Online Programs
William & Mary (W&M) Law School's online programs include:
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
An innovative online American Legal Studies program designed for foreign-educated graduates and attorneys seeking to expand their legal knowledge and expertise. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to help students understand U.S. law and advance their legal careers.
Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Graduate Certificates
Meeting the growing demand for professionals across industries who understand the impact of law and regulation on businesses and organizations. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate challenges and drive success in today's complex business environment.
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates are credit-bearing certificates designed for students with a previous professional degree or with professional experience but limited legal knowledge. Students gain legal understanding in specific industries, understand legal challenges, and expand career opportunities.
Student Policies & Procedures
William & Mary Law School students are subject to the academic policies of the School, and of the individual programs in which they enroll as well as the rules and regulations of William & Mary. In accordance with William & Mary’s academic policies, it is the student’s responsibility to know and meet the academic requirements of the program.
William & Mary Law School Student Policies (all programs)
Professional Conduct
It’s the student’s obligation to conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with the educational purposes of our school. Students are required to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct as well as any Law School-specific policy. Infractions can result in disciplinary action by the Law School, the University or both.
Follow the Honor Code
The Honor System at William & Mary Law School is one of the oldest in higher education. It exists to provide a living and learning environment that reflects the values of the Law School community, including those of academic integrity, personal integrity, and personal and professional responsibility. Our students do believe in and cherish this system.
Academic year
The academic year is the period beginning with a summer session and ending with the next succeeding spring term.
Address on File
The Law School will send official notices and correspondence to the address on file with the University Registrar. Students are responsible for maintaining their current addresses and telephone numbers within Banner. Students are required to update and validate their Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) in Banner each semester of enrollment. The information contained in the PIQ allows the Law School to contact students or their designated contacts in the event of emergency.
Graduation
Students are required to apply online for graduation beginning February 15, but no later than September 1, in the calendar year prior to their graduation date. For Class of 2027 J.D. or LL.M. or MLS seeking students, if graduating January, May, or August 2027, students are required to apply online for graduation beginning February 15, 2026, but no later than the September 1, 2026, deadline). Students who do not meet the September 1st deadline will have a hold placed on their record that may delay their final semester of registration or graduation and may result in being at risk of not being included in critical graduation-related mailings and updates and not having their name listed in the graduation program.
Graduate Certificate Completion
Students enrolled in graduate certificate programs are also required to apply for graduation upon completion of certificate requirements. Certificates are formally conferred and recorded in Banner; however, certificate completers do not participate in commencement ceremonies and are not assessed for a graduation fee.
Filing for Graduation
Students filing for graduation must complete an Online Graduation Application in Banner. Students are responsible for paying a one-time, non-refundable graduation fee, currently $150.00, to be charged to the student’s account on the initial filing date. Only first-time filers can use the online filing process. If a student is unable to complete the requirements for graduation by the date specified, the student must notify the Law School Registrar in order to re-file for a new graduation date. There is no additional graduation fee charge for re-filing.
Graduate Certificate Filing for Completion
Graduate Certificate students must apply for completion by submitting the paper Notice of Candidacy (no fee assessed) form rather than the online graduation application. Students enrolled concurrently in a degree program and a certificate program who are completing both credentials in the same term must submit separate applications for each credential (e.g., the online application for MLS degree and Notice of Candidacy form for graduate certificate)
Conferral of Degrees
William & Mary confers degrees in January, May, and August of each year. The commencement ceremony is in May. Graduates of the same calendar year, by default, are invited to participate in this commencement ceremony. Degree recipients of the previous August are recognized and invited if they did not attend the previous year’s commencement ceremony.
Students are advised to review on an ongoing basis, and especially after each registration period, their DegreeWorks evaluation in Banner under the “Records” menu. DegreeWorks is a comprehensive audit of coursework that is measured against the requirements for the J.D., LL.M. or MLS degree requirements. It provides a comprehensive review of a student’s academic history and will assist in identifying outstanding requirements. When accessing DegreeWorks, remember to click on the icon next to the “Last Refresh” field to ensure the most recent data is available. Useful information regarding the application may be found at Understanding Your Degree Audit and Reading an Audit in Degree Works.
Get Ready for Graduation
- Run a degree audit
- Check account for holds
- Submit a graduation application (online available for Class of 2027 only)
Go to myW&M and click the Banner button
- Login to Banner Self Service
- Select Student
- Select Student Records
- Select Apply to Graduate
- Select the most current term, on the “Term Selection” page.
- Select the radio button next to the primary degree. Press Continue.
- Select graduation date from the drop-down box. Press Continue.
- Select hometown information for printing in the Commencement Book by choosing “New” in the drop-down box. Hometown information - Street Lines 2 & 3 are NOT required. Press Continue.
- Follow the instructions for entering the city and state (or nation) for printing in the Commencement Book. Press Continue.
- View the summary to be sure all the information is correct, then hit Submit Request.
A one-time, non-refundable Graduation Fee will be charged to student accounts. To view an itemized list of fees, visit the Tuition & Fees web page.
Please note, if there is a hold(s) on record, students will not be able to use the online application until the hold is removed.
No Curricula Error
If trying to use the online application and receive a “No Curricula” error, that means Banner has an expected graduation term as something other than 2025.
- JD Law Students who receive a “No Curricula” error should contact the Law School Registrar program for assistance.
- LLM Law Students who receive a “No Curricula” error should contact the LLM Program for assistance.
- MLS Law Students who receive a “No Curriculum” error should contact the Online and Executive Education Program for assistance.
Once submitted, if students need to make any changes to diploma name, please contact University Graduation Coordinator.
Missed the Application Deadline?
Failure to apply to graduate before the deadline may impact: the number of commencement tickets available, inclusion of name in the commencement book, and the awarding of the degree. Please apply by the deadline. If the deadline is missed, Law students will have a hold placed on their record that may delay registration or graduation and must contact Law School Registrar, to discuss options for filing late.
There is no need to confirm the application to the Law School Registrar once submitted online. Students can verify submission after 48 hours via the Banner student account, using the ‘Degree Works’ link under ‘Student Records;’ status will be listed in the top block labeled, ‘Graduation Application Status’ as either ‘applied’ or ‘not applied.’
Return of Title IV
The amount that students with Title IV Federal Aid (Federal PELL, Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford, Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins, Federal PLUS) who withdraw from school will be calculated in compliance with Federal regulations. A statutory schedule is used to determine the amount of Title IV funds a student has earned as of the date the student withdraws or ceases attendance.
If a student withdraws from college prior to completing 60% of a semester, the Financial Aid Office must recalculate the student’s eligibility for all Title IV federal funds. In addition, the same refund guidelines control all other aid funds, except for private or alternative loans. Recalculation is based on a percent of earned aid using the following Federal Return of Title IV funds formula:
- Percent of aid earned = the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date, divided by the total days in the semester. (Any break of five days or more is not counted as part of the days in the semester.)
- Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percent of unearned aid using the following formula:
- Aid to be returned = (100% minus the percent earned) multiplied by the amount of aid disbursed toward institutional charges.
For more information, please visit the Bursar’s Office website.
Students Requesting Accommodations
It is the policy of William & Mary to accommodate students with disabilities and qualifying diagnosed conditions in accordance with federal and state laws. Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a learning, psychiatric, physical, or chronic health diagnosis should contact Student Accessibility Services staff at 757-221-2512 or at sas@wm.edu to determine if accommodations are warranted and to obtain an official letter of accommodation.
Student Accessibility Services fosters student independence, encourages self-determination, emphasizes accommodation over limitation, and creates a comprehensively accessible environment to ensure that individuals are viewed on the basis of ability not disability. If Student Accessibility Services determines that accommodations are warranted, the staff will work with Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Academic Support to implement such accommodations at the Law School. Please stop in to see Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Academic Support for assistance in starting the process of seeking accommodation.
Transcripts
The transcript is the complete record of all academic work attempted at William & Mary, regardless of degree-seeking status or program level. Not only does it reflect academic history, but it also serves to verify and distinguish the degree(s). While corrections could be made to a transcript to correct grade or credit hours earned, upon degree conferral the academic record is sealed, and no change will be made. William & Mary does not print class ranks on either the unofficial or official transcript. Students requiring a statement of class rank should contact the Law School Registrar.
- Official Transcript - must be ordered through the University Registrar Office. A fee is charged for each official transcript and mailed directly to a third party (such as an employer or a Bar) or may be picked up by or mailed to a student.
- Unofficial Transcript - available for currently enrolled students and alumni with access to Banner Self Service to view or print web self-service unofficial transcripts. Students may generate formatted unofficial transcripts using the “Unofficial Transcript Template” in W&M Law OCS TWEN.
William & Mary Law School Specific Online Program Policies
Administrative Disenrollment
Students are not administratively disenrolled from classes for not submitting required work, failure to comply with attendance requirements, or failure to comply with other course requirements.
Attendance
Online students are expected to attend each week of a course. Attendance is defined as participating in an academic activity in the online classroom, including posting in a discussion forum, submitting a written assignment, or submitting a quiz or exam. Simply accessing the course does not qualify as an academic activity. Though attendance is expected each week, it is required every 14 days. Students who do not complete an academic activity in a course within a 14-day period will be considered unofficially withdrawn.
Auditing Online Law Courses
All audit requests for online law courses must be approved by the Associate Dean for Online & Executive Education. Auditing students must complete the enrollment process prior to the end of the course's Add/Drop period each session, contingent upon seat availability. Registration for degree-seeking students enrolling in classes for credit takes priority over auditors. If space is available, the auditor will be administratively registered for the course. Auditors are expected to complete classroom activities and read the materials, but do not take the exam or submit any papers or assignments, and do not earn credit hours. Upon successful completion the course title will be reflected on the auditor’s transcript and reflect a grade of “O”. Students that audit a course may not then take a course for a grade.
Degree-seeking online LL.M., or MLS students may audit a course by completing the appropriate form and submitting to the Law School Registrar.
Non-law students who wish to audit a law course may do so provided the auditor 1) is not taking a seat from a degree-seeking student; 2) the Associate Dean gives permission. Non-law students wishing to audit an online course should contact Online and Executive Education. Review additional information regarding online, non-Law degree-seeking students on the appropriate tab.
Blackboard
The Law School uses the Blackboard learning management system to deliver online programs, orientation, and online courses. You access your Blackboard Courses page, which is automatically populates your course pages each semester, with your W&M credentials.
Catalog
The university’s course catalog provides announcements for the current academic year and is updated each summer. The university reserves the right to make changes in the regulations, charges, and curricula listed therein at any time.
Course Format and Availability
All courses are online and asynchronous. Courses are taught in eight-week sessions. Generally, students take two courses a semester consecutively. Most students take courses in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Law School online degree programs are designed to allow students to complete the degree in 2 to 4 semesters.
Course Substitutions
Online programs reserve the right to substitute required or elective courses with approved equivalent courses as deemed necessary to ensure academic continuity, curricular coherence, and program integrity.
Incomplete Grade
A student can request an incomplete if they have completed at least half of the course successfully with a passing grade. The student must discuss the request with the professor, defining the requirements for successful completion and the time period for completing all remaining coursework. This agreement must be documented by an Incomplete Contract. Incomplete grades will be indicated as an “I” on the student’s transcript until a final grade is submitted. Students must complete coursework and earn a grade in the course by the end of the next semester or the “I” will automatically convert to an F on the student’s transcript.
Online Credit Hour Calculations
The Law School credit hour policy requires students to complete 2 hours of contact activities and 4 hours of non-contact activities each week for each credit hour in a 7-week course. For example, a 4-credit course offered in a 7-week format would require 8 contact hours and 16 non-contact hours of activity each week.
Activities included in contact hour calculations:
- Video lectures with faculty. Faculty generally record a short series of videos that introduce and explain key concepts of the course material.
- Recorded and live sessions featuring industry experts - including panels, speeches, and case study presentations.
- Interviews of industry experts conducted by students - including review of interview protocol with faculty, and completing the interview.
- Faculty-mediated online discussion boards enable in-depth student collaboration, guided by faculty comments and questions.
- Moderated video viewing, allowing for interaction, in-depth analysis, and comments through embedded text, voice, audio file, or webcam by students and faculty.
- Required communication with faculty, such as required check-ins and responses to faculty-posed questions.
Online Student Refund Schedule
Students who drop course(s) during the add/drop period receive a full refund. Students who withdraw after the add/drop period are not eligible for a refund.
Registration
- Registration is facilitated using PATH and students will log in using their W&M credentials. Law students will build and use only the Primary Cart in PATH. Courses in an Alternate Cart will not be registered.
- Online LL.M. and MLS students can find registration and add/drop dates for each semester in the W&M Law School Academic Calendar, listed under "M.L.S. and LL.M. Online Programs" for the applicable term. Online students are only permitted to register for courses specified in their program of study.
- Add/drop - students may not drop a course once add/drop has ended.
Registration Updates (add/drop or withdrawal)
All changes in student schedules must be done in accordance with relevant deadlines as indicated in the W&M Law School Academic Calendar. Students may not add courses after the last day of the add/drop period. If a student drops a course or courses before add/drop ends, the course or courses dropped will be removed from the student’s record and the student will receive a full tuition refund.
Students enrolled in an online program may not drop or withdraw from a course after the drop or withdrawal periods as indicated in the W&M Law School Academic Calendar. Students that withdraw from a course during the withdrawal period will be awarded the grade of “W” in the course. Online students who do not complete, drop, or withdraw from a course will receive the grade earned or, if no work was completed, a grade of “F” in the course. Students are not automatically withdrawn due to non-participation. Withdrawals requested by online LL.M. or MLS students must be approved by the Associate Dean for Online and Executive Education.
Taking Courses
A student is deemed to have taken a course if that student was properly registered in a course, for the required number of academic credit hours, and received a grade, including a failing grade. A student is not deemed to have taken a course when a student withdraws from a course by the course withdrawal deadline. A failing grade in a course is included in calculating a student’s grade point average but results in zero credits awarded toward the number of credits required to graduate.
Retaking a Course
Except for courses that are specifically designated in the catalog as repeatable for credit, no course in which a student receives a passing, incomplete, or deferred grade may be repeated except as an audit. Students who fail a required course needed to satisfy a degree requirement may retake the course once to earn a passing grade of "C" or higher. Non-required courses may not be retaken.
If a course is retaken, both the original and subsequent grades will be included in the calculation of the student's cumulative grade point average.
Voluntary Withdrawal and Leave of Absence
Students who need a temporary interruption in their studies due to extenuating circumstances, including, but not limited to, medical conditions, military obligations, family or caregiver responsibilities, or professional conflicts, should contact their academic advisor as soon as possible. The advisor will work with the student to develop an appropriate plan that supports the student's circumstances and facilitates a timely return to the program.
As a matter of right, students may request a leave of absence (LOA) for up to one calendar year. A request for an LOA must be submitted prior to the start of classes for the applicable semester.
Eligibility for Leave of Absence
Students may request an LOA if they meet the following criteria:
- The student is in good academic standing or has an approved academic success plan.
- The student is not currently subject to dismissal or removal from the program.
- The student demonstrates a valid reason for the request, which may include, but is not limited to:
- Medical or health-related circumstances
- Family or caregiver responsibilities
- Military obligations
- Professional or employment-related conflicts
- Other documented extenuating circumstances
Approval of a leave of absence is not automatic and is granted at the discretion of the program.
Students are expected to return to active enrollment within one calendar year. Students who do not return within this timeframe but subsequently wish to continue their program of study must work with the Senior Assistant Dean to complete the petition for reinstatement. Reinstatement following a leave of more than one year (defined as two regular semesters, fall/spring or spring/fall) requires approval by the Associate Dean and the concurrence of the Vice Dean.
Withdrawal from Course
Online students apply to the Associate Dean for Online and Executive Education and must be done in accordance with relevant deadlines as indicated in the W&M Law School Academic Calendar. If approved, a grade of “W” will appear on the transcript for each course.
Law School 2026-2027 Online Academic Calendar
Academic calendars and exam schedules are maintained by the William & Mary Law Registrar. Calendars are created by the Vice Dean under the direction of the Office of the Provost and are subject to change in the event of major disruptions (natural disasters, national emergencies, etc.) to the normal operations of W&M on the main campus in Williamsburg.
Fall 2026
Session A
Online Fall 2026 Session A academic calendar dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 30 | Fall registration begins |
| August 24 | First day of classes and add/drop begins |
| August 30 | Last day to add/drop |
| September 7 | Labor Day (offices closed) |
| October 14 | Last day of classes |
| October 21 | Fall Session A final grades due |
| January 22, 2027 | Winter degree conferral (no ceremony) |
Session B
Online Fall 2026 Session B academic calendar dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 30 | Fall registration begins |
| October 26 | First day of classes & add/drop period begins |
| November 1 | Last day to add/drop |
| November 3 | Election Day (offices closed) |
| December 16 | Last day of classes |
| December 23 | Fall Session B final grades are due |
| January 22, 2027 | Winter degree conferral (no ceremony) |
Spring 2027
Session A
Spring 2027 Session A academic calendar dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 26 | Spring Registration Begins |
| January 11 | First day of classes and add/drop period begins |
| January 17 | Last day to add/drop |
| January 18 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (offices closed) |
| March 3 | Last day of classes |
| March 10 | Spring Session A final grades due |
| May 21 | Spring degree conferral |
Session B
Spring 2027 Session B academic calendar dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 26 | Spring Registration Begins |
| March 8 | First day of classes and add/drop period begins |
| March 14 | Last day to add/drop |
| April 28 | Last day of classes |
| May 5 | Spring Session B final grades due |
| May 21 | Spring degree conferral |
Academic calendar dates are subject to change. All times listed are Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Summer 2027
Session A
Online Summer 2027 Session A academic calendar dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 19 | Summer Registration Begins |
| May 10 | First day of classes and add/drop begins |
| May 16 | Last day to add/drop |
| May 31 | Memorial Day (offices closed) |
| June 30 | Last day of classes |
| July 7 | Summer Session A final grades due |
| Late August | Summer degree conferral (no ceremony) |
Session B
Online Summer 2027 Session B academic calendar dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 19 | Summer Registration Begins |
| July 4 | Independence Day (offices closed) |
| July 5 | First day of classes and add/drop begins |
| July 11 | Lat day to add/drop |
| August 25 | Last day of classes |
| September 1 | Summer Session B final grades are due |
| Late August | Summer degree conferral (no ceremony) |
Cost of Attendance (2026 - 2027 Academic Year)
The Cost of Attendance is the estimated total cost for the length of the law school program in which one is enrolled. It is important to note that students, if eligible, may borrow up to, but not to exceed, the Cost of Attendance as determined by each school.
Tuition and Fees
Estimated 2026-2027 annual costs for graduate law students.
Master of Legal Studies and Graduate Certificate Costs
- $1,288 tuition per credit hour (estimated total $41,216)
- $112 fees per semester (incoming and continuing)
Online LL.M. in American Legal Studies
Costs, including tuition and fees can be found on the Program Costs website.
Financial Aid
Applicants for need-based financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.FAFSA.gov. It is recommended that every applicant complete the FAFSA form and submit it no later than February 15. Parental information is not required for graduate students. The FAFSA Title IV code for William & Mary is 003705.
Military Veteran Applicants
William & Mary complies with state and federal regulations for veterans and military students and dependents. Additional information regarding domicile status and support for these individuals may be found on the University Registrar’s website.
In-State Tuition Eligibility for Online Students
William & Mary Law School students enrolled in online programs are not eligible for in-state Virginia residency tuition.