XXI. Degree Requirements for Joint Degree Candidates

A. General Requirements

  1. Purpose. The UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law Joint Degree program allows candidates to complete both a Juris Doctor and a Residential Master’s of Laws (LL.M.) or an interdisciplinary Master’s degree in the period they have committed to the Juris Doctor program. Juris Doctor candidates may not elect the Online LL.M. or Master’s degree as a method of completing a joint degree.
  2. Application. Candidates can apply for joint degree status at the beginning of the second semester of the first JD year. Applicants will not be formally enrolled in the Joint Degree program until completion of their first year of JD study. Joint degree candidates are required to submit a shortened application. Application forms are available online and in the Admissions Office. Applications for joint degree status will not be accepted after the first day of classes in the JD applicant’s sixth semester.

B. Required Credits

  1. Number of Credits for the LL.M. The LL.M. degree for joint degree candidates is a 24-credit degree. To be awarded the degree, candidates must complete 12 credits over and above the minimum JD degree credit requirement (currently 85 credits), and meet Rule II requirement.
  2. Number of Credits for the Master’s. The Master’s degree for joint degree candidates is a 30-credit degree. To be awarded the degree, candidates must complete 15 credits above the minimum JD degree credit requirement (currently 85 credits), and meet Academic Rule II requirements.
  3. Maximum Number of Credits per Semester. Joint degree candidates may not enroll in more than seventeen (17) credits per academic semester.

C. Coursework

Joint degree candidates must meet Rule II (LL.M.) or Rule III (Master’s) requirements for required and elective curriculum.

D. Program Planning

JD candidates should plan their Joint Degree program of study well in advance of enrolling in the program, preferably during the spring semester of the first year of JD study. Candidates must develop a program plan and seek approval of the plan from their assigned IP faculty advisor.