Program Overview

Law, J.D.

Joseph F. Rice School of Law

Become a leader serving your community. Our graduates transition seamlessly into successful careers in business, government and private practice around the country.

You'll be prepared to serve your community through rigorous legal studies, hands-on experiential learning and comprehensive professional identity formation. Find your unique skills and strengths, take a deep dive into the subjects you are most passionate about and set yourself up for a successful career.

Program Highlights

• High Employability
  • Find a job quickly. Within 10 months of graduation, 95 percent of our Class of 2021 was employed.
• Top Faculty
  • Learn from top faculty scholars in an environment that emphasizes community.
• Location, Location, Location
  • Study in a state-of-the-art building close to the S.C. State House, S.C. Supreme Court and multiple private law firms.

What You’ll Study

The J.D. degree is a full-time, three-year program. You must earn 90 credit hours to graduate. First-year courses cover basic legal principles and prepare you for the more specialized courses you'll take your second and third year. Upper-level courses allow you to pursue specific interests and prepare for your career.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Legal Writing
  • Creating clear, concise and persuasive legal documents, such as contracts, briefs or pleadings
• Critical Thinking
  • Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
• Analytical Reasoning
  • Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions
• Communication
  • Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression
• Legal Knowledge
  • Interpreting and applying laws and regulations to specific situations or issues
• Advocacy
  • Promoting or defending a cause or issue often using awareness, education and policy change

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Lawyer
• Government Agent
• Politician
• Public Service Director
• Judge
• Legal Analyst

Workplace Settings

• Government/Public Service
• Law
• Politics

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Combination Degree | Master's | Doctorate
  • Accountancy and Law, M.A.C.C. & J.D.
    • Darla Moore School of Business
    • Joseph F. Rice School of Law
  • Business Administration and Law, One-Year M.B.A. & J.D.
    • Darla Moore School of Business
    • Joseph F. Rice School of Law
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice and Law, M.A. & J.D.
    • McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
    • Joseph F. Rice School of Law
  • Earth and Environmental Resources Management and Law, M.E.E.R.M. & J.D.
    • McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
    • Joseph F. Rice School of Law
  • Economics and Law, M.A. & J.D.
    • Darla Moore School of Business
    • Joseph F. Rice School of Law
  • Social Work and Law, M.S.W. & J.D.
    • Joseph F. Rice School of Law
    • College of Social Work