Boston University School of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs
Founded in 1872, Boston University School of Law is a top-tier law school with a faculty recognized nationally for exceptional teaching and preeminent scholarship. You can explore virtually any area of the law in 200+ classes and seminars, 20+ clinics and externships, and 20 study abroad opportunities. BU Law offers a full-time JD degree, five LLM & master’s degrees, and 16 dual degrees. With the support of a global network of nearly 25,000 alumni and a robust Career Development & Public Service Office, our graduates achieve remarkable career success. BU Law is located in the heart of Boston and housed in the ultra-modern Sumner M. Redstone Building and Law Tower.
The JD Program
In our juris doctor program, you’ll combine a rigorous academic curriculum with professional training in critical lawyering skills. Our 85-credit BU Law Juris Doctor degree program is a full-time program requiring three academic years of study. Low faculty/student ratios in both classrooms and clinics ensure a highly personalized educational experience. In addition to your faculty advisor, who will help guide you in your academic and professional decisions, you will be matched with a faculty mentor with common personal or career-related interests.
The first-year curriculum is designed to get you thinking like a lawyer. You’ll study the basics of legal doctrines and rules in civil and criminal law, learn legal research and writing skills, and gain other real-world lawyering skills in the 1L Lawyering Program. In your second and third years, you’ll build on that knowledge. You’ll learn the professional responsibilities of a lawyer and basic financial and management principles, hone your legal writing and research skills, and deepen your knowledge of specific areas of law and legal practice.
Additionally, you can pursue one of 16 dual degrees in conjunction with BU’s graduate schools or with foreign universities in disciplines ranging from Chinese law to public health. Most programs can be completed in three years, including the JD/LLM degree in Banking & Finance Law or Taxation and the JD/MBA in Law & Management. You can also opt to spend a semester or a year overseas in one of our 20 study abroad programs in South America, Asia, Europe, or the Middle East at some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Student Life
Student Life
At BU Law, we believe a great deal of learning happens outside the classroom—we encourage students to enjoy their legal studies, to expand intellectually and personally and to participate in student organizations, extracurricular activities, community service and other activities that enrich student life. Even our facilities contribute; the Sumner M. Redstone Building is purposefully designed to facilitate learning and promote community.
With dozens of student-run organizations to choose from (including 12 affinity groups), you are sure to find a group that aligns with your interests — and you’ll likely find more than one! Engage with topics that are personally meaningful, advance your knowledge in a specific area of the law, or just make friends and relax in good company.
Living in Boston
The vast resources of Boston are right at our doorstep. BU is centrally located in the city with easy access to public transportation where you can take advantage of Boston's vibrant cultural, art, social, and entertainment communities. It’s also one of the world’s foremost centers of education with around 100 colleges and 250,000 students.
Career Placement and Bar Passage
Tuition and Aid
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition |
$61,160.00
|
| Fees |
$1,374.00
|
| Expected Cost of Attendance |
$83,426.00
|
Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers
As a top-tier law school, BU Law is highly selective and considers many criteria in the admissions process. Test scores and undergraduate GPAs are important components of an application, but numbers alone never determine an admissions decision. Every application is read holistically in an effort to admit a class of great accomplishment, diversity, and professional potential. We take into account a variety of factors that may be evident not only in your previous academic record, but also in your letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, and other materials.
