Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs answer questions often answered by the admissions staff, but many prospective students may not know to ask. Once a prospective student reviews information About the Law School, these FAQs are a resource to answer common questions that arise. If your question is not answered, please contact the Admissions office, and a member of our staff will be happy to assist.
- Does West Virginia University offer specializations with the JD program?
- Does the College of Law offer Joint-Degree Programs?
- What undergraduate degree do I need to attend the College of Law?
- What is the minimum GPA / LSAT for admission?
- I took the LSAT more than once, which score will the College of Law use?
- What is the age-range of students at the College of Law?
- I have been admitted to the College of Law and now I am unable to attend, what do I do?
- How much does it cost?
- Is preference given to West Virginia residents / WVU graduates?
- What is the deadline for admissions and what materials must be received?
Does West Virginia University offer specializations within the JD program?
No. There is only one JD program at WVU and no specialization is indicated on the degree or transcript. Although WVU does not offer specific specializations, a specialization is usually a grouping of courses tailored in one specific area of law. At WVU, most courses are elective after the first-year; therefore, students may tailor their studies to their particular interests to individualize their learning.
Does the College of Law offer Joint-Degree Programs?
Yes. Students may formally enroll in a joint degree program with another College of the University. At present there are two such programs: a joint JD/MBA. (Master’s in Business Administration) and a joint JD/MPA (Master’s in Public Administration).
A JD/MBA student may earn law school credit pursuant to the joint degree requirements approved by the faculties of the College of Law and the College of Business and Economics and published to students admitted to that program.
A JD/MPA student may earn law school credit for one MPA course (up to four hours) if that course is taken after the student has entered the College of Law. In addition, if the MPA degree is awarded before or concurrently with the JD degree, an MPA student may receive an additional two (2) hours of law school credit for courses included in the MPA degree that the student takes while enrolled in the College of Law. This program is currently under review and the number of hours allowed toward the JD degree by taking MPA courses may be increased. Law Professor John Taylor is the contact person for the JD/MPA program.
What undergraduate degree do I need to attend the College of Law?
No particular undergraduate major is required for admission to the College of Law. Applicants are accepted from a diversity of backgrounds. Whatever major an applicant decides to pursue should be augmented by a well-rounded variety of course selections that might include philosophy, writing, logic, history, literature, and fundamentals of accounting. The College urges applicants to engage in a curriculum that demands intellectual self-discipline and develops reading, writing, verbal, and analytical skills. WVU accepts Board of Regents degrees.
What is the minimum GPA / LSAT for admission?
There is no set minimum GPA or LSAT. The admissions committee will consider an applicant’s entire application to determine the applicant’s likelihood of success in law school. The average GPA and LSAT for admitted applicants for the fall of 2006 was 3.4 GPA and 151 LSAT.
I took the LSAT more than once, which school will the College of Law use?
The admissions committee sees all scores, but uses the highest score in its decision making.
What is the age-range of students at the College of Law?
Although age varies by class, the typical age range of law students is 21 to 60.
I have been admitted to the College of Law and now I am unable to attend, what do I do?
Submit a letter outlining your situation and request a deferment.
2009-10 Budget College of Law
| Expenses | Residents | Non – Residents | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $11,070* | $24,970* | |
| Books & Supplies | $2,000** | $2,000** | |
| Living Expenses | $10,522 | $10,522 | |
| Loan Fee Offset | 110 | 110 |
* Subject to approval by the WVU Board of Governors – tentative figures
** Approximately $1,169 a month for nine months. Information obtained from data compiled through a cost of attendance survey conducted each year for graduate and professional students.
An additional allowance of $1500 is included in first year students’ cost of attendance for the purchase of a computer.
Is preference given to West Virginia residents / WVU graduates?
West Virginia University, as a state land-grant institution, has as part of its mission the education of the students of West Virginia. Therefore, residents of West Virginia receive preference in the admission process. No additional preference is given to WVU students.
What is the deadline for admissions and what materials must be received?
February 1 st. The admissions office must receive the application, personal statement, application fee, and the LSDAS Report (includes letters of recommendations and transcripts) by February 1. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the College of Law receives all application materials and LSDAS has received all transcripts and letters of recommendations.
Please note: LSDAS should receive all materials by January 1 st to ensure the College of Law receives all materials by the February 1 st deadline. Generally, materials will take 2 to 3 weeks to process once they are received by LSDAS (depending on volume). Once materials are ready at LSDAS, they are considered by the College of Law although they may not physically arrive until after their ready date.
Applicants may monitor the materials LSDAS has received at www.lsdas.com. Application status at WVU is maintained on the Internet and may be accessed with a PIN received approximately one week after submission of an application.
If an applicant misses the deadline because of unusual circumstances, he/she may contact the College of Law Office of Admissions to receive information on our appeal process.