​JD Program

The degree of Juris Doctor is the basic professional degree offered by USD School of Law.

USD Law's JD program prepares students to pass the bar exam and practice law, while allowing students to explore diverse interests and career goals. USD Law offers:

  • A full-time JD program (typically 3 years)
  • A part-time JD program (typically 4 years)
  • A seven-week summer program, which makes it possible to take a lighter class load during the semester

Key Program Features

  • Program is designed for students who are prepared to devote their entire time to the study of law
  • Generally requires three full academic years in residence
  • Courses typically offered Monday – Friday
  • Option to take summer courses to expedite the completion of the degree

Program Timeline

  • Enrollment is in the fall semester only, with classes typically beginning in the third week of August
  • USD School of Law accepts June LSAT or GRE scores

Application and Eligibility Requirements

Application

First-Year Full-Time Curriculum

  • Experiential Advocacy Practicum – 1 credit (both semesters)
  • Contracts – 4 credits
  • Criminal Law – 4 credits
  • Property – 4 credits
  • Torts – 4 credits
  • Legal Writing and Research – 2 credits (both semesters)
  • Civil Procedure - 4 credits
  • Constitutional Law - 4 credits

Key Program Features

  • Nationally ranked, four-year part-time JD Program (fully ABA-accredited)
  • Ability to work full-time or part-time and take classes in the evenings
  • Courses are offered Monday – Thursday evenings beginning at 5:30 p.m.
  • Flexibility to take both day and evening courses after your first year of study
  • Option to take summer courses to expedite the completion of the degree

Program Timeline

  • Enrollment is in the fall semester only, with classes typically beginning in the third week of August
  • USD School of Law accepts June LSAT or GRE scores
  • Day courses are available to part-time students after the first year

Application and Eligibility Requirements

Application

First-Year Part-Time Curriculum

  • Contracts – 4 credits
  • Civil Procedure – 4 credits
  • Constitutional Law – 4 credits
  • Torts – 4 credits
  • Legal Writing and Research – 2 credits (both semesters)
  • Experiential Advocacy Practicum – 1 credit (both semesters)

Sample First-Year Schedule for Full-Time Students

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
       

Experiential Learning
8:30-10:20 am 

or

Legal Writing
9:30-10:30 am

  Civil Procedure
10:00-11:50 am
  Civil Procedure
10:00-11:50 am

Experiential Learning
10:45-12:35 pm 

or

Legal Writing
10:45-11:45 am

Criminal Law
1:00-2:50 pm
Legal Writing 1:00-2:15 pm Criminal Law
1:00-2:50 pm
   
Torts
5:30-7:20 pm
  Torts
5:30-7:20 pm
   

Sample First-Year Fall Schedule for Part-Time Students

Monday Tuesday Wednesday  Thursday Friday
Torts
5:30-7:20 pm
Civil Procedure
5:30-7:20 pm
Torts
5:30-7:20 pm
Civil Procedure
5:30-7:20 pm
 

Experiential Learning
7:30-9:20 pm

Legal Writing
7:30-8:45 pm
Legal Writing
7:30-8:30 pm