Is Purdue University's Law School Accredited? Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Students
The question of whether Purdue University's law school is accredited is a common concern for prospective law students. In this article, we will explore the current status of Purdue's law school, its accreditation status, and the implications for future law students.
The Current Status of Purdue University's Law School
As of the most recent listing in July 2023, out of the 15 accredited online law schools, none are listed as Purdue University's law school. This verification was conducted on March 28, 2024, and the list can be found on the ABA's website.
It's important to note that the website listing is a crucial reference point for accreditation status. Additionally, schools like Lincoln Memorial University are noted to have a hybrid program that does not meet ABA requirements, as it exceeds the number of distance education credit hours permitted under ABA Standards.
Background and History
Currently, Purdue's law school is known as Concord Law School at Purdue University Global. This name change occurred after Purdue University purchased the school in 1998. Concord Law School became the first fully online law school in the United States when it was established in 1998.
Accreditation and Affiliations
Purdue University Global, in which Concord Law School is located, is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditation covers the entire university, but it does not necessarily extend to individual programs. It's important to understand that regional accreditation is not sufficient for a law school to be considered accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), which is the standard for law schools in the United States.
Faculty Reactions and Concerns
The acquisition of Concord Law School by Purdue University has not been enthusiastically received by all faculty members at Purdue. This topic is further discussed on TaxProf Blog’s post, "Purdue Is No Longer The Only Big Ten University Without A Law School". The post delves into the background of the acquisition, the reasons behind it, and the faculty's mixed reactions.
Implications for Prospective Students
If you are considering pursuing a law degree from Purdue, it is important to understand the difference between regional accreditation and ABA accreditation. Regional accreditation is a mark of academic quality, but it does not guarantee that the law school will meet all of the ABA's specific criteria for legal education.
Prospective students should carefully review the ABA's list of accredited law schools, found on its official website, to determine if the program they are interested in meets these rigorous standards. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the implications of pursuing a legal education through an online or hybrid program, as these may not fully align with traditional, in-person educational experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Purdue University’s law school, now known as Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, is not on the ABA's list of accredited law schools. This is a critical factor to consider when deciding on a legal education path. Prospective students should carefully review all available resources and accreditation lists to make an informed decision about their legal education.