Business Details
42 Years
experience
Online Juris Doctor Programs at Taft University
Taft University, an educational division of The Taft University System, has provided innovative distance learning legal education since 1984. Established as the oldest nationally accredited distance education law school in California, we specialize in offering accessible Juris Doctor programs to non-traditional students. Our mission focuses on delivering rigorous curriculum through two learning modalitiesDirected Study and Independent Studywhile maintaining affordability and flexibility. Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2003, we emphasize legal analysis, black-letter law, and practical application.With over 40 years of experience, our faculty prepares students for success in law and various professional fields. We serve students managing busy work/home lives or facing location/financial constraints. Our programs qualify graduates for the California Bar Examination while maintaining strict academic standards. The school maintains a commitment to Bernard E. Witkin's legacy of lifelong learning. Our administrative offices operate in Santa Ana, California, with structured enrollment periods and comprehensive student support services.
Services
Online Juris Doctor
Directed Study
Independent Study
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Bar Examination Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in distance legal education
- Our programs maintain DEAC accreditation since 2003
- We provide two flexible learning modalities for working professionals
- Our faculty includes experienced legal scholars and practitioners
- We maintain affordable tuition with multiple payment options
Associations and certifications
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Services
Online Juris Doctor
Taft University's Juris Doctor program offers comprehensive legal education through 100% online instruction. Established in 1984, this program prepares students for the California Bar Examination with two learning modalities. The curriculum emphasizes legal analysis, black-letter law, and practical application while maintaining affordability for non-traditional students.
Directed Study
Directed Study provides fixed schedules with weekly assignments and faculty interaction. Students participate in online discussions where participation can constitute 20% of course grades. This modality maintains rigorous academic standards while offering structured support for working professionals seeking legal education.
Independent Study
Independent Study offers self-paced learning with fixed examination dates. Grading focuses on written examinations rather than weekly participation. This modality suits professionals needing schedule flexibility while maintaining the same rigorous curriculum and examination standards as Directed Study.
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Transfer students may submit prior law school coursework for evaluation. Credits require official transcripts, course descriptions, and a $55 evaluation fee. A minimum of two academic years must be completed at Taft with grades of 2.0+ for transfer consideration toward the Juris Doctor degree.
Bar Examination Preparation
Programs qualify graduates for the California Bar Examination through comprehensive curriculum alignment. Faculty focus on practical legal application while maintaining academic rigor. Preparation includes structured examination formats mirroring bar requirements and ongoing academic support services.
People
Melody Jolly
Dean
Dean Melody Jolly leads Taft University's academic programs with over 20 years of legal education experience. She oversees curriculum development and faculty instruction while maintaining focus on student success and bar preparation standards.
Margaret Trester
Associate Dean
Associate Dean Margaret Trester manages academic operations and student support services. With extensive distance learning administration experience, she ensures program quality and compliance with accreditation standards.
Todd Becker
Dean of Admissions
Dean of Admissions Todd Becker oversees enrollment processes and student recruitment. He manages admissions criteria implementation and coordinates outreach to prospective students through personalized consultations.
Christine Baldwin
Director of Administration
Christine Baldwin directs administrative operations including student records and technical support. She manages day-to-day office functions and coordinates academic calendar implementation across all program modalities.
Questions
Is Taft University accredited?
Yes, we maintain accreditation through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2003.
Can graduates take the California Bar Exam?
Yes, our Juris Doctor programs qualify graduates for the California Bar Examination.
What learning formats are available?
We offer Directed Study with structured interaction and Independent Study with flexible scheduling.
Are there residency requirements?
We do not accept applicants from 24 specified states due to regulatory requirements.
What technology requirements exist?
Students need modern computers with Windows OS, Microsoft Office, and reliable internet access.
How long do programs take?
Most students complete the Juris Doctor program in four years through part-time study.
