Program Overview

Overview

The Penn State Dickinson Law J.D. Program is a three-year, six-semester course of study offered in both Carlisle and University Park locations. At its essence, the lawyering profession is one that seeks the truth, works to restore equity, and strives to make people and organizations whole again. The program introduces students to both lawyering skills and extralegal competencies in the 1L curriculum and shapes their career with a concentrated focus on chosen areas of legal practice in the upper-level curriculum.

Admission Requirements

Penn State Dickinson Law offers two vibrant locations, boasts decades of leading legal education, and remains committed to supportive and intentionally small classes with individualized attention from professors. The law school provides all the amazing resources and networks that come with being a Penn State student.

Program Requirements

To receive the J.D. degree, a student must:

1. earn at least 88 credits, including all first-year required courses;
2. be in residence for six semesters;
3. meet good standing requirements;
4. complete an upper-level writing seminar with at least a C;
5. complete Professional Responsibility with at least a C;
6. complete the required credits for experiential learning; and
7. complete one course that satisfies ABA Standard 303(c) with at least a C.

The program's course list includes:

• FIRST YEAR - FALL:
  • LWREQ 900: Civil Procedure (4 credits)
  • LWREQ 910: Criminal Law (3 credits)
  • LWREQ 912: Legal Analysis & Writing I (2 credits)
  • LWREQ 915: Pathways to Legal Success: Foundations, Skills, and Career Development (1 credit)
  • LWREQ 925: Torts (4 credits)
  • LWREQ 930: Race & Equal Protection of the Laws (0.5 credits)
• FIRST YEAR - SPRING:
  • LWREQ 903: Constitutional Law I (3 credits)
  • LWREQ 905: Contracts (4 credits)
  • LWREQ 908: Legal Research (2 credits)
  • LWREQ 914: Legal Analysis & Writing II (2 credits)
  • LWREQ 920: Property (4 credits)
  • LWREQ 930: Race & Equal Protection of the Laws (0.5 credits)
• SECOND OR THIRD YEAR:
  • LWREQ 934: Professional Responsibility (3 credits)
  • Required Upper-Level Writing Seminar Course (2-3 credits)
  • Required Experiential Learning Credits (9 credits)
  • Required ABA 303(c) Course (1-3 credits)
  • Elective Credits (40-43 credits)
  • Total Credits (88 credits)

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please note the requirements for your intended state or territory.