can i count credits from another U-M unit earned prior to starting at the Law school?
No. By ABA rule, students may not take credits from one degree and count them toward their JD degree if the credits are earned prior to the student beginning their law studies.
Tuition is paid to the school in which classes are taken in any given semester. However, in any semester where classes are taken in both schools, tuition will be assessed at either the Law School or the Graduate School rate, whichever is higher.
Simultaneous completion of the degrees is not necessary from the Law School's standpoint. However, it is a requirement for some of the other graduate units, such as the Business School. Students are advised to check with the companion school regarding its specific graduation requirements.
At the start of a dual degree program, law students are required to complete a Dual Degree Declaration Form. In addition, the Law School requires all students to complete various forms just prior to graduation. Other graduate and professional schools have similar requirements. In addition to those forms required by particular graduate units, any student obtaining a JD and one of the Rackham degrees must complete a Dual/Joint Degree Election Form prior to graduation.
No. Except in very rare circumstances, only law courses may be taken during the first year of law school. Typically, dual degree students will spend the first year of the program in the Law School, the second year in the companion school, and the final two years (sometimes less, depending on the specific program) taking a combination of credits in both schools.
The Law School will count up to 12 credits from another University of Michigan graduate unit. In order for a course to be counted toward the JD requirements, it must be taken after the student begins law studies and the student must earn at least a B- (or its equivalent) in the course. Instructions on how to request Law School credit for non-law courses can be found on the Dual Degrees page on CTools.
The Law School will not penalize any student who decides to discontinue a dual degree program. Further, the Law School will still count up to 12 credits from the graduate unit, the maximum number of credits that can be earned toward the JD from courses taken outside the Law School.
No. The 12 credits from the graduate school unit are counted on a mandatory pass/fail basis. No honor points are earned; nor is the grade calculated as part of the Law School GPA.
The double counted pass/fail credits from the companion program decrease the number of pass/fail credits available to students through the Law School. For Law School honors recognition (3.4 GPA and above at the time of graduation), a student must have a minimum of 62 graded credit hours.
Given the way the academic regulations work together, dual degree students will find it more difficult to do an externship. However, practical or hands-on opportunities may be available for credit through the Law School's clinical program or through the companion school.
By ABA rule, all law school graduates must have 64 credit hours in "regularly scheduled law classes." First year courses, upper class courses, law courses taken outside of Michigan Law, seminars, and most clinical law courses count toward fulfilling this requirement. Independent research, externships, and non-law courses do not.
Law students must complete six full time terms or their equivalent in law school. A full time term requires carriage throughout the term and completion of at least 10 credit hours with a grade of D or better.
Yes. Students interested in such programs should consult with Christine Gregory, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.