Juris Doctor Executive Track (JDET)
The Juris Doctor Executive Track (JDET) program is designed for professionals who want a comprehensive legal education without the requirement or intent to sit for a bar exam. This graduate-level program provides a strong foundation in business law, regulatory processes, and legal reasoning—skills that can elevate careers in business, healthcare, law enforcement, education, and beyond. Students learn to navigate the legal system, anticipate and address legal challenges, and apply critical thinking to real-world scenarios, all through flexible, fully online learning.
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Expanding Your Career Potential with Legal Expertise
In today’s complex world, legal knowledge is a powerful asset—whether you’re managing a business, leading a nonprofit, or working in a specialized profession. The JDET program is ideal for individuals who want the benefits of a Juris Doctor education without the commitment of becoming a practicing attorney. By removing the bar exam requirement, the program allows for greater flexibility in completion and a curriculum tailored to practical, real-world applications.
Graduates emerge with sharper analytical skills, improved communication abilities, and a deeper understanding of legal frameworks that impact industries across the public and private sectors. From navigating contracts and compliance to understanding dispute resolution, this program empowers you to approach your work with clarity, confidence, and a strategic mindset.
What You'll Learn
The JDET program provides a broad-based legal education with a focus on business law and professional applications. You’ll develop a well-rounded skill set that enhances decision-making, compliance management, and professional communication.
Foundations of Business Law
Understand the core principles of contract law, corporate governance, and commercial transactions.
Regulatory Processes
Learn how laws are developed, interpreted, and enforced across different industries.
Legal Risk Management
Anticipate and mitigate potential legal issues in professional settings.
Analytical Reasoning
Strengthen your ability to assess legal situations, interpret statutes, and apply logical problem-solving.
Professional Communication
Improve your written and verbal communication for clear, persuasive legal and business correspondence.
Curriculum
The JDET curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in the first academic year, followed by more specialized coursework in years two and three. Students complete 75 total credits, with the option to transfer in up to 37 credits from prior approved coursework. The program includes both required and elective courses, allowing for customization based on professional goals.
Students choose at least 15 credits of electives to complete their program.
Filter By:
- First Year Courses
- Second & Third Year Required Courses
- Elective Courses
Introduction to Law
LAW601E | 1 credits
This is an orientation course to help prepare the lay person for the study of law. As the first law school course, it provides the new student with an understanding of principles of law and of case analysis.
Contracts
LAW616E | 8 credits
This course analyzes the law relating to formation of contracts, the statute of frauds, third-party beneficiary contracts, assignment of rights and delegation of duties, liability for breach of contract including the law of conditions and discharge.
Torts
LAW612E | 7 credits
This course examines laws relating to civil liability for intentional wrongs to person and property, negligence, strict liability, misrepresentation, defamation, and other civil wrongs.
Criminal Law
LAW613E | 3 credits
This course probes laws relating to various criminal offenses, including crimes against the person and habitation, larceny and kindred offenses, attempt and conspiracy rules, the defenses to criminal charges, and the procedural rights of the accused.
Legal Writing
LAW604E | 3 credits
This course explains how to write in a “Lawyerlike” manner and you will develop legal research skills. The student is guided through the process of how to write memoranda, letters, briefs, and answers to law exams.
Civil Procedure
LAW624E | 6 credits
This course dissects the federal rules relating to jurisdiction and venue; sufficiency of the complaint, answers, counterclaims, and cross complaints, joinder of parties and causes of action, and motions before, during and after trial.
Property
LAW623E | 7 credits
This course reviews laws relating to the various types of real property interests including freehold, non-freehold estates and future interests, landlord-tenant relationships, conveyancing, and the use of land.
Remedies
LAW646E | 4 credits
This course explores laws relating to equitable remedies, including injunction and specific performance and defenses; protection against certain types of tort liability including waste, nuisance, unfair competition, and the law of rescission and reformation.
Business Organizations
LAW631E | 8 credits
This course examines the laws governing the creation, termination, and legal consequences of agency relationships, partnerships, and business corporations; advantages and disadvantages of various forms of business enterprises.
Constitutional Law
LAW622E | 7 credits
This course explores the scope of federal powers, separation of powers, the federal system, the Bill of Rights, due process, equal protection, and eminent domain.
Administrative Law
LAW651E | 3 credits
This course is an examination of the law relating to governmental agencies, with emphasis on federal regulation. The course deals with issues such as the due process right to a hearing, adjudication, rule-making, freedom of information, secret lobbying, control of discretion, judicial review and regulatory reform.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
LAW674E | 3 credits
This course focuses on the options that parties may have to settle a dispute without going to trial. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has become a mandatory step in many judicial districts before a matter may proceed to trial. In particular, the course examines the processes of Negotiation, Mediation, and Arbitration.
Community Property
LAW633E | 3 credits
This course reviews the classification of separate and community property, liability for debts, management and control of the community, and problems arising from the dissolution of the community or death of a spouse.
Criminal Procedure
LAW630E | 3 credits
This course study criminal procedure in general, with substantial emphasis on recent Supreme Court decisions affecting the procedural rights of the accused. Criminal trial practice and techniques are also covered.
Health Care Law
LAW675E | 3 credits
This course provides the student with the necessary background on a wide variety of health care topics, enabling professionals to deal with the common legal and practical problems facing the health care industry.
Intellectual Property
LAW658E | 3 credits
The protection of intellectual property and encouragement of creativity. Explores copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, unfair competition, and selected state law theories. It provides students with a general working knowledge of the various intellectual property doctrines.
Labor/Employment Law
LAW672E | 3 credits
This course examines the historical foundation for labor laws and the creation of the labor movement while focusing on the workplace of today. The laws and regulations that govern the employment relationships, particularly those related to wages, hours, benefits, and conditions are focused upon. The distinctions between public and private employers are also reviewed.
Sports Law
LAW671E | 3 credits
This course reviews the broad spectrum of issues related to the world of sports. The course will examine such diverse issues as the power of the sports commissioner, labor negotiations, the role of the sports agent, professionalism vs. amateurism, injuries, and gender equity.
Directed Legal Studies
LAW650 | credits
This course consists of an independent research project written under the supervision of a law school faculty member. Subjects may vary dependent on the nature and interest o the student and requires the approval of the Dean.
Wills & Trusts
LAW620E | 4 credits
This course analyzes the law relating to the creation of wills and trusts, creation of the trust relationship, charitable trusts, resulting and constructive trusts, the powers and duties of the trustee, alteration and termination of the trust, probate of wills and administration of estates.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
PLO1
Apply legal lessons through the use of case studies.
PLO2
Evaluate ethical, business, legal, and regulatory issues.
PLO3
Make appropriate decisions and recommendations based on sound reasoning and analysis sensitive to stakeholder interests.
PLO4
Identify the connections between the legal landscape and business practices.
Tuition and Admissions
Applicants must have completed prior college coursework to qualify for the degree completion program.
- Tuition Per Credit: $420
- Credits Required: 75
- Total Program Tuition: $31,500
- Learning Modalities: Independent Study & Directed Study
- Program Duration: 3 years
- Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
Required Course Materials
Each program has a list of required textbooks and resources for its courses. Textbook information, including titles, authors, and ISBNs, is updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Before purchasing materials, we recommend confirming the list with Student Support or reviewing your course syllabus in the e-learning platform.
Resources and Support
At WHTU, your success is supported at every stage of your academic journey. From advising and career planning to writing help and technical support, our student services are designed to meet the unique needs of online learners. Explore the full range of resources available to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
What Sets WHTU’s JDET Apart?
The JDET program blends the academic rigor of a traditional law degree with the accessibility and flexibility of online learning. Students gain exposure to the same legal principles taught in JD programs while enjoying a curriculum designed for real-world application rather than courtroom practice. This makes the JDET a practical choice for professionals in fields like business, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and public service who want to deepen their legal understanding without shifting careers.
Explore Further
If you’re ready to enhance your career with a deep understanding of the law without the need to sit for a bar exam, the JDET program offers the flexibility, credibility, and practical skills you need. Explore the full course list, review admissions requirements, and see how this program can help you achieve your professional goals.