You Can Earn Law Degree OnlineJust because the American bar Association (ABA) does not accredit distance programs, that does not mean you cannot earn law degree online. You earn a degree online that is approved by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State of California, which will allow you to practice law in both the state of California and in a federal court if you pass the California bar exam. Still have your heart set on practicing law in your home state? Well, after practicing law for 5 to 7 years in California you will generally be eligible to take the bar exam in your own state. You can also apprentice yourself to a lawyer in some states, which would work as a replacement for or as a supplement to, your online law degree. After being in an apprenticeship for a number of years, you will be eligible to take the bar exam in that state. You will have to check your local and state laws to find out if that is possible where you live. If you do not plan to be a lawyer, then the only thing you should be worried about when choosing a school to earn law degree online is if the school is accredited by a regional accrediting body. Obviously cost will be a concern for most too, but you may be eligible for scholarships or grants, the school's website should hopefully provide you with the details you will need to apply for one. Most accredited online schools operate on a semester system like a traditional college, and depending on the school, the costs may be equal to or greater than those of a public institution. The benefit of an online school is, of course, the freedom to watch lectures and complete your work when it is convenient for you. if you plan to earn law degree online, be aware that some potential employers may hold a bias against online degree programs. It is human nature to be skeptical of what we do not know or understand, and not everyone is familiar with online degree programs and may believe them all to be inferior. While this is certainly not the case, convincing your employer otherwise might be a different story. It is wise, therefor, to consider a school is has an established brick and mortar program, ideally one in which the degree is offered by the same department and is virtually identical to the traditional program. |
