The California Online JD program at Thomas Jefferson School of Law is designed exclusively for students that intend to be California residents by the first date of enrollment. Through a 100% asynchronous format—meaning you can study on your schedule—our dedicated and accessible faculty bring their expertise and rigorous curriculum to your doorstep. Although limited to California residents, the California Online JD Program is created to be a flexible online law degree program that enables you to sit for the California bar exam immediately after graduation. And even as an online student, you’ll still experience a supportive community and have access to all the academic and administrative resources available to residential students. You can also choose to earn up to 15 units here on campus.
The Right Fit
The Online JD program is a great choice for any student interested in becoming a lawyer but doesn’t have time to attend in-person classes. Our program offers recent college graduates, working professionals, and career-changers the perfect avenue to earn their JD without the relocation challenges that can come with moving away from jobs, community, and family.
Program Length
The program is 80 units, including core and elective offerings. The flexible options allow you to complete the full-time program in 3 years and the part-time program in 4 years.
Student to Faculty Ratio
The Online JD program regularly includes smaller classes and low student to faculty ratios to ensure individualized attention for each student.
Method of Instruction
Class are held remotely. Each course features asynchronous study at your pace based on interactive videos and weekly assignments, which include quizzes, practice essays, and discussions.
You can also attend synchronous weekly live-Zoom sessions to work through additional review exercises, reinforce concepts, and interact with other students and your professors in real time. Our online program uses a combination of self-study and peer-to-peer interaction designed to enhance learning outcomes.
Not able to attend a live session? Watch the video recording. The flexible asynchronous modality of our Online JD program allows students to tailor their academic and student experience in a way that best fits their work and family obligations.
Accreditation and Compliance
Thomas Jefferson School of Law is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001.
Study at, or graduation from, this law school may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or be licensed to practice law in jurisdictions other than California. A student who intends to seek licensure to practice law outside of California at any time during their career should contact the admitting authority for information regarding its education and licensure requirements prior to enrolling at this law school.
Committee of Bar Examiners for the State Bar of California
180 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1639
Phone: (415) 538-2000
www.calbar.ca.gov.
In compliance with California B&P Code Section 6061.7(a), Thomas Jefferson School of Law provides the following information about its JD program: 2023 Annual Disclosure.
Per federal regulations, students who require a F-1 Visa are not eligible for enrollment in the Online JD program.
Apply Now
Apply online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
Select the Online JD option under “Program Type.”
Basic Requirements
- LSAT
- Official transcript from all colleges or universities attended
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- One to Three Letters of Recommendation
- Any Required Moral Character Disclosures
- Interview
Choose the Program That Is Right For You
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JD Online |
JD Residential |
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| Modality |
Asynchronous program of study with weekly assigments and weekly synchronous sessions (60-minutes per course). Students
not able to attend a live session must watch the recording.
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Classes are held on-campus in the heart of downtown San Diego with live, in-person instruction with opportunities for
occassional online coursework after the first year.
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| Classes Per Semester |
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| Duration of the Program |
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| 2.5 to 3 years |
3.5 to 4 years |
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| Tuiton (2022/2023) |
| $1,100 per unit |
$1,100 per unit |
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| $1,100 per unit |
$1,100 per unit |
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| Number of Credits Needed to Graudate |
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| Financial Aid Available (for eligible applicants) |
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| Institutional Scholarhsips Available |
| Yes, limited |
Yes, limited |
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| Yes, limited |
Yes, limited |
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| Extra and Co-Curricular Opportunities |
Law Review and Competition Teams (Moot Court, Mock Trial, ADR), Clinical or Externship Placements, Student Orgs.
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Law Review and Competition Teams (Moot Court, Mock Trial, ADR), Clinical or Externship Placements, Student Orgs.
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| Eligible to Apply to Summer In-Person Study Abroad Classes |
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| Access to Academic Support & Bar Prep |
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| Ability to Switch Modality Program |
| Yes, limited |
Yes, limited |
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| Yes, limited |
Yes, limited |
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| Residency Requirements |
Must certify California Residency By 1st Day of School
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California residency certification not required, however, classses are taught on campus and in-perrson.
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| Application Eilgibility |
At least an Asscociate Degree and Valid LSAT Score
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At least an Asscociate Degree and Valid LSAT Score
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| Start Dates |
Fall (August)
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Summer (June ) / Spring (January) / Fall (August)
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| Deadlines |
Fall - July 15th
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Summer - May 15th / Spring - December 15th / Fall - July 15th
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| Eligible to take California Bar After Gradution |
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Per WSCUC requirements, the Law School has provided a Program Discontinuation Policy.
