Online JD Degrees

Juris Doctor

Abbreviated as J.D., the term Juris Doctor is the Latin term for Doctor of Law. This degree in law is offered by universities world wide, but is noted at universities in the United States. When a student follows the curriculum to obtain a Juris Doctor degree, he/she is planning to get the training needed to pursue a professional career in law.

The J.D. is considered to be a first professional degree, since its main purpose is to train future lawyers. Other names that are sometimes given in lieu of this degree are the Doctor of Law or the Doctor of Jurisprudence. All of these degrees are equal in validity.

Almost all 55 states and territories in the U.S. now require the J.D. in order to be admitted to the bar. No longer is the Bachelor of Law degree recognized as the standard degree in law. However, unlike a Doctorate, a J.D. is not a terminal degree. Once a J.D. is obtained, the student can go on to more specialized study by getting a Master of Law degree and then a Doctorate of Juridical Science. Neither one of the two post-J.D. degrees are required to practice law. In fact, the doctorate is rarely pursued by anyone, even by those who intend to be law professors.

Many universities worldwide have switched from offering a Bachelor of Law program to a Juris Doctor program. Law schools in Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and even Japan are now offering the J.D.

The Juris Doctor is currently considered to be the most basic degree in law. The curriculum is varied and often more general than for the Master of Law degree and Doctorate of Juridical Science. When awarded the J.D., a well-rounded, basic education in law has been earned and the graduate may sit for the bar.

Online JD Degree Programs

• Executive JD Program
• Juris Doctor