Chapter 4:
Degree and Certificate Programs

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:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core areas of substantive and procedural law;

• demonstrate competence in legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, and problem-solving;

• demonstrate competence in written and oral communication in the legal context;

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities to clients and the legal system;

• demonstrate professional skills needed for effective participation in the legal profession; and

• participate in pro bono work, consistent with the Wake Forest University motto, Pro Humanitate.

Dual and Concurrent Degree Programs

• JD/Master of Business Administration (website)

• JD/MA in Bioethics (website) (Not Currently Accepting New Students)

• JD/MA in Sustainability (website) (Not Currently Accepting New Students)

• JD/Master of Divinity (website)

Summer Abroad

• London, England (website)

• Venice, Italy (website)

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   

• Business Law

• Criminal Law

• Intellectual Property Law

• Technology Law

Program Learning Objectives

• Foundational Knowledge of U.S. Legal System: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the foundational principles, institutions, and procedures of the U.S. legal system, both state and federal.

• Comparative Legal Analysis: Students will be able to compare legal systems from different jurisdictions, particularly the U.S. system, with their home country's legal system.

• Legal Research and Writing Skills: Students will develop legal research and writing skills, enabling them to analyze complex legal issues and communicate effectively in English in legal contexts.

• Specialized Knowledge in Chosen Area of Law: Students who choose to specialize in an area of law, such as business law, international law, or criminal law will demonstrate proficiency in that area of law. 

• Engage in U.S. Legal Education: Students will engage and participate in U.S. legal education pedagogy, which may include the question-and-answer method, class discussions, and presentations.

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

• Conduct Comprehensive Research: Graduates will apply advanced research methods to produce thorough and original analyses of their dissertation topics, integrating comparative legal frameworks and policy analyses where relevant.

• Synthesize and Communicate Ideas in Writing: Graduates will critically synthesize complex research findings, articulating them in clear, cogent writing that meets the dissertation standards.

• Present and Defend Dissertation Findings: Graduates will effectively present, justify, and defend their dissertation research findings to academic and professional audiences, offering original proposals or solutions when appropriate. 

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:

1. Examine the legal issues relevant to their workplace;

2. Analyze the legal and regulatory framework applicable to their industry and workplace;

3. Evaluate the impact of the legal and regulatory framework on the business goals of their industry and workplace;

4. Recognize the relevant practice limitations on non-lawyer professionals concerning legal issues;

5. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively regarding legal issues and decisions and how they impact their workplace.

Dual Degree

• MSL/Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (website)