Juris Doctor

School of Law

Admission Information

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of lockstep courses (required courses that must be taken in a prescribed sequence), advanced required courses, core curriculum electives, and general curriculum electives. In addition to providing a solid grounding in the basics of the law, the school’s curriculum offers many opportunities for students to take courses in a variety of specialized areas and programs and to learn those practical skills essential to students’ success in law practice. Coursework is offered via in-person instruction at the School of Law in Fort Worth, Texas.

The full-time program is a three-year course of study consisting of 12-week fall and spring semesters. A seven-week summer session with a limited course schedule is offered.

Lockstep Courses

All entering students must complete required lockstep courses. For the prescribed lockstep course sequence for each division, consult the School of Law Academic Standards in the Student Handbook.

Advanced Required Courses

In addition to the required lockstep courses, all students must successfully complete certain upper-level advanced requirements prior to graduation. For more information, consult the School of Law Academic Standards in the Student Handbook.

Academic Deficiency and Readmission

At the end of the first semester (fall), any student with a grade point average below 1.90 will be dismissed for academic deficiency. A student who was previously dismissed for academic deficiency and is restarting the law school program is required to have a grade point average of 2.33 at the end of the fall semester. At any time after two semesters in the law school, a student with a grade point average below 2.33 will be dismissed for academic deficiency. The School of Law Academic Standards govern probation, restart, and reapplication. For more information, consult the School of Law Academic Standards in the Student Handbook.

The JD degree is conferred on students who satisfactorily complete a minimum of 90 credit hours with a cumulative grade point of 2.33 or better. In addition, each student must complete an upper-level rigorous writing requirement, a six-hour experiential requirement, and a 30-hour pro bono requirement. Students must complete their degree requirements within 72 months of starting law school.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Semester Credit Hours
LAW 7110	Professional Identity	.5
LAW 7001	Analysis, Research, and Writing I	3
LAW 7005	Civil Procedure	4
LAW 7042	Torts	4
LAW 7418	Legislation and Regulation	3
	Semester Credit Hours	14.5
Spring
LAW 7017	Contracts	4
LAW 7032	Property	4
LAW 7002	Analysis, Research, and Writing II	3
LAW 7007	Alternative Dispute Resolution Survey	1
LAW 7110	Professional Identity	.5
LAW 7021	Criminal Law	3
	Semester Credit Hours	15.5
Second Year
LAW 7010	Constitutional Law	4
LAW 7091	Professional Responsibility	3
Upper level electives ^{1, 2}		23
	Semester Credit Hours	30
Third Year
Upper level electives ^{1, 2}		30
	Semester Credit Hours	30
	Total Semester Credit Hours	90

¹: Students must successfully complete a minimum of six credit hours in one or more upper-level experiential courses. As part of the six credit hours, the student must successfully complete an approved externship or a clinic that involves advising or representing one or more actual clients or serving as a third-party neutral. An experiential course must be a simulation course, a law clinic, or a field placement.
²: One LARW III course is required.