Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at Penn State Law is a three-year, six-semester course of study offered in University Park, Pennsylvania. Located on Penn State’s University Park campus, Penn State Law offers all of the resources of a world-class, public research institution while also featuring a student-centered academic environment. With a curriculum taught by renowned legal experts, interdisciplinary study opportunities across Penn State’s largest campus, ample clinical and experiential learning opportunities, and a dedicated Career Services team, the Penn State Law J.D. Program is designed to give students the capacity to accomplish all of their professional goals.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a J.D. degree at Penn State Law, a student must:
- Earn at least 88 credits, including all first-year required courses. The maximum number of credits permitted per semester is 17.
- Be in residence for six semesters. To be in residence, the student must enroll in at least 12 credits, at full tuition, and not work more than 20 hours per week during the semester. Credits earned through the Semester in Washington Program, the Semester in Harrisburg Program, the Externships Everywhere Program, and authorized Penn State Law semester-long study abroad programs may be used to fulfill this requirement. Credits earned during the summer months may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
- Complete with a grade of at least C one course designated as an Upper Level Writing Seminar course.
- Complete with a grade of at least C the course in Professional Responsibility.
- Complete with a grade of at least a C one or more experiential course(s) totaling at least six credit hours.
- Complete the Professional Development program that takes place in January of your first year.
- Starting with the Class of 2026, complete with a grade of at least a C one course approved by the faculty to comply with ABA 303(c).
Curriculum
The curriculum for the J.D. program includes:
- First Year - Fall:
- PSLFY 900: Civil Procedure (4 credits)
- PSLFY 910: Criminal Law (3 credits)
- PSLFY 912: Applied Legal Analysis and Writing I (3 credits)
- PSLFY 908: Legal Research Tools and Strategies (2 credits)
- PSLFY 925: Torts (4 credits)
- First Year - Spring:
- Required Professional Development Program
- PSLFY 907: Criminal Procedure (3 credits)
- PSLFY 903: Constitutional Law I (3 credits)
- PSLFY 905: Contracts (4 credits)
- PSLFY 914: Applied Legal Analysis and Writing II (2 credits)
- PSLFY 920: Property (4 credits)
- Second or Third Year:
- PRORP 934: Professional Responsibility (3 credits)
- Required Experiential Learning Credits (6 credits)
- Required Upper-Level Writing Seminar Course (2-3 credits)
- Required ABA 303(c) Course (1-3 credits)
- Elective Credits (41-44 credits)
- Total Credits: 88
Admissions
Located on Penn State's University Park campus, Penn State Law offers all of the resources of a world-class, public research institution while also featuring a student-centered academic environment. With a curriculum taught by renowned legal experts, interdisciplinary study opportunities across Penn State’s largest campus, ample clinical and experiential learning opportunities, and a dedicated Career Services team available to work with students from day one, the Penn State Law J.D. Program is designed to give students the capacity to accomplish all of their professional goals.
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 profession.