Syracuse Considering Online J.D. Degree Program

Syracuse University College of Law is considering plans to launch an online law degree program, with the same requirements, admission standards, and price (about $139,000) as its brick-and-mortar school. The online program, though, would be four years. William Banks, Syracuse’s interim dean, said the program is “not final by any stretch.” The school envisions a program in which students would take classes online, part time, and also come to the campus twice a year for intensive training sessions, as well as completing an “externship” with a legal employer. The school has cited declining enrollments as a reason to explore ways to attract students who have challenges with the location, time, or accessibility of a traditional law school. The program could begin as early as January 2018.