FAQs
Below, you鈥檒l find answers to our most frequently asked questions about this program.
Is the Online J.D. Program accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)?
Yes, 外网天堂鈥檚 Online J.D. Program is fully accredited by the ABA, assuring you a high-quality legal education that meets nationally recognized standards.
What is the difference between the full-time and part-time options?
Students can complete the full-time program in three years, while the part-time option extends the program to four years (including 2 of 3 summers). Both options offer the same curriculum and access to our experienced faculty. Full-time students should expect to spend a minimum of 48 hours per week on their legal studies and course materials during the first year, while part-time students should expect to spend a minimum of 30 hours per week on legal studies and course materials. These estimates are a guideline and do not include time to attend optional sessions and events.
Can I work while pursuing an online J.D. program?
The part-time J.D. Program is designed for working students and students who have other commitments. Full-time students should not work during the first year of the program; they may work up to 20 hours per week during their second and third years.
How will classes be taught?
Most classes in the Online J.D. Program are primarily asynchronous, giving students the flexibility to study according to their own schedule from a convenient location. Asynchronous classes also include optional synchronous Zoom class sessions every few weeks. Those sessions are recorded for those who cannot attend.
Some electives, including (but not limited to) skills-based courses, may have required synchronous Zoom sessions.
Online J.D. students can also take some upper-level elective courses synchronously or on-campus. However, students can complete required courses in a primarily asynchronous format.
What is an asynchronous course?
Asynchronous format refers to a mode of instruction in which students engage with course materials, lectures, and assignments at their own pace and on their own schedules, without requiring real-time, simultaneous participation. This format allows students to access and complete coursework at times convenient for them while meeting defined deadlines. In the Online J.D. program, asynchronous courses are structured with weekly modules, meaning that each week, students will have to complete course assignments.
At Southwestern, asynchronous courses are taught by experienced law faculty and intentionally designed for an online audience. Faculty work with our instructional designers and multimedia specialists to determine the best way to convey the course information and enhance students鈥 learning process. Courses include informational videos and lectures, interactive videos, mini-quizzes, and other activities to enhance your learning and online experience. The courses also include online discussion forums and optional synchronous (Zoom) class sessions to elevate understanding of the material and work through the analytical complexities inherent to the study of law.
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Can I access course materials and lectures at any time, or must I follow a specific schedule?
Students access the material for each course one week at a time so everyone is on the same schedule and students can interact with their faculty, peers, and teaching assistants in a meaningful way. Students can access online materials any time, day or night, to work on assignments and study. However, students must complete the lessons by the end of the class 鈥渨eek.鈥 Our week begins on Wednesday morning and ends on Tuesday night to best accommodate our students鈥 varied schedules and multiple time zones.
Is there an on-campus requirement for the Online J.D. program?
No, we do not require online students to come to campus for classes or exams. However, online students are invited to campus activities and events such as Barrister鈥檚 Ball, Homecoming, Commencement, and more. Many campus activities also include a Zoom option. We also record some special lectures and programs to make them available to students who cannot attend.
Can I take some classes on campus if enrolled in the Online J.D. Program?
Online students can register for upper-level elective courses that are offered on-campus in the residential program. However, the Online J.D. Program has many online electives to choose from if students want or need to complete the program entirely online.
Can I take some Online J.D. Program classes online if enrolled in the residential J.D. Program?
The Online J.D. Program has many elective options. While priority enrollment will go to students in the online program, residential students can also register for online electives.
How are exams and assessments conducted in the Online J.D. program?
Classes may require that students complete quizzes, discussion posts, or other assignments to demonstrate their learning. Most assignments must be completed in Canvas, our online learning management system. Longer exams, like midterms and finals, are administered and proctored online. Midterm and final exams are scheduled on specific dates and must be started within a specific timeframe. The school will publish the days and times of these exams well in advance so that students can plan to be available for their exams.
Who are the faculty members in the Online J.D. Program?
The faculty for the Online J.D. Program is the same esteemed faculty that teaches our residential courses. They are experts in their fields and are committed to providing an interactive and enriching learning experience. Some of our most accomplished full-time and adjunct professors have volunteered to teach in the program.
What kind of real-world legal experience can I expect to gain during the program?
Our Online J.D. Students can participate in externships, clinics, and practical skills courses.
Southwestern has one of the largest externship networks among law schools nationwide. Through externships, students learn by working under the supervision of a judge or practicing attorney in a courtroom, government agency, public interest organization, company, or law firm for class credit. Most Online J.D. students can obtain externship credit for work that they perform where they reside or remotely. However, Online J.D. students residing in Louisiana, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia cannot currently obtain externship credit for work with a firm or organization physically located in their state. They can, however, obtain externship credit for working remotely with an organization in another state. They can also work with organizations in their home state without seeking externship credit for the position.
Through our legal clinics, students gain practical lawyering skills while providing quality legal representation to individuals and organizations under the supervision of one of our clinical professors. Online J.D. students can enroll in the Community Lawyering Clinic or the Entertainment Law Clinic. Online J.D. Students who can commute to campus have additional clinic options: /experiential-learning/clinical-programs
We also offer experiential and simulation courses, like Trial Advocacy and the Amicus Project Practicum through the Online J.D. Program.
Are support services available to Online J.D. students?
Absolutely! Our Online J.D. students receive support services from all departments at Southwestern, including, but not limited to Student Services, Student Affairs, Career Services, the Writing Center, Academic Success and Bar Preparation, the Writing Center, and more! Online J.D. students are assigned a Peer Mentor and a Dean鈥檚 Fellow during their first year, have a dedicated career counselor who will work with them from first year through graduation, and can work with a dedicated Remote Reference Librarian by appointment or through regular Zoom reference hours.
What career opportunities are available to students in the Online J.D. Program?
Our Career Services Office offers one-on-one career advising, robust career programming, recruiting programs, job postings, cover letter and resume review and much more. Online J.D. students are assigned to a dedicated career advisor who helps students to develop and execute their job search strategy that meets their individual needs and goals.
Can online students participate in student activities and honors programs?
Yes! Online J.D. students are able to join all student organizations, including the Student Bar Association. Online J.D. students are also eligible to apply for school honors programs including Law Review, Law Journal, Moot Court, and the Negotiations Honors Program. Students who can participate in-person are also eligible to apply for the Trial Advocacy Honors Program.
What resources are available for students who are caregivers?
Southwestern has two dedicated Co-Advisors for caregiving students. The Co-Advisors maintain the Caregiving Students Resource Center, which houses information about support, resources, and tips about navigating law school as a caregiver. They are also available for one-on-one advising. Students can also participate in the Parents Attending Law School (PALS) student organization.
What opportunities do online students have to engage with peers and members of the Southwestern community?
Online J.D. students have ample opportunities to interact with one another and other members of the Southwestern community. Professors offer virtual synchronous (Zoom) sessions every few weeks, as well as regular office hours. Through virtual and in-person mixers, programs, and social events, students have opportunities to form strong bonds with their colleagues. Online J.D. students actively participate in the Student Bar Association, student organizations, and Honors programs.
What scholarships and financial aid options are available?
Southwestern automatically considers each applicant for a scholarship. We offer a wide range of merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid packages. The scholarships range from full- to partial tuition and may be either renewable or applied toward the first year only.
What types of technology and software will I need for online classes?
Please email Onlinejd@swlaw.edu for requirements for student operating systems, computer hardware, and internet connection.
Students have access to Zoom and Microsoft Office products, including email through Outlook. Students access their classes through Canvas, Southwestern鈥檚 learning management system.
If I later decide to transfer to another law school, will that school accept all credits I鈥檝e earned in the Online J.D. Program?
Some law schools may not accept transfer credit for courses taken as part of an online program. Students who plan to transfer would need to contact the other school or check their policies regarding acceptance of transfer credit.
Who can I contact for more information?
For additional information or personalized assistance, contact OnlineJD@swlaw.edu.