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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
in Arizona for bar passage
specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
of ASU Law graduates seek employment in public service, according to the American Bar Association employment questionnaire, 2024
of ASU Law graduates were employed or completing additional degree programs within 10 months of graduation, according to the American Bar Association employment questionnaire, 2024
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.
Applications are reviewed holistically, and admission decisions are made based on all information provided.
Applicants apply through LSAC and must submit the following materials:
- Part-time online JD application, the application fee is waived
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- LSAT or JD-Next scores
- Resume
- Character and fitness statement, if applicable
- Binding admissions contract, if applicable
- English language proficiency scores, if applicable
Applicants may provide the following additional materials with their application:
- Arizona residency form
- Inclusive excellence statement
- Letters of recommendation, up to 2 letters are accepted
- Optional addenda
ASU Law may invite applicants to participate in a virtual interview with members of the admissions committee and ASU Law community. Applicants invited to interview will receive an email with further information about the interview process. Applicants must complete the interview to move forward in the review process.
The admissions committee may request additional information.
- An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
- International students may apply to the part-time online JD pathway at ASU Law. Note: online international students are not issued an F-1 visa or I-20 to travel to the U.S. for school.
*Note: Additional fees may apply.
Every jurisdiction sets its requirements for bar exam eligibility and bar admission, including standards for legal education. All ASU Law JD graduates complete an ABA-accredited degree program, which generally meets the criteria in most jurisdictions. However, eligibility also depends on meeting additional qualifications, including character and fitness standards.
Because requirements can change, applicants are encouraged to verify the criteria for the jurisdiction where they plan to seek bar admission. The contact information for all relevant agencies is available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners website.
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
Prospective and current students are responsible for verifying tuition and fees before registration. Rates are the same for residents and nonresidents. The amounts listed reflect 11 credits for fall and spring and 5 credits for summer, based on the core curricular plan. The maximum per semester is 11 credit hours.
Please note: The ASU Tuition Estimator currently shows a fall 2025 start, which is incorrect. The first semester for the JD part-time and online program begins in spring 2026.
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 page.
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.”