Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE)

Upon admission, a formal Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) will be conducted to determine how many credits will be accepted toward the J.D. program and what program requirements must be met for graduation at the MSU College of Law. 

Given vast differences in grading systems, grading scales, program length and course requirements at law schools around the world, each individual candidate’s academic record will be examined closely to determine how many and which course credits will be accepted toward the J.D. Program. Credits from LL.M. programs abroad and in the United States will not be transferred toward the J.D. program at MSU Law. 

While a maximum of 29 credits may be accepted toward the J.D. Program, upon evaluation by the College of Law, some students may be granted fewer transfer credits.

Curriculum

Our required curriculum provides students with the building blocks for success. Our curriculum is regularly evaluated to ensure graduates are prepared for today's legal profession. Students complete 88 credit hours to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, including any accepted credits transferred in from an in-person foreign law degree program.

ASJD students alongside first-year J.D. students start their studies at MSU Law with Foundations Week, an introductory week to the academic year at MSU Law. This required orientation to MSU Law includes Foundations of Law coursework and an introduction to the community at MSU Law. Like traditional J.D. students, ASJD students, take our prescribed 1L curriculum, which gives students a solid foundation in Civil Procedure, Contracts, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Property, the Regulatory State, and Torts, along with an introduction to Contract Negotiation.

All first-year schedules include Research, Writing, & Analysis, as well as Advocacy—intensive courses that develop critical writing and oral presentation skills. Our 130+ electives enable students to shape their experiences. Upper-level students can focus on a particular area of law, earn a specialized certificate, or otherwise develop their interests.

Student Life

East Lansing is home to students from all over the world and MSU Law is equally proud to be a second home for many law students from all over the world. Students from different life experiences come together as a family celebrating national and religious holidays together and educating one another about customs, beliefs and traditions from their countries, our international students join with their American classmates to recognize important dates on the U.S. holiday calendar as well.

The Office of Graduate and International Programs, along with the MSU Law Diversity Equity Services Office and and numerous student organizations can be found supporting students from every walk throughout the entire year in and oustide the classroom. 

MSU Law international students also find that MSU’s Big 10 campus network and numerous resources for international students, like host families, the English Language Center, and strong community support, make MSU feel like home.

Learn more about the larger MSU Campus

Campus Life in East Lansing

MSU Law Admitted Student Housing

Figuring out how to pay for your degree can be overwhelming. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Tuition and Living Expenses

Tuition residency for ASJD applicants will be evaluated in the same manner as all applicants in accordance with Michigan State University resident policy. ASJD residency typically is categorized as out-of-state residency. 

East Lansing is significantly more affordable than many urban areas, and has excellent public transportation so that a car is not needed for local travel.

Scholarship & Fund Support

MSU Law scholarship support for ASJD students is limited. All ASJD applications are reviewed holistically; however students are expected to provide their own funding at minimum based on the current academic cycle cost of attendance. ASJD students may need to provide associated financial documentation for I-20 documentation. 

Foreign Government-Sponsored Education Programs

Many foreign governments will sponsor tuition and living expenses (some partially and some completely) for their citizens to study in the United States. Often, awards are made through competitive scholarship programs. Students should inquire with their countries’ ministries of education, or connect with the EducationUSA office at the local U.S. embassy or consulate, which can assist in helping find funding sources. EducationUSA can also assist students interested in Fulbright or other U.S.-government sponsored fellowship and scholarship programs.

Enrollment Requirements

Federal aid, and sometimes private loans, require students to be enrolled at least half-time. Usually a student must have three credits in a semester to be considered half-time. You can review enrollment information at http://www.law.msu.edu/finaid/enrollmentchart.html and contact the Office of Financial Aid with any concerns.

Tuition Reimbursement Benefits through your Employer

It is not uncommon for employers to offer financial assistance with employees’ education. Some offer tuition reimbursement, educational fellowships or scholarships. Consider asking your employer to invest in your education. Be sure to prepare well ahead of time by researching the program you wish to pursue, making a list of ways your company will benefit from your education, and address concerns your employer may have.

Student Visa Funding Requirements

To qualify for an I-20, you must prove that you have the funding to cover the cost of attendance for EVERY YEAR of your program of study. To fulfill this funding requirement, you must prove that you have the funding immediately available to pay for your first year of study AND the ability to fund additional years in the program, as necessary to graduate. This can be proven through sponsor proof of current or projected income or through a work or government funding guarantee. If you are self-funded, you will have to prove that you have the entire Projected Program Total immediately available because it is assumed that you will have no income while you are attending MSU College of Law.

Students in the J.D. program must take at least 13 credits per semester to be in status for SEVIS purposes, while graduate (LL.M. and M.J.) students must take at least 9.

Learn more about the visa process »