Geosciences, J.D./M.S.

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As litigation involving technical issues becomes more common, knowledge of the geosciences provides an important advantage in cases that involve energy, mining, water and environmental concerns. A candidate for the joint degree in law and geosciences can complete the requirements for both degrees with 105 credit hours. This program eliminates 19 hours of coursework which would be required if the programs in law and geosciences were taken separately.

The curriculum consists of 27 credit hours in the graduate geosciences program approved by the chairman of the Department of Geosciences , including a three-hour technical report; prerequisite undergraduate courses as required by the faculty of the graduate program in geosciences; and 78 credit hours of law courses including all required courses established by the College of Law for the J.D. A maximum of 9 credit hours of 6000-level coursework may be applied to the geosciences portion of the joint degree.

The student must consult with the J.D./M.S. in Geosciences Joint Degree Committee in selecting electives and must agree to take all courses recommended by the Committee.