online students have a variety of opportunities to get their JD degree in a format and timeframe that works for them. In this section, we'll take a look at some of the best ABA-approved schools and the fast fully or partially online Juris Doctor programs they provide.

1. Suffolk University

Suffolk University is a private school located in Massachusetts. Its law school provides a hybrid Juris Doctor degree program offering both full-time and part-time options. Students in this program complete their first year of studies in person; after that, they can choose between fully online or hybrid courses for the remainder of the program.

Students studying full-time typically complete this program in three years. Students can transfer up to 30 credit hours from another law school program to finish even sooner.

2. Southwestern Law School

Southwestern Law School is a private school in California, enrolling around 1,000 students. It offers a fully online Juris Doctor degree designed with both quality and maximum flexibility in mind. Most courses are asynchronous. Students have opportunities to gain real-world experience through internship and externship opportunities with local and national law firms.

Students can complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. Those studying full-time can graduate in as little as three years.

3. Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private school in New York that boasts an enrollment of around 22,700 students. It provides an interactive hybrid Juris Doctor program for highly motivated students looking for flexibility. Students complete much of their coursework online, with some of it being self-paced and some featuring live, scheduled class sessions. Six in-person residencies are also required.

This program is highly flexible, allowing students to enroll on a schedule that works for them. Those who study full-time can complete the program in three years.

4. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is a public school located in Ohio known for its affordable tuition rates. It provides a hybrid Juris Doctor degree in which most coursework is completed online. Synchronous and asynchronous coursework both provide scheduling tailored to busy students, and on-campus residencies provide opportunities for students to connect with classmates and professors.

Students take a part-time courseload that requires a time commitment of 30 to 40 hours per week. Students can graduate in as little as three years and five months.

5. Vermont Law and Graduate School

Vermont Law and Graduate School is a private college providing various law degrees, including Master of Laws (LLM) and Juris Doctor. Students can complete their legal studies by pursuing a flexible hybrid Juris Doctor degree. The program primarily consists of online coursework but includes three residencies. Students can focus their studies with one of six program concentrations:

• general practice
• energy law
• environmental law
• food and agriculture law
• restorative justice
• animal law

This is a part-time program designed with flexibility in mind. Students typically complete the degree in three years and one semester, or about three years and five months.

6. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton is a private university located in Ohio. It provides a hybrid Juris Doctor degree. This high-quality program prepares students to sit for their state bar exam in most states and provides a blend of live and interactive online courses with in-person residencies.

This is a part-time program. Students typically finish their degree in eleven terms, or approximately three years and eight months.

7. St. Mary's University

St. Mary's University is a private school located in Texas. It provides a fully online Juris Doctor program, one of the first of its kind to be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Online coursework covers topics such as criminal law, constitutional law, torts, legal communications, and various electives.

Students complete this program on a part-time basis. It is completed in 11 terms, or approximately three years and eight months.

Our Selection Criteria

Each school of law featured above has gone through a rigorous vetting process to ensure only high-quality programs are chosen. We selected each school based on the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Each school maintains institutional accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body. In addition, all programs are approved and accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Program Length: Each of the above programs can be completed in under four years, and some accept transfer credit to help learners pursue their career goals even sooner.
• Flexible Coursework: Some of the programs provide flexible coursework that allows students more freedom, potentially helping them finish quicker.

FAQs About Online Law School and Enrollment

If you're still curious about getting your legal education online, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some common questions about the pros and cons of an accelerated online program to see if an online law degree is right for you..

How Do I Apply to an Online Law Degree Program?

To apply to your chosen college of law, you'll need to submit an application and any required supporting documents. Law school admission requirements vary, but in most cases, you'll need to hold a pre-law or some other bachelor's degree and will need to submit GRE and LSAT scores. You may also need to maintain a minimum GPA and submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.

What Can You Do With an Online Law Degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an online Juris Doctor degree makes it possible for you to practice law in many settings. Some of the job titles you could pursue include:

• judge advocate general
• political affairs officer
• certified public accountant
• contract attorney
• personal injury lawyer

How Long Does It Take to Get a Law Degree Online?

Most online Juris Doctor degree programs are offered on a part-time basis and take at least four years to complete. Among the schools discussed in this article, all programs can be finished in a shorter timeframe—in some cases, as little as three years.

Explore Online JD Programs Today

If you're ready to pursue an ABA-accredited Juris Doctor degree, explore the colleges and universities featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to the admissions office at any of the schools to learn more about their online or hybrid program options and to find out which one is best for you.