UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS · UNITED STATES
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 3 yearsProgram Duration
- 88 semester unitsTotal Units Required
- Full-time, on-campusAttendance Mode
- Accredited by ABAAccreditation
- Member of AALSAssociation Membership
- Chapter of Order of the CoifAcademic Honor Society
The University of California Davis School of Law offers a three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) program designed to provide a comprehensive modern legal education. Taught by distinguished faculty, the curriculum includes traditional law courses, practical experience through clinics, and opportunities for in-depth study in specialized areas. The program emphasizes critical evaluation of law and legal institutions, integrating non-legal disciplines into legal education. Professional skills training in areas like interviewing, negotiation, and trial practice are also integral to the curriculum. The J.D. program is a full-time, on-campus experience requiring six semesters (three years) for completion. New students are admitted only at the start of the fall semester. Graduates receive the Juris Doctor degree after completing 88 semester units and fulfilling all program requirements.
Curriculum
The professional curriculum requires six semesters of study over three years. The first year is prescribed, laying the foundation for subsequent legal study. Students must complete 88 semester units, including at least 68 classroom-based units, and six semesters in residence.
- First Year
- Introduction to LawLaw 200
- Civil ProcedureLaw 203
- Constitutional Law ILaw 205
- ContractsLaw 202
- Criminal LawLaw 206
- Legal Research & Writing ILaw 207
- Legal Research & Writing IILaw 208
- Lawyering ProcessLaw 200S
- PropertyLaw 201
- TortsLaw 204
- Second and Third Year
- Professional Responsibility or Legal Ethics and Organizational PracticeLaw 258 / Law 258A
- Professional Skills Course(s)
- Writing Requirement Course(s)
- Bias, Antiracism and Cultural Competency Course
Careers
The J.D. program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for a wide range of legal careers. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, legal analysis, and practical application of law.
- Lawyer
- Judge
- Legal Counsel
- Policy Analyst
- Mediator
- Prosecutor
- Public Defender
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program take to complete?
- The J.D. program is a full-time, on-campus program that requires six semesters (three years) for completion. New students are admitted only at the start of the fall semester.
- What are the total unit requirements for the J.D. program?
- To graduate with a Juris Doctor degree, students must complete 88 semester units and fulfill all program requirements.
- What are the tuition fees for the J.D. program?
- Tuition and fee information is program-specific and the provided figure of USD $65,560 is an estimate for the MSBA program, not the J.D. program. J.D. program costs are not detailed in the provided documents.
- What are the application deadlines for the J.D. program?
- The application for the J.D. program opens in September and the deadline to submit applications is December 1.
- What are the career prospects after completing the J.D. program?
- Graduates can pursue careers as Lawyers, Judges, Legal Counsel, Policy Analysts, Mediators, Prosecutors, or Public Defenders. The program also offers opportunities through clinical programs, externships, and concurrent degree programs.
- What are the entry requirements for the J.D. program?
- Applicants need an undergraduate degree (B.S. or B.A.) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, including independent research project participation or post-baccalaureate research experience, is also required.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is required. Specific coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is recommended, along with upper-division courses in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, microbial physiology, genetics, or immunology.
GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA required for admission to the University of California.
Research ExperienceDemonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, including active participation in an independent research project or post-baccalaureate research experience.
While the J.D. program page does not explicitly state English proficiency requirements, the general UC Davis graduate admissions policy typically requires proof of English proficiency for international applicants whose native language is not English. Specific requirements can be found on the Graduate Studies website.
Fees
Tuition (international)USD $65,560 (Estimated total for MSBA program, not J.D.)
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition and fee information is highly program-specific and can vary significantly. The figure provided is for the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program and is not representative of J.D. program costs. J.D. program tuition and fees are not detailed in the provided documents.
How to apply
1. Access ApplicationBegin your electronic application through the UC Davis Graduate Studies "Apply for Graduate Admission" portal, available starting in September.
2. Submit Application MaterialsComplete and submit all required application components by the deadline.
3. Secure Fellowship Support (International Applicants)International applicants are highly encouraged to secure fellowship or financial support from their home governments or other external sources, as this is critical for admission consideration.
4. Program ReviewThe Admissions Committee reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Accreditation
Fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program take to complete?
+
The J.D. program is a full-time, on-campus program that requires six semesters (three years) for completion. New students are admitted only at the start of the fall semester.
What are the total unit requirements for the J.D. program?
+
To graduate with a Juris Doctor degree, students must complete 88 semester units and fulfill all program requirements.
What are the tuition fees for the J.D. program?
+
Tuition and fee information is program-specific and the provided figure of USD $65,560 is an estimate for the MSBA program, not the J.D. program. J.D. program costs are not detailed in the provided documents.
What are the application deadlines for the J.D. program?
+
The application for the J.D. program opens in September and the deadline to submit applications is December 1.
What are the career prospects after completing the J.D. program?
+
Graduates can pursue careers as Lawyers, Judges, Legal Counsel, Policy Analysts, Mediators, Prosecutors, or Public Defenders. The program also offers opportunities through clinical programs, externships, and concurrent degree programs.
What are the entry requirements for the J.D. program?
+
Applicants need an undergraduate degree (B.S. or B.A.) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, including independent research project participation or post-baccalaureate research experience, is also required.