Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Labor Relations and Human Resources

The workplace is increasingly complex. Understanding that complexity requires familiarity with history, economics, organizational theory, sociology, law and other disciplines.

Roger Williams University School of Law, in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island Charles T. Schmidt Jr. Labor Research Center, offers a concentrated joint degree program for students interested in extensive study of legal issues relating to employment and labor relations.

The dual degree program allows matriculated students to complete the Juris Doctor (JD) and the Master of Science in Labor Relations and Human Resources (MS) in an accelerated period of study. By combining course work at the two institutions, students are able to reduce the overall time needed for the completion of the two degrees by up to one year.

To earn the degrees, students must complete 75 credits at the School of Law and 30 credits at the Schmidt Labor Research Center.

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.