Chapter 4:
Degree and Certificate Programs

Degree Programs

The School of Law has four distinct degree programs. Several of those programs contain sub-programs or partnerships, all of which are outlined in the descriptions below.

Juris Doctor (JD)

The Juris Doctor (JD) degree program is a three year, full-time residential program with cohort dates that begin each fall semester.  Successful completion of the JD degree program allows graduates to sit for the bar examination in any US jurisdiction.

Program Learning Objectives

In accordance with ABA Standards, the School of Law has established that graduates of the Wake Forest Law JD program will accomplish the following learning objectives. Although the school measures student success in a variety of ways, a student’s successfully passing the required curriculum demonstrates that the student has achieved basic competence for ethical participation in the legal profession. Graduates of the Wake Forest School of Law JD program will:

Dual and Concurrent Degree Programs

Summer Abroad


Master of Laws (LL.M.)

The Master of Laws (LLM) degree program is a one-year, full-time program for international attorneys. The program allows students the opportunity to learn about US legal systems, increase their general legal knowledge, and to specialize in one of four areas of law. Successful completion of the program may also allow graduates the opportunity to qualify to sit for the bar examination in a limited number of jurisdictions in the United States.  The requirements of each participating jurisdiction vary and each student is responsible for understanding admission requirements and how they relate to their course work in the School of Law.

Specializations   

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree is designed for scholars and teachers of law and is most often obtained by international attorneys who are pursuing academic or high ranking governmental careers in their home countries. The SJD is not a course-oriented degree but rather is directed towards scholarly research and producing a dissertation of publishable quality that contributes in an original manner to the area of law to which it is directed. The program can be completed between two and five years.

The SJD is the highest post graduate law degree offered by the School of Law. Each SJD candidate is assigned a principal faculty advisor with expertise in the student’s research area and two additional faculty members who form the student’s doctoral committee. This faculty committee evaluates the student’s progress, makes recommendations, and conducts an oral examination on the dissertation.

Program Learning Objectives

Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program is an online graduate degree program offered by the School of Law for students who need legal tools and knowledge to navigate risk, compliance, and the legal environment in their careers, but who do not need to practice law. The program offers both an MSL degree, as well as certificates for those who do not wish to seek the full degree. The MSL program is either part-time or full-time but requires continuous enrollment during the program of study. Generally, students seeking the MSL degree can complete the program in two years.

Program Learning Objectives

Graduates of the Master of Studies in Law program will:

Dual Degree