Academics
In addition to the J.D., the law school offers the M.S.L. Master of Studies in Law. Students may take relevant courses in other programs and apply credit toward the J.D.; a maximum of 5 credits may be applied. The following joint degrees may be earned: J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration), J.D./M.H.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Health and Hospital Administration), and J.D./M.P.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration).
The Michael E. Moritz College of Law offers concentrations in corporate law, criminal law, family law, international law, juvenile law, labor law, litigation, media law, securities law, tax law, torts and insurance, alternative dispute resolution, and international law and civil rights. In addition, second- and third-year students may take clinics. Second-year students take simulation clinics such as pretrial litigation, negotiation, and client counseling. They may also participate in the legislation, special education, and mediation clinics. Third-year students may act as legal interns representing clients under faculty supervision in the Civil Law, Juvenile Law, and Prosecutorial and Defense Practica. At least one seminar must be taken by second- or third-year students; seminars range from creative and constitutional aspects of law to those devoted to a student’s research of a specific legal area. Internships are available with certain federal and state judges and through the D.C. Summer Program. Research programs include opportunities for independent study. There are field work opportunities to work for the public and private sector; opportunities to do volunteer work, such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Special lectures are supported by the Ohio State Law Forum, which invites distinguished academicians, jurists, and practitioners; speakers are also invited by faculty and student groups. Study abroad is possible through the Oxford Summer Program and is open to students from the college and all other accredited law schools. Students can earn 3 or 6 hours of credit during the summer. Study abroad at Oxford is also possible through the Spring Semester Program. A legal methods program, designed to help certain first-year students who may need more time and attention adapting to law school, is available. The Black Law Students Association, Caribbean Law Students Associations, Hispanic Law Students Association, Asian Law Students Association, Middle Eastern Law Students Association sponsor various events and programs. There are approximately 50 special interest student organization that include the sports and entertaiment law society, pro bono research group, public interest law forum, women’s law caucus, health law society, and J. Rueben Clark Society. The most widely taken electives are those that are directly bar-related (Evidence, Corporations), international law offerings, and alternative dispute resolution offerings.
To earn the J.D., candidates must complete 88 total credits, of which 37 are for required courses. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required courses. The following first-year courses are required of all students: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legal Research, Legislation, Property, Torts, and Writing and Analysis. Required upper-level courses consist of 2 courses with a writing component, Appellate Practice, and Professional Responsibility. The required orientation program for first-year students is 2 days and covers case briefing, professional responsibility, and college policies and offices. There are also 2 days of students sponsored social activities.
In order to graduate, candidates must have a GPA of 2.0, have completed the upper-division writing requirement, and an ethics course.