Events
Juris Doctorate Program
Discover the J.D. Program at St. Mary’s University School of Law
Become a leader for service, justice and peace
For more than 90 years, St. Mary’s University School of Law has educated values-driven leaders in law. Graduates have gone on to become members of Congress, governors, justices of the federal judiciary, leaders of some of the nation’s most successful law firms and more.
What is a J.D.?
The Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D.) is required to practice law in most states. The J.D. degree is offered by American Bar Association (ABA) accredited schools like St. Mary’s School of Law, as well as some non-ABA-accredited institutions and some institutions in Canada.
To pursue a J.D. program, you must first have (or be nearing completion of) a bachelor’s degree and take the LSAT. Learn more about the J.D. application process.
After obtaining a J.D. degree, you’ll need to be admitted to the Bar of the state where you want to practice law. Each state sets its own rules for bar admission, but generally this includes a bar exam and a character evaluation. You can find out more about the requirements to practice law in the state of Texas at the Texas Board of Law Examiners website.
Join Us for a Virtual or On-Campus Event
Join our information sessions covering the admissions process specific to the J.D. program at St. Mary’s Law. Check back on this page for future dates and times as they become available.
Event
Date
Location
General Virtual Information Session
This is an opportunity to engage via Zoom with the admissions team at St. Mary’s Law. Attendees will be able to ask questions regarding our programs and the admissions process.
Thursday, May 22
4 p.m. CST
General Virtual Information Session
This is an opportunity to engage via Zoom with the admissions team at St. Mary’s Law. Attendees will be able to ask questions regarding our programs and the admissions process.
Thursday, June 12
4 p.m. CST
What You’ll Learn in the J.D. Program
At St. Mary’s School of Law, students gain a strong foundation in core areas of U.S. law, including constitutional, criminal, civil and contract law. The curriculum emphasizes legal research, writing, and advocacy skills essential for effective legal practice.
Students also have opportunities for hands-on learning through clinics, externships and moot court. Additionally, the program focuses on ethical leadership and service, preparing graduates to serve both their clients and their communities with integrity.
J.D. Program Admission Requirements
Applicants may apply to either the full-time day program or a part-time evening program, but not to both. Admissions and graduation standards are the same for both J.D. programs.
All programs and offices, including the Clinical Program, are available to full-time daytime students as well as part-time evening students.
Applicants to the School of Law must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. To learn more about how to apply and the School of Law’s admission requirements, visit the J.D. application page
Academic Standing Requirements
A candidate for the J.D. program must earn a minimum of 90 credit hours in order to graduate, or 91 credits hours for students who entered prior to Fall 2018. Students who entered law school in the Fall of 2019 or later must have a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher to graduate. For students who entered prior to that time, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required to remain in good academic standing. Other curricular and academic requirements will apply. Those requirements are set forth in the St. Mary’s School of Law Student Handbook. Faculty may add additional requirements at any time.
Tuition and Aid
At St. Mary’s School of Law, an affordable and valuable education matters. We believe in keeping our costs and tuition transparent to all students and offer competitive pricing.
Earn Your J.D. Online
For students with considerably more outside responsibilities, the St. Mary’s University School of Law is proud to offer the first fully online J.D. program accredited by the American Bar Association in the nation. As an online student at St. Mary’s Law, you will have access to the same opportunities and resources as a full-time student, including career counseling and advice through the Office of Career Strategy, academic advising from the Office of Law Success, and student services from the Office of Law Student Affairs.
Pursue a Joint J.D. Program
Students can earn credit toward the selected master’s degree by satisfying the requirements for a Doctor of Jurisprudence. These programs allow students at St. Mary’s to complement their training in the law with advanced study in another discipline.
J.D. + M.B.A.
The joint J.D. and MBA program is designed for law students who want to broaden their knowledge and skills to include an in-depth understanding of business. This includes students who want to serve as counsel to corporations or specialize in business and commercial law.
J.D. + M.A. in International Relations
This program is designed for Law students seeking to practice in firms or organizations with clients involved in international law, immigration and refugee affairs, international business and trade, international non-governmental organizations and governments.
J.D. + M.P.A.
This program develops lawyers with special skills in the public and nonprofit sectors. For those interested in a career in government or practicing law related to the public and nonprofit sectors, and advanced degree in Public Administration would be a valuable asset.
J.D. + M.A. Theology
This joint degree program is especially suited for students who wish to pursue a legal career as a form of ministry. Many students with this degree have found success working in parish and diocesan administrative positions and working for other mission-based nonprofit organizations.
J.D. + M.A. in English Literature and Language
The program is designed to immerse students in ethical, inclusive and responsible representation in literature and language. Students develop narrative skills in print and digital platforms and are invited to hone these through the programs.
J.D. + M.S. in Computer Science
The master’s in Computer Science prepares students to manage all aspects of a software development project. This program provides an advantage to students interested in pursuing careers in intellectual property law, technology law and privacy issues.
Discover J.D. Special Programs
Build Real-World Skills
The School of Law is committed to equipping students with the practical skills needed to excel in their professional lives. Through the law school’s special programs, students have participated in legal advocacy of disadvantaged citizens in the San Antonio community, national moot court and mock trial competitions, mentorship programs, and more.
Plan Your Best Career with Our Support
Connect with the Office of Career Strategy
The Office of Career Strategy (OCS) provides you with personalized advising to assist in all phases of your career planning and job search strategy. From resume and cover letter review, to help with job and internship search.
Meet the J.D. Admissions Team
The St. Mary’s Law J.D. Admissions Team understands you’ll have many questions about the J.D. admissions process and campus life. You can request more information about the law school, or contact us directly at lawadmissions@stmarytx.edu.
Learn more about earning your law degree at St. Mary’s School of Law!
Leave your contact information below, and we will be in touch with important information about applying and the admission process.