Advanced Professional Online JD Program

This program is designed for experienced professionals—especially patent agents, technical specialists, and individuals with advanced academic or professional credentials—who are seeking a flexible, high-quality, fully online legal education that does not require relocation or career interruption.

Yes. The Advanced Professional Online JD Program is fully online, including the first-year curriculum. Students are not required to come to campus at any point in the program unless they choose to take in-person courses after the first year. Students also always have the option to participate in in-person extracurricular clubs and activities, and on-campus events and lectures, if they so choose.

First-year courses are primarily synchronous (live), held in the evening to accommodate working professionals. Some courses may include asynchronous components for added flexibility. Upper-level courses will also be offered online, with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats.

Yes. While students must complete their first year fully online, they may opt to take in-person courses in the upper-level years or switch entirely to the residential program, pending approval.

Yes. Professional JD students will have access to many of the same experiential learning opportunities as residential students, including clinics, externships, and student journals. Participation may be subject to course delivery format and logistical considerations.

No. Your diploma will be the same as that awarded to graduates of Suffolk’s traditional JD program. It will not indicate that the degree was earned online.

Yes. The JD degree earned through the Advanced Professional Online JD Program is the same as the JD earned by students in our full-time and part-time in-person programs.

Most first-year courses are scheduled in the evening, typically between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET, to accommodate working professionals.

Specific schedules may vary by semester.

Graduates of the Advanced Professional Online JD are eligible for admission to the bar in Massachusetts and most other states.

Before enrolling in the Advanced Professional Online JD, you should check with any jurisdiction where you might seek admission to the bar to ensure that your completion of the Advanced Professional Online JD would satisfy all requirements for admission to that jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions, such as New York and Alabama, place limits on the number of credit hours toward the JD in online coursework—learn more about State Professional Licensure Requirements [PDF]

In addition, note that should you choose to transfer to another law school, that school may not accept Advanced Professional Online JD credits.

View Advanced Professional Online JD Program State Professional Licensure Requirements [PDF]

The academic requirements for continued enrollment in the program, such as minimum GPA or a limit on unsatisfactory grades, have not yet been established. Applicants will be notified of such requirements once established.

The Advanced Professional Online JD is currently awaiting review by the American Bar Association. Final enrollment is contingent upon ABA acquiescence. Applicants will be notified promptly if the program's status changes.

Yes. You have the same access to on-campus resources as any residential student, including use of the library, and you are welcome to attend any in-person events and join student organizations. You also can take residential classes after your first year if you would like to do so.