Joint Degree Programs

A RWU joint degree program offers a unique opportunity to build a specialized niche while earning two degrees in a shortened amount of time. We offer four joint degree programs at Roger, as well as two in partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI).

Joint Degrees

Joint Degrees in Partnership with URI

Admission Requirements and Policy

Applicants must apply to and be accepted into each program separately. Typically, a law student interested in a joint degree would apply to the relevant program at the end of their first year of law school.

Applications should be submitted sufficiently in advance of the application deadline to assure adequate processing time at both institutions.

A student matriculated in either the JD or MS program could apply to the other institution in order to pursue the dual degree prior to the end of the first year of study.

Contact Information

For questions regarding joint degree programs, use the contact information below:

School of Law Admissions
Michael W. Donnelly-Boylen
Associate Dean for Enrollment & Strategic Initiatives
Phone: 401-254-4555
mdonnelly-boylen@rwu.edu

Criminal Justice
Stephanie Picolo Manzi, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: CAS 147
Phone: (401) 254-3369
smanzi@rwu.edu

Historic Preservation
Jeremy C. Wells, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Office: AR 233
Phone: (401) 254-5213
jwells@rwu.edu

Labor Relations and Human Resources
Michael Yelnosky
Professor of Law
Phone: (401) 254-4607
myelnosky@rwu.edu

Marine Affairs
Julia Wyman
Director, Marine Affairs Institute
and Rhode Island Sea Grant Legal Program
Phone: (401) 254-5734
jwyman@rwu.edu

Professor Austin Becker
Department of Marine Affairs
University of Rhode Island
Coastal Institute Bldg., 2nd Flr., Rm 213
Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: (401) 874-4192
becker@uri.edu

Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.