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
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
First-Year Part-Time Curriculum
- Contracts – 4 credits
- Criminal Law – 4 credits
- Property – 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 or |
||||
| Civil Procedure 10:00-11:50 am |
Civil Procedure 10:00-11:50 am |
Experiential Learning or Legal Writing |
||
| 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 Schedule for Part-Time Students
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| Torts 5:30-7:20 pm |
Criminal Law 5:30-7:20 pm |
Torts 5:30-7:20 pm |
Criminal Law 5:30-7:20 pm |
|
|
Experiential Learning |
Legal Writing 7:30-8:45 pm |
Legal Writing 7:30-8:30 pm |