2025-2026 Law Curriculum and Courses 2025-2026 Law Curriculum and Courses |
|
1. Description of Program
UMass Law’s progran description is published at https://www.umassd.edu/law/academics/.
2. Learning Outcomes
UMass Law’s learning outcomes are published at https://www.umassd.edu/law/about/learning-outcomes/
3. Program Requirements
In order to receive the Juris Doctor degree, a student must earn 90 course credits, successfully complete all curricular requirements, complete 30 hours of Pro Bono service and the MPRE graduation requirement, satisfy all probationary requirements, and fulfill all financial obligations to the university.
Other sections of the UMass Law website contain the official disclosure of requirements for progression, performance, and ethical behavior, including the UMass Law Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, and Academic Integrity Policy. The UMass Law website lists current faculty and describes the academic and student programs that UMass Law offers. The UMass Law website also provides a full disclosure of consumer information as required by the ABA Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools.
This page lists UMass Law’s required courses and is updated annually. In addition to the required courses described below, students must satisfy the distribution requirements (Foundation, Practice, and the Upper-Level Writing Requirement). The Law School also offers a changing selection of elevtive courses. Generally, electives are chosen based on such factors as the importance of the area of the law, the skills and values which can be taught, student interest, and faculty expertise. Topics courses are scheduled to provide opportunities for a one-time presentation of a special topic of interest. Many electives are taught by practicing attorneys or judges, who bring an invaluable practical perspective to their topic of expertise. Because working professionals are usually available only in the evening hours, and because both full-time and part-time students can benefit from these courses, they are often scheduled in the evenings. The Law School is proud to offer flexible access to specialized and elective courses.
Students may also explore other areas of interest with a faculty member through an Independent Legal Research Project.
Additional Graduation Requirements
These courses are required for full-time students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 after their first semester or part-time students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 after their second semester. - 1L Additional Graduation Requirement (eligible courses will be listed on the class schedule each year)
Other Courses
In addition to the required courses, students must satisfy the Foundation and Practice distributions and complete the Upper-Level Writing Requirement and will have the opportunity to take a number of the electives listed below. No class may be used to satisfy more than one requirement. Foundation Courses
Students are required to take a minimum of six credits from the courses designated as Foundation courses. Practice Courses
Students are required to take at least six credits of Practice courses. Three of the six Practice credits must be satisfied through a clinic or field placement course. Upper-Level Writing Requirement
Students are required to satisfy the Upper-Level Writing Requirement (at least two credits) by writing a paper in a designated elective course or by doing an Independent Legal Research Project. Students must receive a grade of B or better to satisfy this requirement. Other Electives
In choosing electives, students should remember that they must satisfy the distribution dequirements: Foundation, Practice, and Upper-Level Writing.
|