The Certificate in Law gives professionals and students at the University of Pennsylvania an opportunity to immerse themselves in important legal topics and issues impacting the areas of their academic disciplines and future professions.

An application is required. Penn students must check with their home schools and/or programs to determine their eligibility to pursue the Certificate in Law.

1. The Certificate in Law requires the successful completion of four (1CU) Penn Carey Law courses. Required core foundational course, LAWM 511 U.S. Law and Legal Methods, PLUS 3 additional full CU courses from either the ML or the JD elective course offerings.
2. Those interested in the Certificate must be members of the University of Pennsylvania community. An Advisor Approval Form is required for all undergraduates, and for graduate students enrolled in programs that require such approval. View the the Approval Form.
3. Certificate candidates, if Penn students, must complete the courses required for the Certificate during their primary course of study.
4. Certificate candidates, if Penn Professionals, must complete the courses required for the Certificate within 4 academic years.
5. Certificate candidates must achieve a grade of B- or better in all courses counting toward the Certificate.
6. Once the requirements are met and the Certificate Completion paperwork is processed, the Certificate in Law will be granted by the University of Pennsylvania Penn Carey Law School faculty.

View details on ML course offerings

View the course finder

Course Registration

While all members of the Penn community are welcome to explore our classes and take any available ML courses, registration priority is given to ML degree candidates (those who have applied and been accepted into the ML degree program). Those who take ML classes and later apply and enter the ML degree program may request inclusion toward their ML degree requirements up to two courses/CUs from Penn Carey Law taken prior to matriculation into the ML degree program.

Candidates are encouraged to participate in the Penn Carey Law community and to attend events and symposia.

It is expected that many courses in the JD curriculum will have openings for students in most years. In any given semester, however, students cannot be assured of available spots in all classes. Candidates will be accepted and enrolled into the Law School’s courses according to the generally established procedures for non-Law students studying at the Law School. Please visit the Registrar for additional registration information.

Application process & requirements for Certificate in Law

All individuals taking classes at the Law School are responsible for reviewing the rules & procedures of exams.

The Law School welcomes individuals from outside of the University of Pennsylvania system to engage in our community by taking Master in Law courses over the summer months. Master in Law courses are specifically designed to offer background and expertise to non-lawyers in a variety of subject matters. Whether you are interested in exploring the future possibility of law school or in complementing your career or studies in another discipline with the Master in Law degree at a future date, or just learning about the law for personal growth, we are certain you will find the summer experience at the Law School worth it!

View our Summer Course Offerings

Register for Summer Courses