Degree Requirements
Masters Program
Full-time judges currently serving on the bench
and who have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school may apply for one of two academic majors - the Trial
Court Judge Major or the Juvenile an Family Court Judge Major. Exceptions may be made for sitting
judges who are graduates of recognized foreign law schools or graduates
of non-accredited American law schools who have been admitted to the Bar,
and when it appears that the applicant is otherwise qualified and would,
if accepted, contribute to the success of the program.
An applicant for admission to the JSP must file an application with Denise
Schaar-Buis, JSP Coordinator. A master's application consists of: the JSP application,
application fee, two official copies of undergraduate, graduate and law school transcripts
sent directly by the school to the JSP office, copies of written opinions
and/or articles, and three letters of reference. Applicants are responsible
for ensuring that the UNR/JSP Office receives all required materials.
The JSP Admissions Committee only considers complete applications. Master's
applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, a law school
GPA of at least 2.5, have demonstrated a continued interest in the law
and the judiciary through published writings (including opinions) and
extracurricular activities, and be highly regarded by their colleagues
in order to gain consideration. If an applicant's GPA is lower than those
noted or other problems exist, at the discretion of the Admission Committee, additional
information (i.e. samples of writings and additional reference names) may be requested.
The JSP Admissions Committee evaluates the applicant's professional qualifications
and potential for making a sustained contribution to the judiciary. The JSP
Admissions Committee also evaluates the applicant's potential contribution
to the field of Judicial Studies. Priority for admission is given to sitting
trial court judges of general jurisdiction courts and judges of juvenile
and family courts. Appellate and administrative law judges are also welcome.
The JSP Admissions Committee seeks students from widely dispersed geographic
areas, intending to expose students to national and international perspectives. Applicants are notified of the
Admissions Committee's recommendation to the University of Nevada, Reno
Graduate School, which must then give final approval over admission decisions.
The Graduate School will then directly notify prospective students of
UNR's final decision. Judges admitted to the master's program are responsible for making
arrangements to spend parts of two or more summers in Reno. The JSP requests that admitted
students work closely with court personnel to ensure that they can be
absent from their courtroom for the required period.
Ph.D. Program
Judges seeking the Ph.D. degree must be graduates
of the MJS Program. Applications are accepted throughout the year for
consideration each January with notification given in mid-February.
A Ph.D. application consists of: the JSP application, application fee,
copies of written opinions and/or articles, and three letters of reference.
In addition, the JSP will request letters from the students master's
committee members. Doctoral applicants must have a minimum master's
GPA of 3.0 to gain consideration. Complete applications must be filed
with the JSP Coordinator.
In addition to the time spent in Reno during the MJS Program, those admitted
to the Ph.D. Program should expect to spend parts of one or more additional summers
on the UNR campus. It is the student's responsibility to arrange to be absent from their
courtroom for the required residency period.
Thesis Requirements
- Establish a thesis committee
and write an approved thesis prospectus
- Write and publish an
approved scholarly article, or
- Write and defend a thesis
