Hybrid Juris Doctor
HYBRID J.D. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our groundbreaking hybrid law school program begins a new tradition in legal education by offering one of the most affordable J.D. programs for working professionals who desire to make a difference but have commitments that prevent them from attending classes on campus. We have taken the lead in advancing the next generation of Hybrid Juris Doctor programs in California, becoming the first accredited law school in California to launch a Hybrid J.D. program. This program redefines traditional thought surrounding law school by combining online learning with intensive residencies and prepares students to respond to an ever-evolving job market for law professionals.
The program starts with a foundational semester to ensure that every student has the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in law school.
Students attend a single 12-hour intensive on-site residency each month at the Ventura campus offering active learning opportunities to put theory into practice. Once per semester, students will take a Lawyering Skills course where they will be introduced to and practice the skills necessary to enter the profession upon graduation. A final capstone project tests each student’s ability to demonstrate the fundamental skills they need to begin making immediate contributions to the legal community.
With our Hybrid J.D., legal education has caught up to the 21st century.
Applicants to the Hybrid J.D. program from outside of California must submit a separate statement:
- 1) Acknowledging their understanding of the limitation on the ability to practice law outside of California.
- 2) Explaining their plans to use their legal education and potential California bar membership in California, in their home state, or elsewhere.
Hybrid J.D. Program Overview
70% ONLINE/30% ON-SITE
FULL-TIME/PART-TIME
CREDITS
84
MONTHS*
40
The Hybrid J.D. degree program is designed for students to complete in 40 months. Students will take 7-10 units per semester or 21-30 units in a calendar year.
Get a first-class law degree without the debt
We pride ourselves on offering one of the most affordable J.D. programs so you can enjoy a premier legal education without accumulating debt.
Learn from well-connected faculty
Our J.D. students come from all walks of life, with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives that energize and diversify the classroom and the legal profession.
Benefit from a diverse student body
Our J.D. students come from all walks of life, with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives that energize and diversify the classroom and the legal profession.
Join an engaged, vibrant community
J.D. students and graduates join a lively community of scholars, educators, and practitioners —one that is always engaged in dialogue about the law and its intersection with daily life.
Schedule
All students will complete 70% of their coursework online and attend four intensive weekend residencies at the Ventura campus during the semester.
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.
Hybrid J.D. Students
For our Hybrid Law School in California, we look for candidates who show promise and dedication. Applicants are required to submit one of the following from an accredited college or university:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Associate degree
- 60 semester units of academic college credits
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- At least one letter of recommendation
- A 750-1,000 word typed, double-spaced personal statement detailing your motivation, skills, and suitability to pursue a J.D. degree at The Colleges of Law
*All applicants to our Hybrid J.D. program must interview with the admissions committee.
Students for whom English is the second language: TOEFL scores or English composition class transcripts (if proficiency is not otherwise demonstrated)
J.D. APPLICATION CHECKLIST
To be considered for admission, all J.D. applicants must submit the following:
- Completed online or mailed application form
- A nonrefundable application fee of $50
- A 750-1000 word typed, double-spaced personal statement
- At least one letter of recommendation
- Certified transcripts of academic work
Please contact our Admissions Office if you have any questions regarding your online Hybrid J.D. program application.
TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
All applicants are required to submit certified transcripts in a sealed envelope from the school(s) where coursework was attempted. Transcript requirements depend on where, and to what level, degrees have been taken:
- Applicants with a bachelor’s degree: Submit a certified transcript from the school awarding the degree or a current LSDAS report.
- Applicants without a bachelor’s degree: Submit a certified transcript from each college or university attended.
- Applicants educated outside the U.S.: Submit an evaluation from a Credential Evaluation Service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. This must be a detailed report providing a categorized listing of courses with individual grade equivalents and overall grade point average.
Unofficial transcripts can be used to make a preliminary evaluation of your qualifications until certified transcripts are submitted. If you have completed the educational prerequisites for our Hybrid J.D. program but need more time to obtain certified transcripts, contact the Admissions Office.
TEST SCORE REQUIREMENTS
Some applicants are required to submit scores from standardized tests during the admission process:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Applicants for whom English is not their first language may be required to submit TOEFL scores if proficiency is not otherwise demonstrated. For further information, contact the Admissions Office.
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test): For most J.D. applicants, where the potential for success at the college is indicated by undergraduate record and work and life experiences, an LSAT score is not currently required for admission. In other instances, an applicant will be asked to submit an LSAT score before the Admissions Committee will give further consideration to an application. Regardless of requirements, all applicants may wish to take the LSAT with adequate planning and preparation, as there is a correlation between LSAT scores and law school grades.
If you have taken a test but need additional time to obtain your score, contact the Admissions Office.
Academic Calendar
| FALL | SPRING | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid J.D. students admitted | ||
| 15 weeks | 15 weeks | 15 weeks |
Students will travel to the Ventura campus one weekend every month during the semester.
All sessions are 15 weeks in length.
Hybrid J.D. CURRICULUM
At The Colleges of Law, we pride ourselves on offering one of the top Hybrid J.D. programs in California. Our Hybrid J.D. students combine online coursework with four intensive, on-campus residencies focused on skill development throughout each semester. A “flipped classroom” education model ensures that time spent in the classroom is centered on active learning, as opposed to traditional lectures. Because legal writing and legal research are critical skills for every attorney, students will have the opportunity to practice and master these skills each semester and develop a portfolio of work to show prospective employers. A final capstone project tests each student’s ability to demonstrate the fundamental skills they need to begin making immediate contributions to the legal community.
California Bar Exam
Students who complete our J.D. program are academically eligible to sit for California’s General Bar Exam. Making our course one of the most affordable J.D. programs that set you on this path. It’s no secret that this two-day exam is one of the toughest in the nation, with a pass rate that typically hovers around 50%. For students juggling law studies with work and family responsibilities, the exam can pose a significant challenge. Faculty and staff at The Colleges of Law share a strong commitment to helping students succeed on the exam.
Our required curriculum covers every bar-tested subject and includes Bar Studies, a course designed to help students meet the exam’s intellectual and time-management challenges. We also offer presentations, panel discussions, and workshops on Bar Exam preparation.
More information about the Bar Exam, as well as information about additional prerequisites for practicing law in California, can be found on the State Bar of California website.
Hybrid J.D. Degree FAQs
Q: Is the Hybrid J.D. program 100% online?
A: No. The Hybrid J.D. is available in a hybrid capacity. Throughout the duration of the degree, students are required to complete parts of the course in person. This program redefines the traditional approach to law school by combining online learning with intensive residencies and prepares students to respond to an ever-evolving job market for law professionals.
Q: What campus offers the Hybrid J.D. degree program?
A: The Hybrid J.D. degree program is offered at The Colleges of Law’s Ventura campus at:
4475 Market Street, Ventura, CA 93003.
Q: How long does it take to complete the Hybrid J.D. degree?
A: The Hybrid J.D. is structured to be completed in 40 months, offering one of the most affordable J.D. programs in terms of time and resources.
Q: How much of the program is online vs. on site?
A: Students can expect to spend approximately 70% of their time online and 30% of their time on-site at The Colleges of Law.
Q: How flexible is the Hybrid J.D. degree program at The Colleges of Law?
A: The Hybrid J.D. program is extremely flexible, allowing students who are working or with busy schedules to work on their degree part-time.
Q: Is the Hybrid J.D. degree an accredited law program?
A: Yes, The Colleges of Law is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Our J.D. program is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California as a single institution with two campuses, one in Santa Barbara and one in Ventura.