Law used to be a subject that could only be studied in person. However, with the expansion of technology the field of distance education has grown by leaps and bounds, allowing people from all over the world to study almost any subject they wish, including law. When deciding to study law through long-distance learning, there are some things to keep in mind when considering a law course. The first thing to remember when looking at long-distance learning is that the workload is no different for distance learners as it is for those sitting in a classroom. In fact, many graduates of distance learning programs say they probably worked harder as a distance education student than they would have as a traditional student. Deciding which law school to take courses from is another important step. The location of the school is usually not a factor, unless the program has a residency requirement. If that's the case, a student should be sure he will be able to make the trip to the school when needed. Otherwise, it's best to look for another program that is either closer to home or can be completed totally online. Students wishing to study long-distance law courses should also be sure they have the time it will take to complete the courses. Since many people who enroll in distance education courses are working professionals, they often have professional and personal responsibilities that can sometimes interfere with schoolwork. By taking that into consideration, most issues can usually be overcome. Accreditation of courses and programs can be a major factor when deciding if long-distance learning is the right choice. Most distance-learning law schools, while not accredited by the American Bar Association, are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council. Recognized by the United States Department of Education as the main accrediting agency for distance learning programs, the DETC should have given its approval for any courses a student plans to take. Of course, a student wanting to practice law may want to take courses that are accredited by the ABA. Otherwise, it may be difficult or impossible to practice law in the usual format. Many students who take courses from non-accredited schools have no desire to practice law, but instead are looking to enter the business world or find other careers in law. The cost of long-distance law courses can also vary. Courses from schools that are accredited by the ABA often cost more, while those from non-accredited schools tend to be cheaper. In addition to tuition and fees, the cost of books, software and other materials needs to be factored in. As with traditional law schools, financial aid is usually available to distance-learning students, as are tuition reimbursements from many employers. When deciding to study law through long-distance learning, taking these factors into consideration should help make the path to higher education a bit easier to navigate. Taking the time to research courses and decide on career plans can lead to a very fulfilling career upon graduation from online law schools.
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