Law at the University of Arizona – For flexible online learning

27 Jun 2017

“I learned things directly applicable to my field, which has definitely had an impact on my professional career for the better.”– Rocio Ruiz, former Master of Legal Studies student at the James E. Rogers College of Law

There is good news for those who want to pursue a world-class education at one of the world’s great universities, but have personal or professional commitments that prevent relocation: flexible online degrees from trusted universities are on the rise.

“The current challenges facing traditional colleges and universities, including higher tuition, budget cuts, and course shortages, have caused many students to search for alternatives,” notes an Open Education Database (OEBD) article. “With nearly three million students currently enrolled in fully online degree programs and six million taking at least one online course as part of their degree program, online education has clearly become one of the most popular higher education alternatives,” it adds.

“The continually improving reputation of online learning has helped fuel its expansion, as initial scepticism has faltered in the face of evidence that shows that online learning can be just as effective as face-to-face education.”

As an institution with an established international reputation for its on-campus programs, the University of Arizona’s (UA) James E. Rogers College of Law sees online degrees as a natural fit for the college and has recently opened three of its degree programs to online learners at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Founded in 1915, the James E. Rogers College of Law is a leader in legal education and scholarship in the U.S. Ranked fourth in the U.S. in practical training, the college is home to a large population of international students who are preparing for careers in the global marketplace. Now, with the creation of online degrees, the college is extending its legal education to students far beyond its Tucson, Arizona campus.

“We are dedicated to offering online learners the same world-class academic experience the University of Arizona is internationally renowned for providing,” says Dean Marc Miller. “You earn a valuable degree, learn from our outstanding faculty, and connect to the University of Arizona network, without having to disrupt the rest of your life.”

These are the online options currently offered by University of Arizona Law. Each is available as a part-time degree, with a full-time track available in the future.

Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA in Law)

Whether it’s finance, social work, government or beyond, many fields now have a demand for professionals with legal expertise. With that in mind, the UA created the first undergraduate law degree in the U.S., and now it’s available online.

The BA in Law gives students the skills and knowledge needed to bolster employability across a diverse range of careers. It is the only U.S. undergraduate degree that employs law school faculty to design and teach the core of modern U.S. legal education. In effect, the University of Arizona is creating an entirely new category of legal professional by offering this unique undergraduate legal education.

“The BA in Law program has been the best educational experience that I have had while at the University of Arizona,” says graduate Korey Cowan, now pursuing a JD. “The opportunity to work with current law school professors teaching at Arizona Law will truly prepare me for success in the next level of my education.”

Through this innovative program, you’ll gain an understanding of legal contracts, criminal and civil procedure, property, torts and administrative law, teaching you to truly think like a lawyer as you step into a thriving career in industry, government, NGOs and the wide range of employers that operate in a legal or regulated environment.

Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

If you do not want to practice law, but your existing or future career centers on the growing regions of regulation, compliance, law, negotiation, human resources, law enforcement, or working alongside agencies, tribal governments or corporations, the Master of Legal Studies at the James E. Rogers College of Law will equip you to advance in your profession.

The program teaches general and specialized knowledge of the U.S. legal system, the process of legal analysis, how to conduct legal and interdisciplinary research, and how to think and communicate critically about legal issues.

“I work with international students coming to the U.S., and I wanted to expand my knowledge of immigration law,” says Rocio Ruiz, an international student advisor and recent MLS graduate. “The MLS program allowed me to design my own curriculum, incorporating classes in immigration law, refugee law, international human rights, gender and the law, and other areas of interest. I learned things directly applicable to my field, which has definitely had an impact on my professional career for the better.”

Master of Laws (LLM)

If you have a JD from a U.S. law school, or a first law degree (BA in Law, LLB, or JD-equivalent) from a country outside of the U.S., you are eligible for the Master of Laws program, which provides an intensive curriculum around a specific field of law.

The online LLM at the UA currently offers a concentration in Global Mining Law and Policy, introducing you to the range of legal issues that arise in the acquisition of mineral properties and the related financing, mining and environmental considerations faced by the modern mining industry.

Other concentrations will be added in the future.

As an LLM student, you will gain proficiency in a specialized area and study alongside recognized experts in the realm in global law, including faculty with deep academic and policy experience. The LLM degree is also the prerequisite for earning a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) – the highest degree law degree.

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