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Frequently Asked Questions

The material included below is intended as a quick review of some of the most common questions we have encountered from perspective students. The explanations are not intended to be exhaustive, rather, the student is encouraged to carefully review the corresponding section of our catalog which is available in its entirety on our website in order to be more fully informed on the issues addressed briefly below:

Are the programs offered at Aristotle University online distance-learning or onsite-residential?

Both.

Aristotle University is the parent home of various schools, colleges, and institutes. In law, Aristotle University is home to three (3) law schools; accordingly, we offer both onsite residential and online distance education programs in law. Aristotle University offers online distance education through the Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence, and offers onsite legal education programs through the Aristotle University College of Law (Carlsbad and Temecula).

Aristotle University College of Law – Carlsbad (Onsite Residential)
Aristotle University College of Law – Temecula (Onsite Residential)
Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence (Online Distance education)

All of these legal educational programs are regulated by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California and graduates of both our onsite as well as our online bar qualifying JD programs are eligible to sit for the California Bar Examination and upon successfully passing that examination to become licensed to practice law in the State of California.
All three of the law schools at Aristotle University offer the Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) (Legum Magister) degrees in law.

There are two (2) types of JD degrees offered:

JD (State Bar Qualifying)
JD Executive (Non-Bar Qualifying)

There are six (6) types of Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees offered:

LL.M. in Bioethics and Public Health Law
LL.M. in International Law and Global Leadership
LL.M. in International Human Rights Law
LL.M. in National Security Law
LL.M. in Global e-Commerce Law and
LL.M. in Education Law
What is the JD degree ?

The JD degree is the first traditional post-graduate degree in law which provides the basic legal education required to become eligible to sit for the California State Bar Examination and subsequently to become a licensed attorney.
What is the JD Executive degree ?

The JD Executive degree is intended for those individuals who do not desire to practice law, but who desire the fund of legal knowledge in order to augment their general education and advance their career goals. It is typically reserved for professionals (e.g., health care professionals, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, healthcare administrators, human resource professionals, law enforcement; teachers; real estate and banking – finance professionals; etc.)
If I begin the JD Executive program and later change my mind, can I transfer to the JD (Bar Qualifying) program ?

No. The JD (Bar Qualifying) degree program is heavily regulated by the Committee of Bar Examiners and there are inherent requlations which are interwoven into the course structures of the JD (Bar Qualifying) program.
What is the LL.M. Master of Laws degree?

This is an advanced degree in law which is generally intended for those individuals who hold a US or foreign-based first degree in law (JD) and who desire further education in a specialized area of law. On occasion, an individual who does not hold a JD degree, but who exhibits exemplary academic scholarly achievement and excellence or demonstrated experience and dedication in a particular area of law, may become admitted to the LLM program. Candidates who do not otherwise hold a J.D. (or equivalent) degree will have their individual application specifically reviewed by the Dean to determine qualification and eligibility to the program. Often, LL.M. students will have a previous Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MHA, MEd., etc.) or other post-graduate degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., DBA., etc.).
How long does it take to obtain a JD degree at your school ?

All three of our JD degree programs which qualify for the California State Bar Exam, are strictly regulated by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, and as such have a residency requirement of four (4) years of part-time study (whether achieved through an online or onsite teaching method).
Can I study full-time and complete my studies faster ?

No. The JD degree programs which qualify for the California State Bar Exam are strictly regulated by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, and as such have a residency requirement of four (4) years of part-time study (whether achieved through an online or onsite teaching method).
How long does it take to obtain a JD Executive degree ?

The JD Executive degree can be obtained in either 3 or 4 years, depending upon the commitment and desire of the individual student.
How long does it take to obtain an LL.M. degree ?

Any of the LL.M. degrees can be obtained in 1 to 2 years, depending upon the commitment and desire of the individual student.
are the academic entrance requirements for the JD degree ?

Entrance to the JD degree (Bar Qualifying) is strictly regulated by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, and our University strictly follows these provisions. Admission criteria to the J.D. program intended to qualify individuals to sit for the California State Bar Exam are consistent with Rule II of the California State Bar Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California, entitled Admission to Practice Law: General Requirements, and Rule VII of the California State Bar Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California, entitled Educational Requirements. Both Rules are in accord with State of California Business and Professions Code § 6060 and other rules and guidelines as promulgated by the Committee of Bar Examiners and State Bar of California.

The entrance admission requirements include the following:
1. Completion of a Baccalaureate degree (BA or BS) or equivalent; OR
2. Completion of a Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree or equivalent; OR
3. Have earned at least 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of college credit with an average grade at least equal to that required for graduation; OR
4. Have satisfactorily completed and passed each of three (3) ninety (90) minute College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) tests in lieu of prior college credit (e.g., either English Composition or English Composition with Essay and have achieved a score of at least 50, and, two (2) of the following examinations: Humanities, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Science and History (with an achieved score of at least 50) (Please see the CLEP web site for more information: www.collegeboard.com/clep)
  
  AND
5. must have maintained an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0; or equivalent.
Is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) required for admission to law school at Aristotle University ?

No. However, it is the policy of Aristotle University that the LSAT must be taken by all JD students within one (1) year of commencing of the study of law (this requirement does not apply to Executive J.D. or LL.M. students).
If I have already taken the LSAT test do I have to take it again ?

No.
Is there a minimum cut-off score I must obtain on the LSAT in order to be eligible to enter the study of law at Aristotle University ?

No.
Is there a minimum cut-off Grade Point Average (GPA) I must have obtained in order to be eligible to enter the study of law at Aristotle University?

Yes. Commensurate with the requirements as promulgated by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA for admission to the JD program.
Are there specific college courses or college majors which I must have studied to become eligible for Admission?

No.
How are classes and instruction conducted ?

For onsite residential programs, classes are held, either on either a three (3) evening per week schedule (T/W/Th), or on alternate weekends (S/S) schedule. Traditional legal educational instruction is utilized (case method analysis; Socratic dialectic; legal casebook studies; student presentations; etc.). Students also have access to our Aristotle e-Learning Scholar360 learning management system – this consists of online Discussion Boards, Course Materials and supplemental Video Law Lectures – all available online.

For online distance learning students, most of the instruction is conducted through our Aristotle e-Learning Scholar360 learning management system. Students select the classes for which they have registered, obtain their Course Materials, participate in required online Discussion Board postings, and, most importantly, access comprehensive class Video Law Lectures which are available online.

Intensive study of the principles of law is also supplemented by frequent analysis of examination questions. Thus, the student learns the fine points of what to look for in a law exam or Bar Examination question.
What is the Aristotle e-Learning Scholar360 LMS ?

Our University online learning management system (LMS) is truly state-of-the-art: Aristotle Scholar 360. Aristotle University has become a pioneer in online legal education: Aristotle University was the first University in the State of California, and the first law school in the United States to implement the Scholar 360 LMS – we believe such a sophisticated yet user-friendly online LMS is necessary for the success of our students.

Students access the Aristotle Scholar360 directly from our web site, through the “My Aristotle” page, using their unique passcodes. While in Aristotle Scholar360, students access their Classes, Course Materials, Video Law Lectures, and may form their own “communities” and discussion boards to communicate amongst themselves and with their Professors – these can be formed according to their topics of interest, class subject, or other criteria. Additionally, Mid-Term Examinations and Final Examinations may be taken online (for online distance learning students) through Aristotle Scholar360.
What about “Live” Review sessions ?

Aristotle University sponsors “live” review sessions which are conducted in person at various locations. These locations depend upon the concentration of the cohort of students in various classes. There is NEVER a charge for these Review sessions and ALL Aristotle University students are welcome. They are typically given during times of Mid-Term Examinations, Final Examinations, First Year Law Student Examinations (“Baby Bar”), and General State Bar Examinations.
Does it make any difference where I have obtained my undergraduate general entrance education ?

Yes. All general entrance pre-legal education requirements to study law must be at a college, school or university which has obtained approved standing by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California. Generally, if the school is approved by the state jurisdiction in which the college, school or university grants degrees the college, school or university will likely have approved standing.
How do I apply for acceptance to the JD degree program ?

You can apply either online or download the application and send it to us via e-fax.

First, select which law school you will be applying to:

Aristotle University College of Law – Carlsbad (Onsite Residential); or
Aristotle University College of Law – Temecula (Onsite Residential); or
Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence (Online Distance Education)

Second, go to the “Application Form JD / LLM” tab in the left sided column of tabs.

Third, complete the Application form Online; OR

Fourth, if you prefer, you may download the Application and send it to us via the following e-Fax numbers:

Aristotle University College of Law – Carlsbad: 1-760-683-3187
Aristotle University College of Law – Temecula: 1-951-742-4089
Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence: 1-951-742-4089
If I would like to speak to someone – is there someone I can call ?

Yes. You may contact us at the following telephone numbers:

Aristotle University College of Law - Carlsbad: 1-760-929-5900
Aristotle University College of Law - Temecula: 1-951-894-6007
Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence: 1-951-894-6007
How often are Admission decisions made ?

Admission decisions for all schools, institutes and colleges of Aristotle University are made on a continuous ongoing and rolling basis.
How long does it take to obtain a decision regarding my Admission ?

That depends upon on the sufficiency of the information you have provided. Often times, if complete information is provided, such as copies of un-official undergraduate or graduate transcripts, GPA, etc., an admission decision can be provided in a matter of days.
Is an Interview essential for Admission ?

Yes. We want to know who will be studying in our University. Although other law schools do not require an Interview – we do. This can be arranged either in person or telephonically.
How often do classes begin ?

Monthly and three (3) times per year.

Onsite in residence JD classes begin at either the Aristotle University College of Law (Carlsbad) or the Aristotle University College of Law (Temecula) three (3) times per year: Fall (August); Spring (January); and Summer (April).

Online distance learning JD classes, offered by the Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence, begin monthly. Introduction to Law will be offered each month, thereby permitting students to begin their distance learning education at any time – yet permitting them to join an online cohort three (3) times per year: Fall; Spring; and Summer. The exact dates are updated on our website periodically.

Online distance learning LLM classes offered by the Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence, also begin monthly, three (3) times per year: Fall; Spring; and Summer. The exact dates are updated on our website periodically.
Are certain students - minorities, non-traditional, adult-learners, working-adults encouraged to Apply?

Yes - Aristotle University celebrates diversity and encourages (and assists) such students who who are serious and earnest in their desire to fulfill their goals and dreams of becoming a lawyer. Specific scholarships are offered at Aristotle University for this very purpose.
Is age a limiting factor in considering an applicant for Admission ?

No. There are no limiting factors for those who desire to work hard and master their dreams.
Are there any other materials or submissions I should make along with my Application?

You should submit any materials or information you desire, which evidence your commitment and your serious, genuine desire to study law. Additionally, it is important to illustrate your ability to successfully complete professional graduate studies.
Are the law schools at Aristotle University "ABA accredited" ?

No. We have not applied for ABA accreditation, however such application is well within the strategic mission of our University.
Are any online law schools in the United States "ABA accredited"?

No. There are no online law schools in the United States which are ABA accredited.
What approvals or accreditation does Aristotle University currently hold?

Aristotle University is a Fully-Approved institution of higher education - it is Approved by the State of California, Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) as a California private postsecondary degree-granting institution. It has a full five (5) year approval, the longest period of approval provided by the State of California BPPVE.

Our law schools are not accredited by either the American Bar Association or the California State Bar - and we have not applied for either ABA or California State Bar accreditation. Our law schools are Registered with the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, and have degree granting authority from the Committee of Bar Examiners.
Does the Aristotle University College of Law (Carlsbad) have degree-granting authority by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, State of California?

Yes.
Does the Aristotle University College of Law (Temecula) have degree-granting authority by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, State of California?

Yes.
Does the Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence have degree-granting authority by the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, State of California?

Yes.
Do the students of Aristotle University College of Law (Carlsbad) qualify to sit for the California State Bar Examination?

Yes. Our students qualify to take the California First-Year Law Student Examination (FYLSE) and the California General State Bar Examination, as per the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California.
Do the students of Aristotle University College of Law (Temecula) qualify to sit for the California State Bar Examination?

Yes. Our students qualify to take the California First-Year Law Student Examination (FYLSE) and the California General State Bar Examination, as per the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California.
Do the students of Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence qualify to sit for the California State Bar Examination?

Yes. Our students qualify to take the California First-Year Law Student Examination (FYLSE) and the California General State Bar Examination, as per the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California.
What is the "Baby Bar"?

The California First-Year Law Students' Examination (FYLSE) is commonly referred to as the "Baby Bar." All students at the either the Aristotle University College of Law (Carlsbad), the Aristotle University College of Law (Temecula), and the Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence (online distance legal education) who are registered in a JD (Bar Qualifying) degree program are required by the Committee of Bar Examiners to take and pass the FYLSE, in order to get credit for their first-year law study AND in order to become eligible to sit for the California General Bar Examination. The Baby Bar is offered in various locations throughout the State of California twice yearly.
Do I have to take the "Baby Bar" if I am in the JD-Executive or LL.M. programs?

No. The Baby Bar examination is only intended for those students who are enrolled in the Bar Qualifying JD program.
If I graduate from an ABA accredited law school in California, and decide to live in another State or country, do I still have to take the Bar Exam in that jurisdiction?

Yes. Study at, or graduation from, an ABA accredited law school may not qualify a student to take the Bar Examination in other states or satisfy the requirements to practice law in other states – students MUST contact each state they desire to practice in to determine: (a) whether the courses they have taken satisfy all the legal education requirements in that particular state bar jurisdiction to sit for that particular state's bar examination; and (b) whether their legal education satisfys all the requirements to be admitted to the practice of law in that particular state bar jurisdiction. Students should review the publications offered at www.ncbe.com for further information.
If I graduate from either Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Carlsbad) or the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Temecula) or the Aristotle Univeristy Institute of Law and Jurisprudence, and decide to live in another State or country, do I still have to take the Bar Exam in that jurisdiction?

Yes.
If I graduate from either Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Carlsbad) or the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Temecula) or the Aristotle Univeristy Institute of Law and Jurisprudence, will I be eligible to practice law in a State other than California?

It depends.

Study at, or graduation from, either the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Carlsbad) or the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Temecula) or the Aristotle Univeristy Institute of Law and Jurisprudence may not qualify a student to take the Bar Examination in other states or satisfy the requirements to practice law in other states (this is similar to study at, or graduation from, an ABA accredited school).

Accordingly, if a student intends to seek admission to practice law in a state other than California, the student should contact the admitting authority in that state for information regarding the legal education requirements for admission to practice law. Additional information can be obtained from the publication entitled Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements compiled by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (www.ncbex.org).

It is the intent of the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Carlsbad) and the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Temecula) and the Aristotle Univeristy Institute of Law and Jurisprudence to prepare its students and graduates to enter the legal profession and the practice of law in the State of California. Accordingly, the academic program and curriculum is designed in accordance with the published recommendations of the California Committee of Bar Examiners.

Students must be aware that neither the Aristotle University College of Law nor the Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence make any representations or warranties as to the admission requirements of any State Bar Association or Organization in any other State, nor whether the curriculum requirements and academic program at the either the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Carlsbad) or the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Temecula) or the Aristotle Univeristy Institute of Law and Jurisprudence will satisfy such admission requirements in other States. Similarly, neither the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Carlsbad) nor the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Temecula) nor the Aristotle Univeristy Institute of Law and Jurisprudence makes any representation or warranties as to whether their curriculum requirements and academic programs will satisfy the eligibility requirements to take a State Bar Examination in any other State.

Accordingly, if students desire to seek admission to practice law in a state other than California, the student MUST contact the admitting authority in that state for information regarding the legal education requirements for admission to practice law in that particular State.

Students should be aware, however, that following the active practice of law in the State of California, for between 3 to 5 years, some States will permit individuals to sit for their State Bar Examinations (generally, for the “Attorney Bar”). Other States, like the State of Wisconsin, permit law school graduates from California to sit for their State Bar examination without a preliminary requirement of being engaged in the "active practice" of law.
If I currently attend another law school, can I transfer to Aristotle University to continue my studies?

Yes. We accept students in transfer only from a school which has (1) degree-granting authority from the Committee of Bar Examiners, State of California; (2) is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners; or (3) is an ABA approved law school. The amount of credits which will be permitted to be transferred is described in our online catalogue.
Are the costs for the JD degree the same whether it is obtained through the online distance-education learning or through the onsite residential program?

Yes.
What is the tuition for the JD program?

Tuition is approximately seven-thousand four-hundred and fifty-five dollars per year ($7,455/yr) plus fees.
What are the fees for the JD program?

Fees are approximately one-hundred fifty dollars per semester ($150.00) (e.g., Registration Fee; Legal Research Fee; Student Activity Fee).
What are the cost of books?

Books generally cost between approximately $300-$400 per year.
Is student financial aid available?

Yes. We offer an "in-house" no-interest student payment plan where students are required to make an initial deposit of one-thousand five-hundred dollars ($1,500.00) toward their yearly tuition. They then pay the remaining balance in ten monthly installments . Additionally, we offer a number of other financial aid programs, both credit-based and non-credit based.
Are student scholarships available?

Yes. Like all Universities, student scholarships are available, depending upon financial need and academic merit.
Is there an "Academic Catalogue"?

Yes. We have a complete online academic catalogue for each law school which can be found on the schools designated web page ( i.e., the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Carlsbad), the Aristotle Univeristy College of Law (Temecula) and the Aristotle Univeristy Institute of Law and Jurisprudence.) Simply return to the home page of (www.AristotleLaw.com) and select the school which best fits your learning methods and explore the webpages and view their respective online catalogue.
If I graduate from either the Aristotle University College of Law or the Aristotle University Institute of Law and Jurisprudence, will I have the same opportunities that graduates from other law schools have?

Yes. Our law schools are registered with and have degree granting authority from the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California, and thus our students are eligible to sit for the California State Bar Examination and become practicing licensed attorneys in the State of California. There will be no restrictions placed upon their ability to practice law in the State of California once they pass the State Bar Exam. Accordingly, upon successful completion of the State Bar Exam they have the opportunity to enter the private practice of law as a solo practitioner or may join a firm or group practice; and may appear in State and Federal courts in California. They have virtually unlimited opportunities and avenues to practice law and meaningfully contribute to their community.
How are the Faculty selected?

Aristotle University has a unique Faculty Advisory Consultants Committee (FACC) which consists of Professors of Law from ABA accredited law schools. The FACC directly advises the President of Aristotle University, and the Dean of its law schools, as to the qualifications and hiring of our Faculty. Additionally, our Faculty are selected in accordance with the regulations of the Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California.
Are the Faculty of Aristotle University unique?

Yes. Each Faculty member is personally selected by the President of Aristotle University after careful personal review and consideration.

One-hundred percent (100%) of our teaching Faculty are Professors of Law who graduated from ABA law schools. Of note, 60% of our Faculty have graduate degrees beyond the JD degree (e.g., LLM, MD, MBA, MHA, MPH, Phd, MDiv, MS, MLIS) - Two of our Faculty hold double-LL.M. (Master in Laws) degrees and 30% have a doctorate degree. Additionally, we have four MD-JDs on our Faculty. We are quite proud of our faculty and have selected these individuals based upon their expertise and their dedication and commitment to students.

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