Academics

Degree Programs: Juris Doctor Degree

"The Rules and the Facts"

The study of law concerns the rules and the facts.  Students at Duquesne will learn what the rules are and learn how to evaluate the facts utilizing the fundamental skills of the legal profession. 

Students acquire knowledge of the rules and the facts through broad, required courses.  The required courses are intended to provide the requisite skills to become a competent attorney in any field of practice.

Specialized Knowledge

The wide selection of elective courses and seminars, as well as in-house and external clinics allow students to focus on specialized areas of the law.

Divisions

Admission criteria and performance standards are the same in all three Juris Doctor Degree divisions.

Day Division

This program offers a three-year curriculum in residence, designed for students who wish to devote full-time effort to the study of law. Day Division students are discouraged from holding outside employment. Curriculum outline »

Evening Division

Prospective students who cannot devote their full time to the study of law may apply to the Evening Division, a complete program of study leading to graduation after four years in residence. Courses are scheduled Monday through Friday evenings and occasionally on Saturdays. In addition to regular class attendance, students must allow sufficient time for studies outside of class hours. Curriculum outline »

Part-Time Day Division

This unique program allows students to pursue legal studies within a well-defined time frame convenient to individuals with early morning, late afternoon or evening family commitments. Students in this division may complete their degrees by taking classes scheduled between 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Part-Time Day students may also enroll in other day, evening, Saturday or summer classes. Curriculum outline »