Program Overview

Introduction to the Juris Doctor Program

The Juris Doctor (JD) is a professional degree required to practice law in the United States. At Temple University, students can earn a JD in three years in the full-time division or in four years in the evening and part-time divisions. The JD program delivers the knowledge, skills, experience, and professionalism necessary to excel at the practice of law.

About the Program

Temple's JD program offers diverse doctrinal, experiential, and integrated courses, all led by accomplished faculty, ensuring that every Temple student has access to a world-class legal education, no matter what their area of interest. Students who are currently enrolled in the JD program may take and apply coursework for the Transnational Law LLM degree toward the Juris Doctor. These students may then qualify for the JD/LLM degree.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

In accordance with the Faculty Regulations, students must complete the academic requirements necessary for the degree within 6 years. Those taking an authorized leave of absence for active military duty may exceed 6 years.

Campus Location

The program is located on the main campus.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status

The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Job Prospects

Graduate employment outcome reports submitted to the American Bar Association (ABA) and National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS) for the previous three years are posted annually on the Beasley School of Law website. These reports contain details about the employment outcomes of graduates at ten months post-graduation.

Financing Opportunities

Students may contact the Temple Law Financial Aid Office for information about financial aid.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline

The application deadline is March 1.

Application Fee and Waiver

The application fee is $65. Payment may be made by credit card if the application is submitted electronically. For applications submitted by mail, a check or money order should be made payable to Temple University and must be drawn on a U.S. bank. The application fee is nonrefundable and cannot be credited toward any charges if an applicant subsequently registers as a student.

Letters of Reference

Letters of recommendation should be obtained from professors or employers directly acquainted with the applicant's academic or professional capabilities. A maximum of 4 letters are required.

Degree Required for Admission Consideration

All matriculants to the JD program must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an institution approved by one of the regional accrediting associations of the United States.

Personal Statement

All applicants must submit a personal statement with the application form. The personal statement provides an opportunity for applicants to present themselves, their background, their experiences, and their ideas to the Admissions Committee.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

All applicants are required to have taken the LSAT within five years of applying for admission and are required to have their scores reported to Temple Law School as part of an LSAC's CAS Law School Report.

Law School Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

All applicants must register with LSAC's CAS for the academic year during which application is made.

Resume

While a resume is not required, applicants are encouraged to submit one as part of their application materials.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements

• Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 88
• Required Courses:
  • Mandated First-Year Curriculum
    • Civil Procedure I
    • Constitutional Law
    • Contracts
    • Criminal Law I
    • Legal Research and Writing I (LRW I)
    • Legal Research and Writing II (LRW II)
    • Property
    • Torts
    • Introduction to Transactional Skills
    • Elective Menu Course
  • Requirements After the First Year
    • Professional Responsibility course
    • Two upper-level writing courses
    • Serial Paper
    • Research Paper
    • Upper-level Experiential/Professional Skills courses
    • Bias in the Law course
    • Upper-level electives

Cumulative GPA Required to be Awarded the Degree

The minimum cumulative GPA required to be awarded the degree is 2.0.