Introduction
The Juris Doctor is the basic law degree earned after three years of law school. To obtain the degree, each student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 88 units, be in full-time attendance at USC for six full-time semesters (13 units or more), and successfully complete all required courses. Several options are available by which students may, after completing the first-year curriculum and with appropriate permission, take courses outside USC Law or enroll in courses under the CR/D/F grading option. First year law students should not enroll in classes outside USC Law.
After the first-year curriculum, each student must successfully complete four full-time semesters and at least 55 units in law courses taken at USC Law. Of these 55 units, 35 must be graded in the normal manner. Each student is expected to devote the major portion of his or her time to law studies; any outside employment must therefore be restricted. First-year students are not permitted to work. In compliance with ABA accreditation standards, second- and third-year students may not hold outside employment requiring more than 20 hours work per week.
First-year students are required to carry the full load of courses prescribed for that year, and second- and third-year students are required to carry between 13 and 17 units each semester. All students are required to enroll in six full-time semesters. Any student whose disability or individual circumstances require special accommodations should notify the Enrollment Services Office prior to registration. Students who have children or who are expecting children may be given permission to carry a reduced course load, but they must complete all requirements for the degree within a reasonable period of time (usually within four years). In compliance with ABA accreditation standards, under no circumstances may a student extend his or her legal studies for longer than five years.
Requirements for degrees, as well as the courses offered, may be changed by the faculty at any time. The Board of Review of USC Law may waive some requirements for individual students.
