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LLM AND JSM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

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LL.M./J.S.M. Degree Program Requirements

In order to graduate with the LL.M. or J.S.M., a student must successfully complete 24 credits while officially enrolled as a degree seeking candidate, which includes two required courses and six other courses. The two required courses to graduate are: in the first trimester Thesis I, and secondly, the final LL.M. thesis (Thesis II) of at least 12,000 words (40 pages approximately) with a minimum of 10 unique sources and 120 footnotes.

The candidate must have obtained a minimum grade point average of 2.0 over the 24 credits in order to be eligible to graduate. If a candidate does not have a 2.0 grade point average, the candidate may continue to take courses up to 36 credits to achieve the minimum grade point average.

The remaining 18 credits (6 courses) may flexibly be organized over time and curriculum to best meet the candidate’s employments needs.

Many candidates continue to take courses after graduation. Generally, candidates who hold a Bachelor of Accountancy require 30 credits to be able to qualify to sit for the state board accountancy exam. Such candidates should consult the relevant examination board to determine the required minimum credits.

J.S.D. Doctorate Degree Program Requirements

In order to graduate with the J.S.D., students successfully complete in a minimum of three years, maximum five years, a minimum 75,000 word (between 180 – 300 pages) thesis which must be publicly defended and thereafter published before the degree will be awarded.

If the dissertation has received a final passing grade, then the J.S.D. candidate may edit the dissertation based upon the report, comments, and rigorosum, and thereafter publish it. For these purposes, publication must include distribution to an agreed list of academic libraries and research institutes. Upon publication, the J.S.D. degree will be awarded.
Graduation Honors

Graduate Honors Recognition: Should a certain minimum grade point average be achieved over the 24 credits, the degree certificate will further reflect summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude.

  • Summa Cum Laude: Each graduate whose cumulative GPA is 3.80 or higher will graduate Summa Cum Laude.
  • Magna Cum Laude: Each graduate (except those graduating Summa Cum Laude) whose cumulative GPA is 3.65 or higher.
  • Cum Laude: Each graduate (except those graduating with higher honors) whose cumulative GPA is 3.33 or higher.

Students that complete less than 24 credits at Thomas Jefferson, by example, through transfer credits, are not eligible for the graduation honors.

Semester Honors
In order for a graduate to be eligible for any of the following honors, his or her cumulative grade point average must not be less than 2.65.

Distinguished Honor Roll
Students who achieve a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher and who have completed a minimum of two graded courses during a semester are placed on the distinguished honor roll for that semester or summer session.
Honor Roll


Students who achieve a semester GPA between 3.00 and 3.49 and who have completed a minimum of two graded courses during a semester are placed on the honor roll for that semester or summer session.

 

Click here for the official Student Guide with Course Descriptions and Law Program Information in PDF.