J.D. Program and Courses
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
All first-year students share the same course load for the full academic year to establish a strong foundation in the law and expose students to various aspects of the law and lawyering. The first-year curriculum integrates practical training, legal writing, and career planning.
The current list of 1L and upper-division courses, is available via the links below. Enrolled students may find current semester schedule information, as well as the two-year master schedule, on the College of Law portal.
Accelerated J.D. Program
If you’re interested in earning your J.D. in less than three years, you have a few options to consider at UT Law. These options will allow you to graduate by the fall of your third year—one semester earlier than usual. View two of our sample accelerated curricula.
Flexible Schedule Degree Program
This program allows flexibility for students who cannot commit to full-time study. While the traditional course load for first-year law students is between 14 and 16 hours of class credit per semester over three years, the flexible schedule option allows students to take a reduced load of 10 credit hours their first semester, and 11 hours during their second.
Students admitted to the flexible schedule J.D. will take no more than 11 credit hours per semester and may take up to five years to finish their J.D. studies.
Flexible schedule J.D. students may also enroll in the college’s dual degree programs including the JD-MBA in business, the J.D.-MA. in philosophy, the J.D.-M.PH. in public health, or the JD-MPPA in public policy and administration.
UT 3+3
UT 3+3 is an accelerated dual-degree program offered by the College of Law and the College of Arts and Sciences, which saves students an entire year of tuition and related costs, without sacrificing quality of education. In the program, students complete three years of approved undergraduate coursework in the College of Arts and Sciences. Following their third year, participating students admitted to the College of Law become full-time, first-year law students. The first year of law study will count toward a student’s law degree and also toward the completion of his or her bachelor’s degree. Two additional years of law study follow, after which a student earns a juris doctor degree.
Transfer Applicants
First- year law students at other institutions may apply to transfer to UT Law to complete their legal training. The transfer application period is May 15 through July 1. Application files should be complete no later than July to be considered for enrollment in the fall semester, which begins in late August.
Contact Us
Admissions & Financial Aid
1505 W. Cumberland Ave.
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-4131
Office: Suite 161
E-mail: lawadmit@utk.edu
Contact Us
Admissions & Financial Aid
1505 W. Cumberland Ave.
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-4131
Office: Suite 161
E-mail: lawadmit@utk.edu