Online Learning Experience

At the Washington University School of Law, we work to provide an outstanding legal education and collaborative, collegial law school experience to students everywhere. Since the introduction of our online MLS program in 2013, we’ve consistently re-evaluated and refined our online student experience to ensure that it supports all learners without sacrificing the quality that defines a WashULaw education.

As a result, we’ve developed a student-centered, personalized experience that gives you countless opportunities to become part of our community. By expanding our online offerings, more individuals are able to pursue legal excellence, no matter where they live. To learn more about our online programs, download a brochure.

Our programs feature live classes hosted using the interactive Zoom HD platform with course work designed and led by our distinguished School of Law faculty. Faculty conduct class using the Socratic method, a teaching style in which professors encourage discussion and debate to help students reach their own conclusions and truly engage with the material.

Holding courses live via webcam allows students and faculty to participate in this rich conversation, bringing the best of the traditional law school classroom online.

Small Classes:
Receive individualized attention with a low student-to-faculty ratio.

Personalized Learning:
Engage with your classmates and faculty face-to-face.

Collaborative Tools:
Connect in real time with small-group breakout sessions, live chat and presentation features.

Our mobile application gives students the chance to access everything they need to learn from their iPhone, iPad or Android device. With just a click, students can access course content at any time, interact directly with professors and classmates, submit projects and assignments, and view upcoming due dates and events.

Dashboard:
Complete assignments, access your grades and more.

24/7 Availability:
Submit assignments and access course content at any time.

Offline Mode:
Take work anywhere with offline mode — just sync your device when you’re back on Wi-Fi.

The high-quality, rigorous course work is designed by our School of Law faculty to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the law. Additionally, we offer a wide range of electives so that students can customize their learning to their career goals.

Students will learn through a combination of asynchronous course work and live classes. They will complete course work, which can be accessed from a smartphone, tablet or computer 24/7, then apply what they have learned and engage with classmates in weekly live class sessions.

To inform their legal writing and research, students also have access to the legal research databases LexisNexis and Westlaw. These databases, which are used by lawyers and law firms, allow students to view legal resources such as cases, state and federal statutes, administrative codes, public records, law journals, law reviews and legal forms.

Students graduate fully prepared to work with the law and legal procedures and gain a diverse network of like-minded peers around the world. Learn more about what you can do with a degree from @WashULaw.

Personalized Learning:
Create your ideal learning environment with tools like closed captioning, streaming, adjustable video speed and dark mode.

Rigorous Course Work:
Master key concepts as you complete work designed by distinguished School of Law faculty.

Interactive Content:
Learn through videos, real-time quizzes and Q&A sessions.

“The online setting allows classes to be taught in a global classroom. I’ve had classes with people across the country and around the world, which brings a much broader perspective to the course work.”

Kristin Tucker, MLS

The digital campus connects online students to the School of Law and our diverse community. Through virtual study groups, students can collaborate and network with classmates from around the world. Students make profiles, like on other social networking platforms, and keep in touch about assignments, class discussions and personal and professional achievements.

Students have the opportunity to attend an optional weekend immersion in St. Louis, Missouri. During the trip, students will get a real-world glimpse into the inner workings of the U.S. legal system by visiting courthouses and historic legal landmarks around the city. They will also enhance their curriculum by completing a one-credit elective course on campus at Washington University School of Law and be able to network with classmates, professors and practicing lawyers in person. Learn more about the immersion.

Network Opportunities:
Meet and cultivate connections with professionals in your field.

Courthouse Tour:
Visit courthouses and historic landmarks in St. Louis.

One-Credit Elective:
Take a course on campus with your classmates.

Dedicated support begins the moment candidates inquire about one of our programs through graduation and beyond. Our Admissions Counselors are available throughout the application process to answer questions. Once enrolled, students work with our student support team, which includes technical support. Upon completion of the program, online students can join their peers in the residential programs and walk across the stage to be honored during the School of Law commencement ceremony. After graduation, students in our online programs become full members of the Washington University alumni community. Learn more about student support.

We offer robust career resources to help our students prepare for life after WashU. From our Virtual Career Center — a self-paced professional development course — to career advising with expert counselors, students have options to choose from as they prepare for their job search. Learn more about our career services.

Diverse and always connected, the Washington University in St. Louis alumni network is 130,000 strong and spans the globe. Graduates can stay connected through Career Center events and alumni networking opportunities, and even join an exclusive LinkedIn group for WashU alumni.