Penn State Law: Exploring Diverse Concentrations

how many law concentrations can i do penn state

Penn State Law, now known as Penn State Dickinson Law, offers a variety of law concentrations for its students. The law school has locations in Carlisle and University Park, with the latter being home to some of the top energy law scholars in the country. Students can choose from a range of concentrations, including Energy Law and Regulation, Information Security and Privacy Law, and more. In addition, the school offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program, which allows students to build their own concentrations and specialize in their desired field of law. The school also provides a Certificate in Legal Studies (CLS) program, which can be completed in 6-12 months with a 9-credit minimum. With its diverse range of concentrations and programs, Penn State Dickinson Law equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue careers in law.

Characteristics Values
Number of Concentrations offered by Penn State Law 2
Name of Concentrations 1. Energy Law and Regulation 2. Information Security and Privacy Law
Customization option available? Yes
Name of the Law School Penn State Dickinson Law
Locations Carlisle and University Park
Degrees offered J.D., LL.M., S.J.D.

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Energy Law and Regulation

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Energy Law and Regulation is a 30-credit hour minimum graduate degree. The program can be completed in one year if pursued full-time or up to two years part-time. The Certificate in Legal Studies (CLS) in Energy Law and Regulation, on the other hand, is a 9-credit hour minimum program that can be completed in as little as 6 months full-time or up to 12 months part-time.

The curriculum covers various forms of energy, including oil, natural gas, nuclear power, electricity, coal, and renewables, and examines the regulations governing each form by different government institutions. Students will also explore the economic, political, and socio-psychological aspects influencing energy regulation. The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary and international nature of energy law and policy, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the field.

Students have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice through externships in Pennsylvania's thriving energy sector and work in centers such as the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law and the Center for Energy Law and Policy. To earn the Energy Law and Regulation concentration recognition, J.D. students must accumulate a minimum of 12 credits, while LL.M. students need a minimum of 9 credits with a grade of 'C' or higher for each course.

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Information Security and Privacy Law

Penn State Law in University Park offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program that can be completed in one to two years (30 credits minimum). The program allows students to build their own concentration that enables them to specialize in a field of their choice. In addition to the option of creating a customized concentration, Penn State Law offers two concentrations: (1) Energy Law and Regulation and (2) Information Security and Privacy Law.

The concentration in Information Security and Privacy Law enhances students' credentials and core skills in information security, data privacy, and data protection. In today's digital economy, employers across all industries seek individuals who can contribute to safeguarding information systems and protecting client and corporate data. Those with knowledge of information security and data privacy are in high demand in both the public and private sectors. This concentration assists non-lawyers who require training in law and policy matters related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and data protection.

The curriculum in this concentration aligns with Penn State's broader commitment to information assurance and IT security. The university recognizes the importance of protecting institutional data and managing cybersecurity risks while promoting academic freedom and an open, information-sharing culture. Penn State has established policies and guidelines to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of university information assets. This includes adhering to federal, state, and local laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which safeguards the personal information of European Union (EU) residents and expands privacy rights for individuals within the EU.

Students in the Information Security and Privacy Law concentration will gain valuable knowledge and skills in navigating the legal and policy landscape surrounding information security and privacy. They will be well-equipped to address the evolving needs of employers and contribute to the protection of sensitive information in various sectors.

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Environmental Law

At Penn State Law, students can choose from over 21 specialized fields of study, including Environmental Law. Students can also build their own concentrations, allowing for specialisation in a field of their choice.

To earn Concentration recognition in Environmental Law, students must complete a minimum number of credits with a minimum grade of 'C' in each course. J.D. students must earn at least 12 credits, while LL.M. students must earn a minimum of 9 credits. Upon graduation and verification of completion, students will receive an official document recognising their concentration.

Students must declare their intent to complete a concentration by submitting a Concentration Declaration Application by the last day of the semester before their graduation. They can also request approval from the Penn State Law Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to count courses not listed as approved on the Specialized Fields of Study pages.

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Civil Rights Appellate Law

Penn State Law in University Park, Pennsylvania, offers a Civil Rights Appellate Law concentration as part of its Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program. This concentration provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in civil rights appellate advocacy through the Civil Rights Appellate Clinic.

The Civil Rights Appellate Clinic involves students in noncriminal civil rights cases before state appellate courts, federal courts of appeal, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Under the guidance of experienced litigators and faculty members, students conduct research, draft briefs, assist in case selection, develop legal positions, and plan appellate strategy. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their legal knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding of civil rights appellate law.

The clinic has been involved in several notable cases, including Harwood v. American Airlines, which dealt with employer responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Students also worked on a reply brief on behalf of plaintiff-appellant Megan Borovicka in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, addressing gender-based pay discrimination under the Equal Pay Act (EPA).

In addition to practical experience, the Civil Rights Appellate Law concentration at Penn State Law offers a robust academic curriculum. Students can choose from a variety of courses related to constitutional law and civil rights, allowing them to explore important issues facing the nation. The program also includes classroom sessions, expert presentations, and attendance at oral arguments, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

By offering a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills development, the Civil Rights Appellate Law concentration at Penn State Law prepares graduates to enter the field of civil rights appellate advocacy with a strong foundation and real-world experience. This concentration is an excellent choice for students interested in making a meaningful impact in the area of civil rights.

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Employment Discrimination Law

Penn State Law in University Park offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program that can be completed in one to two years (30 credits minimum). The program allows students to build their own concentration, enabling them to specialize in their field of choice. While Penn State Law specifically offers concentrations in Energy Law and Regulation and Information Security and Privacy Law, students can also pursue a concentration in Employment Discrimination Law by selecting relevant courses.

To pursue a concentration in Employment Discrimination Law, students can select relevant courses offered within the MLS program. These courses would cover topics such as the U.S. Law of Arbitration, labor issues, and federal equal employment opportunity laws. By choosing these courses, students can deepen their understanding of employment discrimination law and related issues.

Additionally, students can complement their concentration with experiential learning opportunities provided by Penn State Law. For instance, the appellate legal clinic deals primarily with labor issues before the federal courts, allowing students to gain practical experience in the field. Furthermore, joint degree programs, such as the J.D./M.S. degree program in Human Resources and Employment Relations, can provide a comprehensive understanding of employment discrimination law and its interplay with other disciplines.

To ensure their concentration is recognized, students must follow the guidelines provided by Penn State Law. For instance, J.D. students must earn a minimum of 12 credits, while LL.M. students need a minimum of 9 credits. A minimum grade of 'C' is required for each course contributing to the concentration. Upon completion, students will receive a document recognizing their achievement.

Frequently asked questions

Students at Penn State Law can choose from two concentrations: Energy Law and Regulation, and Information Security and Privacy Law. However, students in the MLS program have the option of building their own concentration that allows for specialization in a field of their choice.

The Energy Law and Regulation concentration assists non-lawyers who need training in energy-related law and policy issues. The program includes courses from leading practitioners with experience in many areas of energy law.

The Information Security and Privacy Law concentration enhances your credentials and core skills in information security, data privacy, and data protection. This concentration assists non-lawyers who need training in law and policy matters relating to cybersecurity.

Yes, Penn State Dickinson Law offers a generalized LL.M. degree program with concentrations available in various fields. Concentrations available at the University Park location include: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law I, Contracts, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Property, and Torts.

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