Curriculum Planning
Requirements for Graduation
A student shall be eligible for the degree of Juris Doctor upon satisfying the following requirements:
- Successful completion of eighty-six (86) credit units, 74 of which must be graded credits
- Successful completion of the required curriculum
- Maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
- Full-time division students: completion of 6 full-time semesters [12 - 17 credits per semester]
- Students in the full-time division may not advance the date of their graduation by taking classes during the summer session.
- Additional credits earned in one academic year or summer session will not permit a student in the full-time division to take fewer than the minimum credit hours (12) per semester thereafter.
- Students who have transferred divisions can satisfy residency requirement in the following ways. Students may not transfer divisions in their final semester of law school.
- Full-time students who seek to transfer to the part-time division must meet with a member of the Dean's Office to discuss the conditions upon which a transfer will be approved.
- A student in the part-time division who transfers, after approval from the Dean's Office, to the full-time division:
- Before the third semester and graduates in three years (six semesters) must complete a minimum of six hours of summer courses.
- Before the fourth semester and graduates in three years (six semesters) must complete a minimum of eight hours of summer courses.
- Before the fifth semester and graduates in three years (six semesters) must complete a minimum of twelve hours of summer courses over two summers.
- Additional credits earned in one academic year or summer session will not permit a student to take fewer than the minimum credit hours per semester thereafter.
- Part-time division students: completion of 8 part-time semesters [8 - 12 credits per semester]
- A student in the part-time division can achieve the required time in residence in either of two ways:
- Eight Semesters: A student in the part-time division can meet the residency requirement upon the completion of eight semesters.
- Seven Semesters and at Least Two Summer Sessions: A student in the part-time division can meet the residency requirement upon the completion of seven part time semesters and at least a total of 8 academic credits over two or more summer sessions. Students in the part-time division who wish to accelerate their graduation should consult with the Registrar to make sure that they will be able to meet all degree and tuition requirements under the accelerated program.
- Additional credits earned in one academic year or summer session will not permit a student to take fewer than the minimum credit hours per semester thereafter.
- Students must complete their course of study for the J.D. degree no later than seven years after commencing law study at the School of Law or at a law school from which the school has accepted transfer credit.
