College of Law
Hannah R. Arterian, Dean
College of Law
The College of Law was established in 1895 and is a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools. It is fully accredited by the American Bar Association.
At the College of Law it is understood that the pursuit of excellence is a challenge that has to be met every day. That is why the college promotes a rigorous, dynamic, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of law. The College of Law prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future by educating them in the legal foundations of civil society. Students learn the skills and doctrines of the law while exploring its history and theory. Students participate in clinics and externships where they represent real clients, they participate in trial and appellate court training and competitions, and they edit and contribute to legal scholarship by participating on legal journals. The college’s interdisciplinary focus enhances student understanding of law and of legal institutions in a global context. Through research, course work, joint degree programs, interdisciplinary centers, and community service opportunities, students and faculty engage in the broader community in a collaborative process of discovery and learning.
Successful completion of the three-year program leads to the juris doctor (J.D.) degree. The college also offers joint degree programs with other schools and colleges within the University. These programs lead to both the J.D. degree and the master’s degree in business administration (M.B.A.), the master’s degree in public administration (M.P.A.), or, in some disciplines, the Ph.D., M.S., or M.A. degree.
Applicants to the College of Law are not required to present college credit in specific subjects. A broad general education is better preparation for law school than specialized study in related areas. Above all, prospective students should be able to use language effectively; they should be able to communicate ideas orally and in writing with precision, clarity, and style. Thus, any undergraduate program that enhances this ability should be actively pursued.
In reviewing applications, the Admissions Committee considers Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores, records of prior academic performance, letters of recommendation, and any other documentation submitted by the applicant indicating a likelihood of success in the demanding law school curriculum and legal profession.
A limited number of students of outstanding academic promise may be admitted to the College of Law through a combination program in which the final year of candidacy for the bachelor’s degree is satisfied during the first year of candidacy for the J.D. degree. Interested students apply for admission in the same manner as other applicants and must also present evidence that the undergraduate college or university agrees to accept credit for the first year of law study in lieu of the final year of undergraduate study.
All students, at the time of matriculation in the College of Law, must have been either awarded a bachelor’s degree by a college or university of accredited standing or accepted into a combination program after successful completion of three years of undergraduate study.
The College of Law recognizes the racial and gender imbalance existing in the legal profession and the public interest in augmenting the number of lawyers from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the profession. Therefore, the college encourages qualified members of these groups to apply for admission.
For further information, contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid in the College of Law.
The College of Law’s web site is located at www.law.syr.edu.