Academics
In addition to the J.D., the law school offers the LL.M. and S.J.D. Students may take relevant courses in other programs and apply credit toward the J.D.; a maximum of 12 credits may be applied. The following joint degrees may be earned: J.D./D.V.M. (Juris Doctor/ Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/ Master of Business Administration), J.D./M.C.S. (Juris Doctor/Master of Computer Science), J.D./M.D. (Juris Doctor/ Doctor of Medicine), J.D./M.Ed. (Juris Doctor/ Master of Education), J.D./M.H.R.I.R. (Juris Doctor/Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations), J.D./M.S.Chem (Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Chemistry), J.D./M.S.Journ (Juris Doctor/Master Science in Journalism), J.D./M.S.N.R.E.S. (Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences), J.D./M.U.P. (Juris Doctor/Master of Urban Planning), and J.D./Ph.D.Ed. (Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy in Education). A joint J.D. and master’s degree is offered in other fields as well.
The College of Law offers concentrations in corporate law, criminal law, environmental law, family law, intellectual property law, international law, labor law, litigation, securities law, sports law, tax law, torts and insurance, and public interest law. In addition, clinics are open to second- and third-year students. Numerous seminars are generally limited-enrollment classes to ensure more individualized experiences and are offered each semester to all second- and third-year students. The topics vary widely to ensure timely coverage of relevant issues. Externships offer students the opportunity to receive law credit for uncompensated work with a nonprofit organization, government agency, or a judge. Students may work as research assistants for faculty members. They may also participate in individual research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, which result in a substantial research paper and corresponding academic credit for scholarly work. Courses that involve interaction with live clients include externships, clinics, legislative projects, and appellate defender work. Additional field work is available through the Prisoner’s Rights Research Project. The David C. Baum Memorial Lectures are presented twice each year by distinguished scholars in the areas of civil liberties and civil rights. The Paul M. Van Arsdell, Jr. Memorial Lecture is presented annually on litigation and the legal profession. The Carl Vacketta/Piper Rudnick Lecture is presented annually on government and public affairs. Students may receive credit for ABA-approved study-abroad programs. The Academic Assistance Program offers group programs and individual counseling and tutoring. There are 7 minority student organizations. There are also minority career fairs, numerous speakers and lectures, and a student-chaired diversity committee. The most widely taken electives are Trial Advocacy, Business Associations, and Evidence.
To earn the J.D., candidates must complete 90 total credits, of which 33 are for required courses. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required courses. The following first-year courses are required of all students: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law I, Contracts, Criminal Law, Introduction to Advocacy, Legal Research, Legal Writing and Analysis, Property, and Torts. Required upper-level courses consist of Professional Responsibility and Upper-level Writing. The required orientation program for first-year students is a 2-day orientation filled with information and experiences designed to acclimate new students to the law school experience and expectations.
To graduate, candidates must have a GPA of 2.0, have completed the upper-division writing requirement, and have 90 semester hours of passing grades, 56 hours earned from the College of Law, at least 4 full-time semesters at the College of Law, and passing grades in all required courses.