JD CERTIFICATES OF SPECIALIZATION
For Prospective Students
Once admitted to law school, you have the option to enhance your Juris Doctor (JD) by pursuing a Certificate of Specialization in a specific area of law. These certificates allow you to tailor your studies, gain deeper expertise, and strengthen your credentials for future career opportunities. To earn a certificate, students must meet specific academic requirements, including completing designated coursework.
If you are a current JD student, please visit the JD & Certificate Requirements page
for more information about certificates.
CERTIFICATES IN SPECIALIZED STUDY
The Business Law Certificate recognizes JD students who have developed specialized expertise in business law, equipping them with the knowledge and skills essential for navigating corporate, financial, and commercial legal matters. This certificate demonstrates a strong foundation in business-related legal principles and enhances career opportunities in corporate law, commercial litigation, regulatory compliance, entrepreneurship, and more.
Certificate Requirements:
To earn the Business Law Certificate, JD students must:
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Complete at least 17 credit hours of approved coursework
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Fulfill the following course requirements:
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- Business Organizations
- Commercial Law
- Federal Income Tax
- Contract Drafting OR Real Estate Drafting
- Seminar Paper Requirement
- Elective course list, CLICK HERE.
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This certificate provides JD students with a competitive edge in the business law field, preparing them to advise clients, draft complex contracts, and navigate financial regulations with confidence.
NOTE: As the law school curriculum evolves, new courses or seminars may be eligible to count toward certificate course requirements. Students should consult the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine whether a particular course qualifies. The Associate Dean, in consultation with relevant faculty members, also has the authority to remove courses from the list of electives if they are no longer offered.
The Criminal Law Certificate recognizes JD students who have developed specialized expertise in criminal law, preparing them for careers in prosecution, defense, policy work, and judicial practice. This certificate demonstrates a strong foundation in criminal procedure, evidence, and advocacy—essential skills for those seeking to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Certificate Requirements:
To earn the Criminal Law Certificate, JD students must:
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Complete at least 17 credit hours of approved coursework
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Fulfill the following course requirements:
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- Criminal Procedure: Investigation
- Evidence
- Seminar Paper Requirement
- Criminal Process (year-long course) AND Field Placement Credit. These are taken concurrently.
- Elective course list, CLICK HERE.
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This certificate provides JD students with the practical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in criminal law practice, from trial advocacy to legal research and case strategy.
NOTE: As the law school curriculum evolves, new courses or seminars may be eligible to count toward certificate course requirements. Students should consult the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine whether a particular course qualifies. The Associate Dean, in consultation with relevant faculty members, also has the authority to remove courses from the list of electives if they are no longer offered.
The Environmental and Natural Resources Law Certificate recognizes JD students who have demonstrated specialized proficiency in environmental protection, resource management, and regulatory law. This certificate equips students with the legal knowledge and skills necessary to address critical environmental challenges, advocate for sustainable policies, and navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
Certificate Requirements:
To earn the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Certificate, JD students must:
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Complete at least 17 credit hours of approved coursework
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Fulfill the following course requirements:
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- Administrative Law
- Environmental Law OR Natural Resources Law
- Seminar Paper Requirement
- Elective course list, CLICK HERE.
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This certificate provides JD students with a strong foundation in environmental regulations, resource management, and administrative law, preparing them to advocate for environmental justice, advise clients on compliance, and shape policies that impact the natural world.
NOTE: As the law school curriculum evolves, new courses or seminars may be eligible to count toward certificate course requirements. Students should consult the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine whether a particular course qualifies. The Associate Dean, in consultation with relevant faculty members, also has the authority to remove courses from the list of electives if they are no longer offered.
The Intellectual Property (IP) Law Certificate recognizes JD students who have developed specialized expertise in protecting creative works, innovations, and brand identities. This certificate equips students with the legal knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets—critical for industries ranging from technology and entertainment to healthcare and business.
Certificate Requirements:
To earn the Intellectual Property Law Certificate, JD students must:
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Complete at least 17 credit hours of approved coursework
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Fulfill the following course requirements:
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- Patent Law
- Copyright Law
- Trademark & Unfair Comp.
- Seminar Paper Requirement
- Elective course list, CLICK HERE.
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This certificate provides JD students with a strong foundation in intellectual property law, preparing them to protect innovations, advocate for creators, and advise clients in a rapidly growing legal field.
NOTE: As the law school curriculum evolves, new courses or seminars may be eligible to count toward certificate course requirements. Students should consult the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine whether a particular course qualifies. The Associate Dean, in consultation with relevant faculty members, also has the authority to remove courses from the list of electives if they are no longer offered.
The International Law Certificate recognizes JD students who have developed specialized expertise in the legal frameworks governing global relations, trade, human rights, and diplomacy. This certificate prepares students to navigate cross-border legal issues, engage in international dispute resolution, and advocate for global justice.
Certificate Requirements:
To earn the International Law Certificate, JD students must:
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Complete at least 17 credit hours of approved coursework
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Fulfill the following course requirements:
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- International Law
- Seminar Paper Requirement
- Elective course list, CLICK HERE.
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This certificate provides JD students with a strong foundation in international legal principles, equipping them to work in government agencies, international organizations, multinational corporations, and nonprofits focused on global legal challenges.
NOTE: As the law school curriculum evolves, new courses or seminars may be eligible to count toward certificate course requirements. Students should consult the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine whether a particular course qualifies. The Associate Dean, in consultation with relevant faculty members, also has the authority to remove courses from the list of electives if they are no longer offered.
The Litigation and Dispute Resolution Certificate recognizes JD students who have developed specialized expertise in trial advocacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution. This certificate provides students with the practical skills needed to effectively represent clients, navigate courtroom procedures, and resolve disputes through litigation or alternative dispute resolution methods.
Certificate Requirements:
To earn the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Certificate, JD students must:
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Complete at least 17 credit hours of approved coursework
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Fulfill the following course requirements:
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- Evidence
- Pre-trial Practice OR Criminal Procedure: Adjudication OR Mediation/Advanced Negotiation
- Field Placement OR Clinical Placement
- Seminar Paper Requirement
- Elective course list, CLICK HERE.
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This certificate provides JD students with a strong foundation in trial preparation, courtroom advocacy, and dispute resolution techniques, preparing them for successful careers in litigation, mediation, and beyond.
NOTE: As the law school curriculum evolves, new courses or seminars may be eligible to count toward certificate course requirements. Students should consult the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine whether a particular course qualifies. The Associate Dean, in consultation with relevant faculty members, also has the authority to remove courses from the list of electives if they are no longer offered.
The Public Interest Law and Policy Certificate recognizes JD students who have developed specialized expertise in advocating for underrepresented individuals, communities, and causes. This certificate equips students with the legal knowledge and practical experience needed to address social justice issues, influence policy, and provide meaningful legal services to those in need.
Certificate Requirements:
To earn the Public Interest Law and Policy Certificate, JD students must:
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Complete at least 17 credit hours of approved coursework
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Fulfill the following course requirements:
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- Administrative Law OR Legislative Process OR Statutory Interpretation
- Seminar Paper Requirement
- Field Placement or Clinical Placement
- Certificate of Service (complete at least 50 hours of pro bono work through the Pro Bono Initiative)
- Elective course list, CLICK HERE.
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This certificate provides JD students with a strong foundation in public interest law, preparing them to serve as advocates for social change, policy reform, and equal access to justice.
NOTE: As the law school curriculum evolves, new courses or seminars may be eligible to count toward certificate course requirements. Students should consult the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine whether a particular course qualifies. The Associate Dean, in consultation with relevant faculty members, also has the authority to remove courses from the list of electives if they are no longer offered.