TALLAHASSEE — The Florida State University College of Law has recently approved a new Juris Master degree program. The program, which will take effect in the fall of 2014, is intended for professionals who possess a bachelor’s degree and who want to attend law school to advance their careers with a year of legal studies and training. The program is designed to be flexible – students can tailor their curriculum for the specific professional advancement they have in mind.

"I am delighted that we are offering this new degree for a professional workforce that is increasingly interested in legal training," said Dean Don Weidner. "We think there are many groups who would benefit from the program, including people in financial services, health care, agriculture, real estate, as well as other businesses, either in the private sector or on the regulatory side. Compliance officers might be particularly interested."

The 25-credit curriculum will include two courses specifically designed for Juris Master students: Introduction to Legal Studies and Introduction to Legal Research. Students also will be required to take at least two courses from the J.D. core curriculum. The remaining courses are elective and will be selected by students according to their professional interests. The curriculum may be completed on either a full-time, one-year schedule or on a part-time basis that lasts no more than three years.

To learn more about the admission requirements for the program, which is subject to SACS approval and ABA acquiescence, interested students should contact the law school at 850.644.3400 or law-jurismaster@law.fsu.edu.