Students that want to become attorneys need to successfully complete the correct amount of schooling. Students have to complete a specific level of education in order to practice law. Online colleges and universities offer students numerous opportunities to step into careers.

The first thing that needs to be completed in order to enter law school is a bachelor's degree program. Students can complete a program in any field they desire. Law schools recommend taking some pre-law or paralegal courses to prepare students for training inside their chosen law program. Once a bachelor's degree is completed students can enter law school. The Law School Admissions Test has to be passed in order to start education.

A Juris Doctor degree is what allows students to step into the industry. Programs typically last three years and train students in all foundational areas of law. Elective courses are often taken to create a personalized degree so students can work in their desired area of law. Many students combine their degree with another master's degree level program in a specific area of law, which makes training at least two to four years longer. Common courses taken inside a Juris Doctor degree program may include:

    * Legal Writing
    * Torts
    * Comparative Environmental Law

Upon completion of a program students are required to pass a bar exam to legally practice law. For online students this is extremely important because the American Bar Association does not accredit online schools. Some states allow students that have completed an online law program to petition to take the exam. Students have to pass the exam in the state they will practice in. It is strongly recommended that students check with their state to ensure their online education will allow them to become licensed lawyers. If a particular state does not recognize online degree programs as sufficient training, students will have to attend a traditional college.

Online education provides students with many concentrations. Students that complete their education online can find a program that matches their interests. Some concentration areas may include:

*Business Law

Both business and law are incorporated into graduate degree study. Coursework explores the main areas where both fields meet each other. Areas like contracts and mergers are studied to prepare students for careers. Law and business concepts are combined together to create a unique educational training opportunity. Bankruptcy law, taxation law, community property, and marketing management are some courses that emphasize both the business and law industries.

*Family Law

The general practice of family law will be examined in this concentration. Students learn how to handle child custody disputes, divorces, abuse cases, and more. Education typically includes general criminal law and all the necessary family law courses. Adoption law, legal rights of children, and nontraditional family law are some courses taken.

Several educational options are available to choose from when completing a law degree online. Students should research their options and their states requirements and begin training to become a law professional. Students should make sure the program they enroll in carries accreditation from an agency like the American Bar Association (http://www.abanet.org/) in order to receive the quality education they deserve.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on our website.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Online Law Schools and Colleges as well as Campus Based Law Schools and Colleges at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

By Renata McGee

Is there a professional certification that you have been dreaming of earning? Are there courses you would like to take to advance your career? Is there a degree that would give you the edge? Online education may be the answer you have been looking for.

Online courses offer a wide variety of educational options. You can obtain your degree or earn a certificate in various topics. With online courses, you may never have to attend a traditional classroom setting again to achieve your dreams of higher education, certification or special licensing. If you are looking to enhance or achieve new job skills, there are many programs available that will help you meet your goals. There are also courses that are geared towards improving office skills and keeping up with the latest technology.

Online education programs go beyond hard copy books being sent to your home through the mail. Students can do everything online - from interactive exercises, reading chapter assignments, taking final exams and so much more. Plus, if you select a school with an educational support department, you can receive help with challenging concepts when you need it. That way, you can benefit from the convenience of setting your own study schedule and learning at your own pace.

So, now that you have some compelling reasons to pursue your education online, how do you go about selecting your course of study? First, consider your current situation. Are you already working a job in an industry that interests you? If so, you can enroll in course work that will further complement your background and potentially make you the right candidate for a promotion.

On the other hand, maybe you're looking to break into a whole new industry and start fresh. Online education programs are perfect for this scenario too! You can continue to work your current job to ensure continued income and stability for yourself and family, while in your free time, work towards the certification or licensing you need to go after your new, dream job.

Online schools offer a large variety of licensing and certification courses in growing industries, including medical and renewable green energy. After you know what industry or field want to pursue your online education in, start researching online schools that offer programs that coincide with your career goals and interests.

Take your time when selecting your online education program. For example, make sure the school has national or regional accreditation. Accreditation is paramount when selecting your online school, because it means the institution has been thoroughly reviewed and is required to meet a set of standards. It's also your added assurance that the school is offering a quality-based curriculum, operates on a sound financial basis and assists students in an ethical manner. Other attributes to consider in your online school search include payment plan options, financial assistance options, military tuition assistance acceptance, live student support and more.

Pursuing your education online is a smart way to achieve a brighter future for yourself, your family and the rewarding career you deserve. Don't give into limiting thinking - you can do it! And online education may be the missing ingredient you have always needed to turn your education dreams into reality.