What is a Hybrid J.D.?

Hybrid J.D. programs offer students a high-quality education while allowing flexibility for other commitments. Learn more here.

Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs are a key part of practicing law. Recent initiatives by some schools are making J.D.s more accessible to students by developing hybrid Juris Doctor programs. These flexible degrees have made it easier for students to complete a J.D. while allowing them to continue to meet family or job obligations.

What is a J.D. Degree?

A Juris Doctor degree, otherwise known as a Doctor of Jurisprudence, is a graduate-level degree program in the legal profession. In the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other common law countries, this degree is earned by completing law school and is needed to become a practicing lawyer.  

In the legal profession, the Juris Doctor is considered a professional degree that prepares students to take and pass the state bar exam, thereby making them eligible to earn a license and practice law in their respective states.

What is a Hybrid J.D.?

A hybrid J.D. is a specific J.D. program that combines online learning with short-term, intensive, in-person residencies—preparing students to work in the ever-evolving legal market.

The hybrid J.D. program is for those who are hoping for a more accessible or flexible law school program. The majority of learning occurs online, which ensures that students can more conveniently receive a quality law education.

What is the difference between a J.D. and a Hybrid J.D.?

While J.D. and hybrid J.D. programs both aim to provide students with the same education, the format of the programs is what makes them distinct from one another.

While a typical J.D. program takes 36 months to complete, the hybrid J.D ranges from 32 to 40 months, depending on your specific program and the law school you are attending.

Additionally, most J.D. degree programs are offline and require the physical presence of the student in a classroom. A hybrid J.D. program, on the other hand, allows the student to complete the bulk of their program online, allowing flexibility in location and time. While the majority of an online J.D. program takes place virtually, hybrid programs may also host on-campus residencies that allow students to put their theory into practice.

What are the benefits of a Hybrid J.D.?

Some of the benefits that come with enrolling in a hybrid Juris Doctor include:

• Flexibility: A hybrid J.D. makes learning easy for students who desire to make a difference but may have commitments that prevent them from attending classes on campus frequently. It makes it possible to combine learning with business, family, or other relevant restrictions and commitments.
• Time frame: Hybrid J.D. programs do not take a marginally longer time to complete. The timeframe for a hybrid program ranges from 32 to 40 months, compared to the 36 months for typical J.D. programs.
• Ability to network: Another benefit of the hybrid J.D. program is that despite schedules, it still allows students to meet professionals in the law community and advance their careers through valuable connections during the on-campus portion of the program.

Hybrid J.D. Programs

Completing a J.D. program is a must for those hoping to become an attorney. However, a hybrid J.D. may be right for you if you are looking for added flexibility.

The Colleges of Law’s innovative Hybrid J.D. program is one of the few available in the United States. We offer students a comprehensive understanding of law through a revolutionary legal education model that emphasizes practical skills, active learning, and schedule flexibility.

At The Colleges of Law, we merge the old with the new—resulting in a new era of legal practitioners who embrace modern technology. Our graduates increase efficiency, productivity, and quality of service to the ever-increasing legal clientele. Learn more about our admissions here.