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 day division program is a three-year course of study consisting of 12-week fall and spring semesters. The part-time program is generally a four-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.