Student Advising

Every candidate is assigned to an academic advisor. Candidates work closely with the academic advisor to design a program that fulfills not only the degree requirements, but also the candidate's professional goals.

Before the candidate's program begins, they meet with the academic advisor for an initial advising session. The advisor continues to meet with each candidate throughout their program to assist with academic issues. The advisor also monitors academic and degree progress to ensure each candidate remains on track to earn their degree.


Master of Science in Legal Studies

In order to earn an MS in Legal Studies degree, candidates must successfully complete 26 credits of approved coursework. Of the 26 credits, two courses must be from the first year JD curriculum, which includes Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property and Torts. MS candidates may not elect the second semester of a two-semester course unless they have completed the first semester of the course. For the remaining electives, candidates may choose from a wide array of subjects taught by the School of Law's distinguished faculty and adjunct faculty.

MS candidates also may elect to concentrate their study in a particular area. This is an optional feature and is not required as part of the program. However, should a candidate decide to pursue a concentration, they may concentrate in any of the following specialties – Business and Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and Taxation. Concentrations require the successful completion of 10 credits in the area of specialty. Concentrations are recognized by a transcript notation and a certificate.

MS candidates attend the same classes as JD students. However, MS candidates are graded on an Honors/Pass/Low Pass/Fail basis unless granted permission at the time of admission to be graded on an A to F scale.

Subject to visa restrictions, if applicable, MS candidates may complete the program in one year and as many as four years.