Program Overview

The Juris Doctor degree is a rigorous, three-year professional program that prepares students for careers as practicing attorneys, policymakers, business leaders, and public servants. Designed to develop analytical reasoning, oral and written advocacy, and ethical judgment, the program offers an in-depth legal education rooted in real-world experience and a strong commitment to public service.

This Juris Doctor law degree provides a comprehensive foundation in substantive and procedural law, legal research, and legal writing, while offering the flexibility to pursue specialized interests in areas such as:

  • Business law
  • Environmental law
  • International law
  • Criminal justice

With small class sizes, a collegial academic environment, and a nationally recognized faculty, students benefit from individualized mentorship and a curriculum that emphasizes both academic excellence and experiential learning.

Students gain practical legal experience through legal clinics, field placements, moot court competitions, and public interest fellowships. This law school degree program emphasizes experiential learning throughout the curriculum, preparing graduates to enter the legal profession with confidence and professional competence. From courtroom advocacy to client counseling and contract negotiation, graduates of the Juris Doctor degree are equipped to lead in legal practice, government service, nonprofit organizations, and corporate settings.

In addition to traditional pathways, students may explore interdisciplinary opportunities and policy-focused work that expand the impact of a law degree beyond the courtroom. The curriculum is intentionally designed to prepare students not only for bar licensure, but also for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by technology, regulation, and global engagement.

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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.

Juris Doctor

KU School of Law

The Juris Doctor degree program is offered by the School of Law , where students gain the knowledge and skills to thrive in the legal profession.

Juris Doctor Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Juris Doctor degree will be able to:

  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of substantive and procedural law
  • Conduct legal research and produce clear, persuasive legal writing
  • Apply ethical standards and professional responsibility in legal contexts
  • Think critically and analytically about complex legal problems and solutions
  • Communicate legal arguments effectively in both oral and written formats
  • Prepare for licensure and effective practice in legal and policy settings

What Careers are Possible with a Juris Doctor?

Graduates of the Juris Doctor degree are well positioned for careers across legal, business, and public service sectors. According to Lightcast labor market data, individuals with a law degree pursue a wide range of professional pathways, including:

  • Attorney
  • Corporate Counsel
  • Policy Analyst
  • Judge
  • Legal Consultant

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU offers competitive tuition rates for its law school degree along with merit-based scholarships and need-based aid. Students may also qualify for federal financial aid and loan repayment assistance programs. Learn more at KU School of Law.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Juris Doctor degree program at KU, applicants must::

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to entering law school.
  • Have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The ETS Code for KU Law is 3999.
  • Register with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

For additional details, please visit KU Law Admissions.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

Students pursuing the Juris Doctor law degree engage in hands-on learning through legal clinics, externships, field placements, faculty research, moot court, mock trial, and law review participation. These experiences are complemented by student organizations, professional networking and development opportunities, academic workshops, and speaker series addressing current legal issues.

Juris Doctor Sample Courses

Students completing the Juris Doctor degree curriculum engage in required foundational coursework and advanced electives. Sample courses include:

  • Civil Procedure
  • Introduction to Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Contracts
  • Lawyering Skills

View all courses and requirements in the KU Catalog.

Juris Doctor Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply?

Applications are due Mar. 1.

Contact Information

KU School of Law 866-220-3654 admitlaw@ku.edu

Accreditation & Notes

The University of Kansas School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.

References to “juris doctor degree” or similar terms are used for clarity and student understanding.