September 9, 2025

University of Detroit Mercy Launches Online Law Degree Program

News Summary

The University of Detroit Mercy has announced Michigan’s first fully online law degree program to begin in fall 2026. Aimed at increasing accessibility for working professionals and other individuals, this innovative program will allow students to earn their Juris Doctor degree over four years. Funded by a historic donation, the program seeks to meet the growing demand for legal education while expanding UDM’s reach. Lectures will be professionally recorded, ensuring high-quality instruction for students pursuing a flexible legal education.

Detroit, MI – The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) has announced plans to launch Michigan’s first fully online law degree program, set to begin in fall 2026. This groundbreaking program will replace an existing part-time evening Juris Doctor (JD) program that operates on campus and is designed to meet the rising demand from prospective law students in Michigan and across the nation.

Dean Nick Schroeck emphasized that the online JD program aims to enhance accessibility for individuals who may find it challenging to attend traditional classes during weekdays. This includes working professionals, stay-at-home parents, and military members who frequently relocate. By offering this fully online option, UDM hopes to create a more inclusive environment for aspiring lawyers from a variety of backgrounds and geographic locations.

The newly announced online JD program has received significant support, including a historic $2.2 million donation from Jonathan Rose, a UDM alumnus and graduate from the class of 1981. This donation marks the largest individual gift ever to the law school and will help cover essential startup costs such as curriculum design and faculty recruitment.

The curriculum structure of the online JD program will require students to complete the same number of credits as the traditional on-campus program. However, unlike the typical three-year timeline for the in-person program, students enrolled in the online JD will complete their degree over a four-year period. Courses will primarily be offered asynchronously, allowing students to engage with their studies on their own schedule, while certain upper-level courses and clinics will be conducted in a synchronous format.

UDM plans to begin the program with an initial cohort of 25 students, with the potential to expand to 45 students per class contingent on American Bar Association (ABA) approval. Admission criteria for the online JD program will mirror those of the in-person program, requiring applicants to possess a bachelor’s degree and submit an LSAT test score.

Currently, UDM’s School of Law serves approximately 700 students, and the introduction of the online program is expected to broaden the university’s reach, attracting prospective students from both in-state and out-of-state regions. In conjunction with this growth, the School of Law intends to hire six new faculty members over the next three to four years to support the innovative online curriculum, thereby enhancing the quality of education provided.

In terms of delivery, faculty will utilize a professional television studio for recording lectures and discussions, ensuring that the content is presented with high-quality production standards. This investment into technology and instructional methods reflects UDM’s commitment to leading the way in the evolving landscape of online legal education.

The establishment of the online JD program is part of UDM’s strategic initiative to innovate within the educational space, positioning the school to stay competitive with traditional legal education offerings. As the legal profession continues to evolve, UDM’s School of Law aims to adapt by creating flexible and diverse learning opportunities for the next generation of lawyers.

With these developments, UDM is poised to make a significant impact on the access and delivery of legal education, opening doors for individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to pursuing a career in law.