College of Law

Academic Offerings
Faculty
Courses
About the College of Law
Admission
Academic Rules & Regulations
Enrollment in Law Courses

Joint Degree Programs
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Message from the Director
Master of Public Health
Law in London

About the College of Law

William C. Banks, Interim Dean
College of Law
Malfitano Dean’s Suite, 408 Dineen Hall
http://law.syr.edu

Message from Interim Dean Banks

Studying law is an amazing intellectually stimulating yet profoundly rewarding experience. At Syracuse University College of Law, the faculty are dedicated to ensuring each student is challenged academically in the classroom and introduced to numerous experiences out of the classroom that, when combined, best prepare the graduate to be a contemporary legal professional.

A strong legal education begins with a solid foundation in the fundamentals that every legal professional needs. Our outstanding faculty have created a curriculum that delivers these critical skills such as legal writing and research, client advising, and critical analysis. On top of that, the College of Law offers a number of courses from noted experts in the field that focus on specific areas of the law, ranging from elder law to national security law, to satisfy their interests and career goals.

Beyond the classroom, the College of Law offers experiential education opportunities that are designed to provide students with the real-world perspective and experience they will need upon graduation. This includes nine legal clinics where students work with actual clients, several academic journals headed by student editors and writers, and externship programs in New York State, Washington, DC and London.

The College also hosts or participates in six interdisciplinary Centers in conjunction with Syracuse University’s noted schools and colleges that expand the student to academics and skills that intersect with aspects of the law. Students also have 11 joint degree programs in cooperation with the University’s graduate schools and colleges where they can earn a Master’s degree along with their J.D.

The College of Law’s new home, Dineen Hall, opened in the fall of 2014, providing our students and faculty with a modern, purpose-build facility for students and faculty to immerse themselves in the teaching and learning of the law. The spacious building houses all classrooms, offices and amenities with an eye toward collaboration.

This is an important time to be a law student. The challenges we face as part of a global community are especially daunting and we will rely heavily on the skills and creative energy of the next generation of law graduates to ensure that our communities prosper and thrive. The College of Law faculty and staff is committed to ensure our students are ready for the challenges that they will face.

William C. Banks
Interim Dean
Syracuse University College of Law

Admission

Applicants to the College of Law are not required to present college credit in specialized subjects. A broad general education is better preparation for law study than specialized study in related subjects. Above all, prospective law students should be able to use language effectively; that is, they should have the ability to communicate ideas orally and in writing with precision, clarity, and style. Thus, any undergraduate or graduate program that enhances this ability should be actively pursued.

In reviewing applications, the Admissions Committee considers Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores and writing samples, records of prior academic performance, academic letters of recommendation, and any other documentation submitted by applicants indicating likely success in the demanding law school curriculum and legal profession.

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 of Law encourages qualified members of these groups to apply for admission.

For further information, contact: Syracuse University College of Law, Office of Admissions, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13244-1030; 315-443-1962. The College of Law’s web site is http://law.syr.edu/.

Academic Rules & Regulations

Academic Rules and Regulations may be found by clicking on the link below:
http://law.syr.edu/uploads/docs/2014-2015_Academic_Handbook.pdf

Enrollment in Law Courses

On a space-available basis, matriculated Main Campus graduate students may enroll in a limited number of courses at the College of Law with special approval of the Senior Assistant Dean for Student Life. Matriculated Main Campus graduate students wishing to take law courses should follow the below procedures.

Meet with an academic advisor in the Office of Student Life at the College of Law, Suite 220, prior to registration to complete the necessary forms.
If space is available, get permission and signature from the law professor to enroll in the course.
The approved forms will be submitted to the College of Law Office of Student Administration for processing.

Students should contact the dean of their home college to determine whether law courses can be applied toward their graduate degree.

The mere enrollment in a course offered by the College of Law does not constitute admission to the college. Students must be matriculated in the College of Law to receive law credit toward the J.D. degree. Consequently, law credits taken prior to admission to the College of Law will not be accepted toward the J.D. degree.

Joint Degree Programs

Joint degree study is an integral part of academic life in the College of Law to the extent that students who desire a greater degree of specialization may select from a number of interdisciplinary opportunities. Formal joint degree programs designed to fit career objectives are available in international relations, public administration, communications, business administration, accounting, library and information science, education, forensic science, history, philosophy, political science, and computer science as listed below.

Joint degree programs are structured so that students can earn both degrees in substantially less time than required to earn each degree separately. Students in the joint degree programs must complete their first year of study in the College of Law prior to beginning coursework in the other graduate program.

Admission to Joint Degree Programs:
Those interested in enrolling in a joint degree program must apply and be admitted to both the College of Law and the other appropriate school or college of the University. Admission to the College of Law does not guarantee one’s acceptance into another graduate program. Admission to the joint degree program shall be open to all law students who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher at the end of the 1L year. Upon approval of the student’s petition, the Senior Assistant Dean of Student Life shall recommend that the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs approve joint degree candidacy.

Students pursuing a joint degree program shall have their progress reviewed periodically. For purposes of review, the Senior Assistant Dean of Student Life in consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will determine if satisfactory progress is being made by considering the following factors: (1) the number of and reasons for “Incompletes” in course work; (2) failure to maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average in the College of Law; (3) the student’s standing in the non-law degree program; and (4) progress made and plans for satisfying the writing and optional oral defense requirements of the joint-degree program.

Minimum Credit Hours:

Students enrolled in joint degree programs, other than the Certificate of Graduate Study in Environmental Decision-Making at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, must earn a minimum of 72 credit hours required for the J.D. at the College of Law. In addition, a minimum of 15 credit hours must be earned by successfully completing offerings outside the College of Law pursuant to the approved joint degree program.

Students enrolled in the Certificate of Graduate Study in Environmental Decision-making in the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry program must take Environmental Law and must earn a minimum of 78 credit hours required for the J.D. at the College of Law. In addition, a minimum of 9 credit hours must be earned by successfully completing offerings outside of the College of Law pursuant to the approved joint degree program.

Current College of Law students: please contact the College of Law Office of Student Life, Suite 220, Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse NY 13244-1030; 315-443-1146, http://law.syr.edu/student-life/

For admissions information, please contact the College of Law Admissions Office, 315-443-1962, http://law.syr.edu/admissions

For financial aid and scholarship information, please contact the College of Law Financial Aid Office, 315-443-1962, http://law.syr.edu/financial-aid/

J.D./M.S. in Cultural Foundations of Education

The joint degree program in law and education, with a concentration in disability studies, offers students the opportunity to earn a J.D. and an M.S. in Cultural Foundations of Education. Eligible joint degree students may also earn a certificate of advanced study (CAS) in disability studies, which is a New York State-approved concentration. Disability studies applies legal, social, cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives to the study of disability in society. Students may obtain the J.D. and M.S. in three years instead of the four necessary to earn both degrees independently. Because a joint degree program involves reciprocal application of electives, students are not awarded either degree until the requirements for both degrees are completed.

Students with general questions and inquiries concerning procedures regarding joint degrees should contact Courtney Abbott Hill, Associate Director for Student Life, Suite 220 College of Law (443-1146, cabbotth@law.syr.edu).

J.D./M.S. in Computer Science

The Juris Doctor and Master’s of Science are combined degrees which may be conferred by the College of Law and Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). A J.D./M.S. in Computer Science could significantly enhance the scope of a student’s legal education in areas such as computers, technology and intellectual property law. M.S. in Computer Science could significantly enhance the scope of a student’s legal education in areas such as computers, technology and intellectual property law. Students enrolled in this joint degree program may obtain their J.D. and M.S. degrees in substantially less time than would be necessary if the two programs were pursued separately.

J.D./M.B.A. and J.D./M.B.A in Accounting or Finance

Business and industry must take public and private law into account in all decisions. The College of Law and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management have responded by creating joint degree programs in business administration and accounting. Students may obtain a J.D. and M.B.A. or J.D. and M.B.A. in accounting or finance in four years instead of the five years necessary when both programs are pursued separately. These programs are particularly appropriate for students with career objectives in corporate law, tax law, or labor law. J.D./M.B.A. students generally complete program requirements in four academic years. Program structure for the J.D./M.B.A. in accounting or finance varies substantially depending on the student’s accounting and management background and desire for certification. Because a joint degree program involves reciprocal application of electives, students are not awarded either degree until the requirements for both degrees are completed.

J.D./M.S. in Library Science

The Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Library and Information Science is a combined degree which may be conferred by the College of Law and School of Information Studies. Students admitted to this program have the opportunity to obtain both the Juris Doctor and the M.S. in Library and Information Science in substantially less time than would be required were the two degrees obtained independently. Because a joint degree program involves reciprocal application of electives, students are not awarded either degree until the requirements for both degrees are completed.

J.D./M.S. in Forensic Science

For those entering the legal profession, an understanding of the scientific analysis of evidence can greatly contribute to their effectiveness both in and out of court. Both forensic science methods and their handling in court proceedings have undergone marked changes over recent years, and knowledge of both aspects will best prepare students for their future encounters with forensic evidence.

The Juris Doctor/Master’s of Science in Forensic Science (General Forensic Track or Forensic Laboratory Track) are combined degrees which may be conferred by the College of Law and the College of Arts and Sciences. A student who is admitted to this joint degree program has the opportunity to obtain both the J.D. degree and the M.S. Forensic Science degree in substantially less time than would be required were the two degrees to be obtained independently.

J.D./Master in Public Administration

Students may earn a joint J.D./Master of Public Administration through the College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. The public administration program educates individuals to work in government agencies and in organizations that conduct substantial business with government agencies. Because a joint degree program involves reciprocal application of electives, students are not awarded either degree until the requirements for both degrees are completed. Students may obtain the J.D. and M.P.A. in three years instead of the four necessary to earn both degrees independently.

J.D./M.A or M.S. in Communications

The Juris Doctor/Master of Science or Master of Arts in Communications are combined degrees which may be conferred by the College of Law and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. A student who is admitted to one of these programs has the opportunity to obtain both the J.D. degree and the M.S. or M.A. in communications degree in substantially less time than would be required were the two degrees be obtained independently.

Joint degrees in communications prepare students for careers in communications law and media public policy. Students may matriculate into one of a number of programs including advertising, arts journalism, documentary film and history, magazine, newspaper and online journalism, media studies, photography, public relations and television, radio and film. The duration of the joint program in communications varies according to the program chosen and the student’s prior coursework.

Questions and inquiries may be directed to the Graduate Records Office, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, 330 Newhouse 2 (315-443-4039; pcgrad@syr.edu) or visit newhousemasters.syr.edu. Students with general questions and inquiries concerning procedures regarding joint degrees should contact Courtney Abbott Hill, Associate Director for Student Life, Suite 220 College of Law (443-1146, cabbotth@law.syr.edu).

J.D./M.A. in History

The Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in History is a joint degree which may be conferred by the College of Law and the Syracuse University Department of History. Students enrolled in this program may obtain their J.D. and M.A in History in substantially less time than would be necessary if both programs were separately pursued. Candidates for admission to the joint degree program must first gain admission to the regular program of each participating academic unit.

Questions and inquiries may be directed to Susan Branson, Professor of History and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of History, 145 Eggers Hall, 443-4144, branson@syr.edu. Students with general questions and inquiries concerning procedures regarding joint degrees should contact Courtney Abbott Hill, Associate Director for Student Life, Suite 220 College of LAW, (443-1146, cabbotth@law.syr.edu).

J.D./M.A. in Economics

The Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Economics joint degree program is designed to educate lawyers in the basics of economics so they can practice in areas of law that rely on economic information and understanding. Students interested in the J.D./M.A. in Economics program may individually arrange a joint degree program with the College of Law and the Syracuse University Department of Economics. Credit hours and other degree requirements for joint degree candidates would be discussed with the Economics Department; the College of Law allows 15 credit hours toward the J.D., taken in Economics.

Questions and inquiries may be directed to Professor Robin Paul Malloy at the College of Law 414 Dineen Hall (rpmalloy@law.syr.edu), and to Professor Stuart Brown, Economics Department, 323 Eggers Hall (ssbrown@maxwell.syr.edu). Students with general questions and inquiries concerning procedures regarding joint degrees should contact Courtney Abbott Hill, Associate Director for Student Life, Suite 220 College of Law (443-1146, cabbotth@law.syr.edu).

J.D./M.A. in International Relations

The Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in International Relations is a combined degree which is conferred by the College of Law and the International Relations program in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. This joint degree program offers students a unique opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to enter into a career in the international field, including a basic social science understanding of international relations as well as contemporary features of international affairs. The student may specialize in a specific area of interest such as: international economics, finance and trade; peace, security and conflict; governance, diplomacy and international organizations; democracy, development and humanitarian assistance; and regional concentrations.

Questions and inquiries may be addressed to Nell Bartkowiak, Associate Director of Graduate Studies, 215 Eggers Hall, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs (443-4000; nsbartko@maxwell.syr.edu). Students with general questions and inquiries concerning procedures regarding joint degrees should contact Courtney Abbott Hill, Associate Director for Student Life, Suite 220 College of Law (443-1146, cabbotth@law.syr.edu).

J.D./M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science

The Juris Doctor/Master of Arts and Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science are joint degrees which may be conferred by the College of Law and the Syracuse University Political Science Department. Students enrolled in these programs may obtain their J.D./M.A. or J.D./Ph.D. in Political Science in substantially less time than would be necessary if both programs were separately pursued.

Questions and inquiries may be directed to Professor Glyn Morgan, Director of Graduate Studies, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs (dgmorgan@maxwell.syr.edu). Students with general questions and inquiries concerning procedures regarding joint degrees should contact Courtney Abbott Hill, Associate Director for Student Life, Suite 220 College of Law (443-1146, cabbotth@law.syr.edu).

J.D./M.A. in Philosophy and J.D./Doctor of Philosophy

The Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Philosophy and Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy are joint degrees which may be conferred by the College of Law and the Syracuse University Department of Philosophy. Students enrolled in these programs may obtain their J.D. and M.A or Ph.D. in Philosophy in substantially less time than would be necessary if both programs were separately pursued.

Questions concerning and general inquiries may be directed to Professor Thomas McKay, Philosophy Department, 541 Hall of Languages (443-2536; tjmckay@syr.edu). Students with questions and inquiries concerning procedures regarding joint degrees should contact Courtney Abbott Hill, Associate Director for Student Life, Suite 220 College of Law (443-1146, cabbotth@law.syr.edu).

J.D./Master of Social Work

The Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work is a joint degree which is conferred by both the Syracuse University College of Law and the Syracuse University School of Social Work. Students enrolled in this program may obtain their J.D. and M.S.W. in substantially less time than would be necessary if both programs were separately pursued.

Questions and general inquiries may be directed to Adrienne Renfroe, LMSW, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions, 419 Sims Hall (443-1443; alrenfro@syr.edu). Students with general questions and inquiries concerning procedures regarding joint degrees should contact Courtney Abbott Hill, Associate Director for Student Life, College of Law, Suite 220 (443-1146; cabbotth@law.syr.edu).

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

Syracuse University College of Law LL.M. Program

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) for foreign students at Syracuse University College of Law is a 24-credit hour graduate Law program designed to offer students with a foreign law degree or its equivalent, advanced study in American law.

We encourage prospective students to enroll at one of New York State’s most prestigious private law schools, located on the Syracuse University campus in Syracuse, New York. Our LL.M. program is designed to offer foreign legal professionals the opportunity to broaden their effectiveness through the study of U.S. laws and the American legal process.

Message from the Director

Welcome to the Syracuse University College of Law, Master of Laws (LL.M.) program in American Law. In the belief in value of the international exchange of ideas, we are dedicated to welcoming students to this program from varied legal backgrounds and nations. Whether you are seeking a comprehensive overview of the American system of laws or seek to specialize in concentrated areas of course work, the LL.M. will provide you with that knowledge and expertise.

This program is exclusively available to graduates in law from foreign academic institutions or those who are otherwise licensed to practice law in their home jurisdictions. We seek people from diverse legal backgrounds, including corporate, government, private practice, judicial and academic.

Students will enroll in three foundational courses designed specifically for the LL.M. program; one to introduce the students to the basics of the American legal system, a second in Legal Writing, and a third course devoted to skills-based strategies for success in the program. The remainder of the program allows the student to take classes alongside our J.D. student population and to tailor their own experience in the LL.M. from among the superb and diverse courses offered at the College.

With a storied history of international engagement, Syracuse welcomes you to our University and to your discovery of American law.

Sincerely,

Aviva Abramovsky
Associate Dean for International Initiatives
Professor of Law

Phone: 315.443.1786

Email: aabramov@law.syr.edu

Master of Public Health

Contact: Thomas H. Dennison, Ph.D., Associate Director
426 Eggers Hall; 315-443-9060; thdennis@maxwell.syr.edu

www.upstate.edu/cnymph

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H) degree is a collaborative program, sponsored jointly by SUNY Upstate Medical University (UMU) and Syracuse University (SU). Participating colleges at Syracuse University include the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Law.

The program is designed to prepare students in the basic knowledge areas in public health through a core curriculum of required courses; extend that knowledge through elective coursework and through practical skills honed in field experiences; and demonstrate an integration of that knowledge through a culminating experience. The basic knowledge areas include: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and management and social and behavioral sciences. A minimum of 42 credits is required for the degree, consistent with the accreditation criteria for public health programs promulgated by the Council on Education for Public Health.

The M.P.H. student body consists of individuals with a variety of backgrounds and preparations, including students directly out of undergraduate school with a relevant baccalaureate degree as well as professionals with graduate degrees and significant work experience in public health administration or clinical care. Students will be prepared for career opportunities in public health administration, leadership roles in private agencies involved in public health delivery and advocacy, research, and clinical care broadened by an understanding of the health care delivery system and grounded in public health practice.

Admission

Students interested in the M.P.H. must complete an application online at: http://www.upstate.edu/cnymph/academic/mph_degree/how_to_apply.php

Law in London

Train with London’s Leading Legal Practitioners

Syracuse University College of Law proudly offers one of the nation’s longest-running Law in London programs, where students learn from London’s leading legal practitioners. During an eight-week summer experience, students gain international exposure to clients, partner with professionals for personalized mentoring, and enjoy boundless cultural opportunities-in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Who is eligible?
Any full-time or part-time American or Canadian law student who is in good standing at his or her current institution is encouraged to apply. The program is approved by the ABA and is offered as part of the fully accredited curriculum of Syracuse University College of Law.

Will this impact my career?
Rigorous coursework and hands-on learning experiences cultivate a student’s ability to pursue a career in international law. Individuals who attend the Law in London program are supervised by American faculty who assist with housing, internships, and mentoring. Students engage in a variety of organized internship placements in criminal law and trial law, at financial and governmental institutions, and in corporate settings.

More information regarding the Law in London program may be found at:

http://law.syr.edu/uploads/docs/law-in-london.pdf

Apply today!
February 15 is the deadline to apply for the summer Law in London experience. For more information, contact Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Chris Day at ccday@law.syr.edu or Associate Dean for International Initiatives Aviva Abramovsky at aabramov@law.syr.edu.

Programs

Master’s

Doctorate

Law, JD

Combined Degree

Certificate of Advanced Study