Online JD

A student sits outside while taking an online course.

Case Western Reserve University School of Law’s online Juris Doctor (JD) program allows you to earn your law degree in a part-time format from anywhere in the world. Ours is one of only a handful of fully accredited programs that allow you to complete 100% of your coursework remotely.

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Highlights of the CWRU online JD include: 

  • A flexible, fully remote schedule that allows you to take advantage of experiential education opportunities online—with no in-person residency or visitation requirements;
  • Access to leading law faculty—the same world-class faculty who teach our in-person program;
  • A 12,000-member global alumni network, including prominent leaders in law, government, and nonprofit sectors; 
  • Optional participation in select law journals, Moot Court and Mock Trial, not to mention an array of meaningful experiential opportunities—from practicums to externships—designed to build confidence, competence, and professional identity; and
  • A small cohort model that fosters collaboration and networking across our innovative curriculum.

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Degree Requirements

Our online JD program requires successful completion of 88 credit hours (44 in specified required courses); at least two credit hours in the writing of a substantial research paper; at least 12 credit hours of experiential education experiences (including a required capstone experience); and at least 34 credit hours of electives. 

Full course requirements for the online JD can be found in the General Bulletin. View the course curriculum.

Some of the required courses include:

  • Contracts
  • Criminal Law
  • Torts
  • Civil Procedure 
  • Law, Legislation and Regulation
  • Constitutional Law

Some options for elective courses include: 

  • Evidence
  • Family Law
  • Conflict of Laws
  • Wills, Trusts and Future Interests
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Public Health
  • Mass Media Law and Policy 
Justin Meeder

“As a busy professional, husband, and father of three, the online part-time JD program gives me the opportunity and flexibility to fit a legal education into my busy life. I think everyone in the program would agree with me that the robust curriculum is in line with the rigorous standards that Case Western Reserve School of Law expects of all its students. I truly feel that this program is preparing me, not just to be a lawyer, but to enter into the legal profession with confidence.”

Justin Meeder, Class of 2028