Program Delivery

How does the University of Dayton transform its Juris Doctor (J.D.) program into an online hybrid format?

The content of the courses taught in our Online Hybrid J.D. program is the same as the content of our on-campus J.D. courses. For example, students in the online hybrid and on-campus Torts courses will be expected to master the same legal doctrines and skills. The difference is in how that content is delivered. You will participate in live weekly online classes and discussions, complete interactive coursework and attend one on-campus experience a year.

What are the advantages of an online hybrid structure?

Through the online hybrid structure, you benefit from a combination of online and in-person learning. You will have the opportunity to complete coursework on your own time and earn a J.D. degree from anywhere in the world while maintaining your full-time job.

Can I work full time while completing the program?

The J.D. program is designed for students to be able to work full time. You will have to take off work for the on-campus experiences (Get REAL intensives) and should plan accordingly. Visit our Curriculum page to view tips on effectively allocating your time.

Is the online hybrid program approved by the ABA?

The American Bar Association recognized the Program through a variance approval for an online-hybrid modality in May of 2018.

Can I sit for the bar exam in my state if I graduate from the Online Hybrid J.D. program?

Most states require aspiring attorneys to graduate from an ABA-approved J.D. program before they can take the bar exam and become licensed. Eligibility standards, including those relating to online programs, vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are advised to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

How will I interact with other Online Hybrid J.D. students?

You and your classmates will meet face-to-face during online classes, where you will engage in discussions about that week’s coursework. Our online tools make it easy to collaborate with other students on group projects or to socialize and network. You will also meet students in person during each Get REAL intensive.

Will it say “online” on my diploma?

No, you will earn the same degree as students in the on-campus program.

How long will it take to complete the program?

The program consists of 11 terms and takes three years and eight months to complete. You can view the full course sequence.

What support resources are available to me?

We offer support from the time you request information until after graduation. The staff of Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Academic Affairs, Career Services Office and Law Library will be here to assist you. Through our Academic Success Program, you will be able to build the necessary skills to succeed in law school and on the bar examination. Additionally, the Road 2 Bar Passage program, an integrated and ambitious program for improving student success on the bar and in practice, is available to assist you while you are in law school and after you graduate to help you prepare for the bar exam.

Will I be able to walk in the graduation ceremony?

Yes, the School of Law commencement ceremony is held on the University of Dayton campus every spring, with a reception for family and friends immediately following. We encourage you to join in this special celebration with your law school family.


Academics

Who will teach in the Online Hybrid J.D. program?

You will be taught by the same experienced faculty members who teach the J.D. courses on campus.

Will I have access to on-campus resources and be able to participate in cocurricular activities?

Yes, you will have access to all of the offices and services used by your residential peers. You will simply access them virtually instead of in person. If eligible, you can participate in Moot Court teams, Mock Trial teams or the Law Review.

How much time will I need to spend on my studies?

When will classes start?

Orientation begins in early/mid August with classes starting at the end of August. New terms will start in August, January and May of each year.

Will I have access to faculty?

Yes, our faculty members are dedicated to maintaining open communication with all of their students and will answer questions in and out of the classroom through email as well as online video office hours.

What is an online course like?

Each week, you will join classmates and professors face-to-face in real time for engaging online classes hosted on the Zoom webinar platform. These video conference sessions feature a host of learning engagement tools, such as document and video sharing, collaborative annotations, polling functionality and small-group breakout sessions. During class, you will discuss weekly coursework and learnings.

Coursework includes readings, asynchronous recorded lectures and discussions that utilize the Socratic method. This can include watching a recording of a discussion and then evaluating the parties’ responses, answering your own summary question to be discussed in the next class and taking quizzes to assess your learning.


In-Person Learning

How much time will I be required to spend on the University of Dayton campus?

Throughout 11 terms, you will attend Get REAL intensives on campus 4 times.

View a breakdown of when Get REAL intensives occur.

What will I do during a Get REAL Intensive?

For our entering class, students will come to campus at the start of the Fall term and participate alongside our residential students in orientation and pre-law school skills classes.

Students in our second- and third-year focus on experiential learning. During each of these years, students will have the opportunity to choose between the Fall or Spring Get REAL intensives to experience hands-on co-curricular activities and skills-based sessions (of various topics).

Finally, our 4L students will be required to attend a Bar Exam prep intensive either Fall or Spring term.

Are there extra costs for a Get REAL Intensive?

Get REAL intensives cost approximately $200 per year. You are also responsible for the cost of airfare, lodging and some meals.

Where will I stay during Get REAL Intensives?

You can stay in the hotel or lodging of your choosing. When available, the discounted rate at the local Marriott will be offered.


Admissions

What are the admissions requirements?

The admissions committee evaluates either your LSAT or GRE score, undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, character and fitness disclosures, and personal statement, as well as other factors.

Is work experience required?

There is no specific work experience requirement.

Do I have to take the LSAT?

The Online Hybrid J.D. program requires you to take either the LSAT or GRE. If you decide to take the LSAT, we consider that to be the primary admission test, regardless of whether you submit a GRE score in addition.

Please note that if you take the LSAT, your score will be part of your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) file and will be automatically reported.

Do you accept GRE scores?

Yes, GRE scores are accepted. We will consider both LSAT and GRE scores if you have taken both tests. However, if you have taken the LSAT, it will be considered the primary admission test, regardless of whether you also submit a GRE score.

How do I apply?

First, request information and speak to an admissions counselor to learn more about the program. Then, create a Law School Admission Council (LSAC) account and register with the Credential Assembly Service. You can then apply to the University of Dayton Online Hybrid J.D. program through your LSAC account.

Is an undergraduate degree required?

Yes, an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution is required, but it does not have to be in a specific subject area.

Are transfer credits accepted?

Yes, students who have successfully completed their first year of law school with an ABA-accredited institution are eligible to apply for admission to the Online Hybrid J.D. program. Typically, transfer credits are capped at thirty semester hours, or forty-five quarter hours.

Is it possible to transfer from the on-campus program to the Online Hybrid J.D. program or vice versa?

Yes, please contact Assistant Dean Victoria VanZandt at vvanzandt1@udayton.edu for more information.

Will I be eligible to participate in Law Review, Mock Trial, and other co-curricular activities?

Yes. You will have the opportunity to write on to Law Review and enter our intramural Mock Trial and Moot Court competitions.


J.D. Information Request Form

Please let us know what programs you are interested in.