JD Concentrations & Courses of Study

Loyola Law School's curriculum is rich and diverse, with a broad array of faculty members recognized as national leaders in their respective fields. To help students navigate the vast offerings, Concentration Programs and Courses of Study were developed.  View a summary of Loyola's Concentration Programs here.

The Concentrations combine rigorous intellectual training with in-depth clinical and experiential (practical) learning components, which gives graduates the specialized skills and knowledge in their chosen field. 

A Concentration is similar to a major in undergraduate studies, in that a student with a specific interest in a field can do focused study in that field. A major difference though, is that students who graduate law school with a Concentration will have the same degree as those without a Concentration, a juris doctor, that will be viable in any area of law in which they wish to practice. Each Concentration is advised by a faculty member who specializes in the field, and has a required curriculum that has been specially tailored to equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Concentration programs are available to both day and evening division students.

  • Gain expertise and hands-on knowledge
    Extensive course work will provide a strong academic and theoretical base. Students will also gain hands-on experience by participating in at least one experiential opportunity, such as a clinic, externship, practicum, or simulation course in their field.
     
  • Networking
    The Concentration program is another way the law school connects its students with local experts in that particular field. Many members of the legal community, including our alumni, will participate in the Concentration program. Each Concentration will sponsor workshops, alumni receptions, lectures, and panel presentations featuring practitioners.
     
  • Employment
    This innovative curriculum signals to employers that Loyola students will provide immediate value and will be able to perform effectively as soon as they enter the legal profession. Employers are looking to hire new associates who are practice ready. Loyola's Concentrations are a great way to demonstrate to potential employers your commitment to a particular practice area.
     
  • Counseling
    Each Concentration has an adviser, a faculty expert in the field, who is available to meet with students individually and counsels them on their coursework, practical experience and potential career paths.
     
  • Honors
    Students earn recognition on their transcripts for completing these intensive programs and will also be eligible to earn honors at graduation based on their performance.

Students who are interested in applying and registering for a Concentration may do so beginning in the spring semester of their first year if they are day students or in the fall semester of their second year if they are evening students.

For current students:

For general information about Loyola's Concentrations and an opportunity to hear from faculty advisers to the Concentrations, please click on the links below, which are video recordings from an information session.  You will be prompted to login using your school credentials.

Information Session #1

Covering the following Concentrations:  Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law, Entertainment & New Media Law, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Corporate and Entrepreneurship.

Information Session #2

Covering the following Concentrations: Civil Litigation & Advocacy, Criminal Justice, International and Comparative Law, and Public Interest Law.

Courses of Study

Courses of Study provide a means for students to organize class selection, find faculty members with expertise, become informed about experiential opportunities, and connect with alumni in the relevant area.

Courses of Study are more informal than the established Concentrations - there are no requirements for any particular Course of Study, and they will not be designated as such on Loyola transcripts. But like Concentrations, Courses of Study help students supplement the required JD curriculum by highlighting courses and experiential opportunities that allow students to gain more in-depth educational and practical experience in a particular legal field.  In addition, each Course of Study has a faculty adviser who is available to provide course advising, career counseling, and facilitate networking with alumni and other practitioners.