85 Students Enroll in Nation's First Hybrid Online J.D. Program at William Mitchell

Following up on my previous posts (links below), First Class of On-campus, Online Law Students Matriculate to William Mitchell College of Law:

Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 marks the first day of class for 85 students from across the country who enrolled in the nation’s first hybrid on-campus/online program at an ABA-approved law school.

The aspiring lawyers are medical doctors, college professors, bankers, baggage handlers, mothers, and fathers, from 31 states and two countries. They range in age from 22 to 67. At least 35 have advanced degrees—including 14 MBA degrees, five medical doctors, and three Ph.D. degrees. Forty-five percent of the students are women and 19 percent are people of color.

The new enrollment option builds on the law school’s tradition of innovation by combining the best of face-to-face instruction with the best of digital learning. Students are able to attend courses from anywhere in the world. ...

William Mitchell is the first law school to ask for and receive ABA approval for a hybrid enrollment option. The part-time, four-year, hybrid program is offered alongside the traditional full-time and part-time J.D. programs. ...

The hybrid program has a clear and carefully designed curricular focus. Students visit campus ten times during the four years. The first and third semester start with an on-campus preparatory week where students work alongside faculty and each semester concludes with an on-campus Capstone week. Students in this unique program also have the opportunity to complete externships in their communities under the supervision of practicing attorneys.

• ABA Approves First Hybrid Online J.D. (Dec. 19, 2013)
• More on the Nation's First Hybrid J.D. (June 27, 2014)