Certificate Programs

Find out just how much of a difference one semester can make when you pursue one of Cincinnati Law’s practical and inspiring certificate programs.

Certificates are ideal for students passionate about the law or endlessly curious about the workings of the U.S. legal system. They can also expand opportunities for graduate students who want to beef up their resumes and foreign-trained lawyers who want to improve their global expertise.

Each of Cincinnati Law’s certificate programs can be completed in one semester, though they often take longer. They include a certificate in Legal Studies, in U.S. Law and in Fundamentals of U.S. Law.

The UC College of Law has certificate programs available for:

• non-lawyers who work in fields where legal knowledge would enhance their occupational success and satisfaction;
• graduate students in other disciplines;
• lawyers who would like to learn more and gain skills to enhance their legal practices; and
• foreign-trained lawyers.

Find out more about Cincinnati Law’s certificate options by contacting Kimberly Bailey, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, at baile2kr@ucmail.uc.edu. 

Successful applicants who are UC graduate students must be in good standing with the University of Cincinnati and have a target grade point average of a 3.0. Additional factors to be considered include the applicant’s other professional experience, prior education, and extracurricular activities. Graduate students will be expected to secure and communicate approval of their Program Director in order to enroll in the certificate and may be asked to provide transcripts, a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose describing their interest and how the certificate will advance their career goals, and/or a resume.

There are only two required courses for the graduate certificate: The online Harvard Zero-L Program and Introduction to U.S. Legal Systems (fall only). The remaining credits are earned through elective courses. Students in the certificate program generally take 1-2 classes per semester and complete the program in three to four semesters.

Successful applicants from outside the University of Cincinnati will demonstrate that they have strong academic and/or professional backgrounds indicating that they have the skills necessary to meet the demands of participation in this program. Students must have at least a baccalaureate degree with a target of a 3.0 grade point average. A student who received her undergraduate degree from a foreign university will be considered. Applicants will submit a statement of purpose describing their interest and how the certificate will advance their career goals, one letter of recommendation, a resume or C.V., and transcripts from any college or university attended. Additional factors that will be considered are the applicant’s work experience and prior graduate education, if any. Lower grade point averages from an undergraduate program may be offset by substantial professional experience or graduate education.

Students must demonstrate English proficiency to be able to fully participate in law school classes, which involve in-class dialogue about complex legal issues and substantial reading of sophisticated legal texts. If English is not the applicant’s primary language, the applicant will be required to take and submit an exam that shows English proficiency. Applicants with the following scores will be given preference: 1) TOEFL internet-based 100, computer-based 250 , or paper-based 600; 2) IELTS 7.0; or 3)ELS completion of Level 112. Applicants with internet-based TOEFL scores of 80 and above will also be considered.

Applicants will not be required to take a standardized test for admission to the certificate program. Students who are participating in the UC Law J.D. or LL.M. programs are not eligible to participate in this certificate program. Classes taken in this program will not transfer to the J.D. or LL.M. programs.

To apply, contact Kimberly Bailey, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, at baile2kr@ucmail.uc.edu.

Applicants must have a law degree from a foreign university—undergraduate or graduate. Successful applicants will demonstrate that they have strong academic and/or professional backgrounds indicating that they have the skills necessary to meet the demands of participation in this program. The target grade point average is a 3.0. Students must demonstrate English proficiency to be able to fully participate in law school classes, which involve in-class dialogue about complex legal issues and substantial reading of sophisticated legal texts.

Applicants will submit a statement of purpose describing their interest and how the certificate will advance their career goals, one letter of recommendation, a resume or C.V., and transcripts from any college or university attended. If English is not the applicant’s primary language, the applicant will be required to take and submit an exam that shows English proficiency. Applicants with the following scores will be given preference: 1) TOEFL internet-based 100, computer-based 250 , or paper-based 600; 2) IELTS 7.0; or 3)ELS completion of Level 112. Applicants with internet-based TOEFL scores of 80 and above will also be considered.

To apply, contact Nora Burke Wagner, Assistant Dean of International and Graduate Programs, at nora.wagner@uc.edu.

Applicants must have a law degree from a foreign university—undergraduate or graduate. Successful applicants will demonstrate that they have strong academic and/or professional backgrounds indicating that they have the skills necessary to meet the demands of participation in this program. The target grade point average is a 3.0. Students must demonstrate English proficiency to be able to fully participate in law school classes, which involve in-class dialogue about complex legal issues and substantial reading of sophisticated legal texts.

Applicants will submit a statement of purpose describing their interest and how the certificate will advance their career goals, one letter of recommendation, a resume or C.V., and transcripts from any college or university attended. If English is not the applicant’s primary language, the applicant will be required to take and submit an exam that shows English proficiency. Applicants with the following scores will be given preference: 1) TOEFL internet-based 100, computer-based 250 , or paper-based 600; 2) IELTS 7.0; or 3)ELS completion of Level 112. Applicants with internet-based TOEFL scores of 80 and above will also be considered.

Students who have been accepted in the UC Law LL.M. program and who are in good standing will be automatically eligible to participate in the certificate program.

To apply, contact Nora Burke Wagner, Assistant Dean of International and Graduate Programs, at nora.wagner@uc.edu.