Full-time J.D. Programs

J.D. Programs

SMU Dedman School of Law offers a full-time, three-year J.D. program. Approximately 230 students are enrolled in entering full-time classes. All entering law students must begin during the fall semester in August.

How to Apply

The goal of our admissions process is to identify applicants who will flourish in law school and who will gain a distinct lifelong advantage by having attained a Dedman law degree. The application process is our opportunity to look at you as a whole person. We want to know about you and your accomplishments. More.

Joint Degrees

The law school offers two joint degree programs, a J.D. /M.A. in Economics and a J.D. /M.B.A. The J.D./M.A. in Economics is offered in connection with the SMU Department of Economics in Dedman College and the J.D./M.B.A. is offered in connection with the Cox School of Business. More.

Transfer Students

Students who have successfully completed the first year of law school may apply for admission with advanced standing. Transfer students may apply to begin in the fall, spring, or summer terms. Admission is selective. More.

Visiting Students

When possible, we are happy to accommodate students who need to attend SMU on a visiting basis. Students must receive permission from their home law schools to be eligible to visit. More.

Admissions Events

In addition to hosting on-campus events, members of the Admissions staff travel throughout the United States to attend various recruiting events and visit with prospective students. More.

The Socratic Method of Instruction

The Socratic Method of instruction used in law school differs from other methods of instruction. Students learn through the use of critical thinking, reasoning, and logic, helping students discover their answers on their own. More