Online Juris Doctor (JD)
Are you driven to expand access to justice in the U.S.? Arizona State University’s part-time online Juris Doctor (JD) offers a flexible path to gain legal expertise and advance your commitment to meeting legal needs in public interest, public service or practicing private or public law in underserved and rural communities. This JD program, delivered online, allows you to balance your studies with other responsibilities and graduate prepared to sit for the bar exam.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/12/2026
Total classes: 29
Weeks per class: 10–13
Total credit hours: 88
A part-time JD program for those with a passion for public service and public interest
In this fully online JD program, you’ll gain the legal skills, knowledge and practical experience to drive change in your community. You’ll explore challenges and opportunities in rural and underserved areas where legal services are limited, as well as the broader impact of law on public service and public interest work.
Coursework immerses you in legal and trial advocacy, remote legal practice and courtroom procedures. You’ll also refine your critical thinking and practical legal skills while examining policy and governance. This training prepares you to expand access to justice and serve the public as a rural legal advocate, public defender, prosecuting attorney and more.
Earn your JD online from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
This program reflects a commitment to reshaping and innovating legal education. Designed to meet the demand for lawyers in rural and underserved areas, as well as in public service, this opportunity makes earning a JD more accessible than ever. With fewer geographic barriers, you can gain a top-tier legal education without relocating. This flexibility — combined with ASU Law’s consistent ranking among the top 15 public U.S. law schools by U.S. News & World Report — ensures you graduate with the knowledge and skills to excel in your legal career.
This part-time program is also built to fit your schedule while upholding quality. Whether you choose ASU’s on-campus JD or this technology-enhanced online option, you’ll learn the same curriculum from the same world-class faculty.
Accreditation and professional licensure and certification
Accreditation
ASU Law is an ABA-accredited law school and has received acquiescence to offer the JD online.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Online Juris Doctor courses
In your first three semesters, you’ll complete foundational law courses. Additional coursework and electives provide specialized knowledge for careers in public service and underserved communities. Experiential courses offer practical training in trial advocacy and public service practice, covering topics such as land use planning and state and local government issues. You can also pursue optional internships and externships in Phoenix, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and many other cities.
Note: Depending on your course selections and credit variances, you may need between 28 and 33 courses to complete the required 88 credits for graduation.
A law degree that prepares you to work in underserved communities and public service
While you can practice law in any jurisdiction where you pass the bar exam, this degree intentionally prepares you for careers that serve the public, with a focus on addressing legal needs in rural and underserved communities. Beyond legal practice, you’ll also be equipped for political roles or leadership positions within organizations. Common career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Gain legal knowledge from the brightest minds in law
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their scholarship and teaching. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
Gain legal knowledge from the brightest minds in law
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their scholarship and teaching. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
How to apply
Applicants to this JD online must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
Admission is highly competitive and not guaranteed.
Study at one of the best law schools in the country
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.
#1
in Arizona for bar passage
5
law programs ranked amongst the top 25 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
#15
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
#36
best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
