Skip to main content

Online JD

  • Online Coursework
  • Experiential Opportunities
  • Competitive Tuition Rates Nationally

Get More Program Details

  • Admission Requirements
  • Enrollment Support
  • Engaged Learning
  • Program Features
  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3

Learn Law. Live Justice.

CSU | Law offers one of the few ABA-accredited online J.D. programs in the country. It is nationally ranked and designed for affordability and access without having to relocate — tuition rates are competitive for both in- and out-of-state students. 

With this world-class program, you can achieve your goal of earning an online J.D. degree part-time in as little as three years and one semester, while maintaining your professional and personal life. Students take courses year-round (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) and complete 90 credits over as few as 10 semesters (three years and five months). 

The program is designed with both asynchronous and synchronous work each week, with live classes scheduled Monday-Thursday evenings. The time commitment for the program is approximately 30-40 hours a week

The J.D. program features a total of six required residential weekends (generally Friday-Sunday), allowing you to connect in person with fellow students as well as CSU | Law faculty and staff. You’ll also earn credit by participating in immersive lawyering skills training and have opportunities to network with distinguished CSU | Law alumni. The dates are set well in advance, giving you plenty of time to plan. 

Image
CSU law logo

CSU College of Law

Image
Online JD program accredited by the American Bar Association Cleveland State University

American Bar Association

Image
CSU_LawRankingBadge2023

#111 Best Law Schools1

Image
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Higher Learning Commission

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Whether you’re looking to expand your skill set to become more effective in your job or you want to fulfill your goal of becoming an attorney to advocate for others, CSU College of Law’s Online J.D. presents an affordable and flexible pathway to reach your goal.

Gain practical legal training through integrated, experiential learning opportunities.

  • Clinic programs provide legal practice in the service of real clients with real legal problems under the close supervision of a Clinical Professor.
  • Externships with a supervising attorney or judge provide practical learning in real-world legal settings.
  • Mentorship with a CSU alumnus to connect you directly to the profession and help guide your professional development.
  • Six in-person weekend residencies on campus build skills in our technologically advanced trial classrooms and state-of-the-art learning commons, and connect in person with prominent lawyers and judges.

Achieve your goal of becoming an attorney while still engaged in your professional life.

  • 100% online coursework is synchronous and asynchronous.
  • Earn while you learn part-time — finish in as little as three years and five months.
  • Be fully prepared to take the bar exam and start your career as an attorney.

Learn from a leader in education with a legacy of justice.

  • Specialized courses in health law, business law, corporate compliance, criminal law, cybersecurity and space law are available.
  • Certificates are available in Cybersecurity and Health Law.
  • CSU graduates have a strong history in social justice, including women’s suffrage and civil rights.

Online J.D.

First Year Curriculum Sample

Torts consider injuries to persons and property, both intentional and unintentional, and may include physical, dignitary and economic harm. The course examines the three basic theories of civil liability — intentional torts, negligence and strict liability — and considers issues of duty, causation and defenses to liability. The course may also consider the overall goals of the torts system, the allocation of responsibility between judge and jury and the interplay of statutes and the common law process. Required for graduation. (3 credits)

Most of what we today term "law" is made, not in common law courts, but by legislatures (e.g., Congress) enacting legislation and regulatory agencies (e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency) adopting regulations and standards to implement that legislation. This course introduces students to the institutions and procedures used by the modern administrative state to make law. It examines how Congress and agencies work together to make laws and then examines how the agencies and the courts work together to apply them. The course also examines the justifications for modern regulation, the structure of the modern administrative state, the incentives that influence the behavior of the various actors, and the legal rules that help to structure the relationships among Congress, the agencies and the courts, including the role of courts in interpreting statutes and reviewing administrative actions when they are challenged by parties affected by those regulations. Required for graduation. (4 credits)

This course covers the general principles of the law of the United States Constitution, judicial function in constitutional matters, federal authority, separation of powers and the powers of the states, with particular attention to the commerce clause, due process and equal protection. Required for graduation. (6 credits)

This course introduces students to the rules that determine what information can be introduced by lawyers in trials. It is based on the Federal Rules of Evidence. The course covers basic evidentiary issues including relevance and prejudice, hearsay and hearsay exceptions, character evidence and privileges. Other matters covered may include inferences, burden of proof, judicial notice and expert testimony. Required for graduation. (4 credits)

Learn More

We’re here for you and ready to help you with enrollment and answer your questions about the program, including tuition, admission requirements, curriculum details and more.

The Legal Landscape by the Numbers

10 %
Projected job growth through 2031
35 %
Increase in job postings from 2020
0
Lawyer job postings in 2021

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

 

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

ENGAGED LEARNING

Hands-on practice complements online coursework.

Engaged learning provides real-world opportunities to immerse yourself in the practice of law and apply your growing knowledge. Engaged learning relies heavily on teamwork skills and provides an arena where you work professionally with community partners, your peers and CSU faculty members. Engaged learning combines civic involvement with academic coursework in a way that benefits you and the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The CSU College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Cleveland State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

CSU College of Law’s online J.D. program costs $1,178.75* per credit hour for in-state students ($106,087.50 total* + fees) and $1,179.75* per credit hour for out-of-state students ($106,177.50 total* + fees). Financial aid may be available to our online students. Students may also apply for external scholarships.

*Tuition rates as of 01/22/2024. Rates are subject to change. Visit csuohio.edu/bursar/tuition-and-fees for current rates.

This 10-semester program requires 90 credits of online coursework and practical, experiential learning hours. It can be completed part-time in as little as 3 years and 3 months.

Yes. You will complete 6-weekend residencies, earning in total 3 academic credits. Residency will usually begin on Friday and end on Sunday. Plan to be fully engaged for the whole weekend. 

1Cleveland State University College of Law was ranked as the #111 best law school nationally in 2023 by U.S. News and World Report.

WE CAN HELP

Dedicated Student Support

A CSU enrollment advisor can answer your questions and guide you through the application process. Click the button below to fill out a form and start the conversation.

  • Admission Requirements
  • Curriculum Details
  • Experiential learning
  • Enrollment Support
  • Financial Aid
  • Tuition Costs