UMKC Law School delivers a practice-focused legal education in Kansas City, combining regional expertise with national connections. Students engage with faculty who blend scholarship and real-world practice while accessing clinics, externships, and corporate partnerships.
The school emphasizes professional formation through experiential learning, diverse student groups, and civic engagement. This overview frames the following detailed look at programs, outcomes, and daily operations at UMKC Law.
| Program | Degree Offered | Full-Time Duration | Key Experiential Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) | JD | 3 years | Required experiential credit through clinics and externships |
| Master of Laws in U.S. Law | LLM | 1 year | Advanced coursework and optional thesis for international lawyers |
| Joint JD/MBA | JD & MBA | 4 years | Integrated curriculum with the Bloch School of Management |
| Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work | JD/MSW | 4 years | Dual licensure pathway focusing on law and social services |
Curriculum and Academic Programs
Core JD Curriculum
The first-year curriculum covers foundational subjects such as contracts, torts, civil procedure, constitutional law, property, and criminal law. Upper-level electives allow students to tailor their studies toward litigation, business law, public interest, and policy.
Concentrations and Certificates
Students can pursue focused study in areas like business and corporate law, health law, intellectual property, and public interest law. Collaborative programs with other schools enable relevant interdisciplinary credentials.
Student Life and Campus Environment
Clinics and Experiential Learning
Extensive clinical programs provide hands-on representation under faculty supervision, including civil practice, criminal defense, entrepreneurship law, and public interest fellowships.
Organizations and Community Engagement
Student-run journals, advocacy groups, and public service initiatives connect learners with the Kansas City legal community and foster leadership beyond the classroom.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Success
Employment Data and Opportunities
Recent graduates enter diverse roles in law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, and corporate legal departments, supported by career services and employer relationships across the region.
Bar Passage and Licensure
UMKC Law prepares candidates to sit for the bar in multiple jurisdictions, with targeted review components and academic scheduling aligned with testing cycles.
Admissions Requirements and Application Process
- Complete the online application and pay the submission fee.
- Submit official transcripts, LSAT or GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.
- Provide a personal statement and resume highlighting academic and professional strengths.
- Attend an interview or information session when invited.
FAQ
Reader questions
What is the total cost of attendance and typical debt at graduation?
Total cost includes tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses, with most students financing part of their education through loans, scholarships, or employment during study.
How many students are accepted into each entering class?
The school admits a moderately sized cohort annually to maintain small class sizes, allowing for close faculty interaction and collaborative learning.
Are part-time or evening JD options available for working professionals?
Part-time and evening schedules are designed for students balancing work or family commitments, typically extending completion time beyond the standard three-year plan.
What types of scholarships and financial aid does UMKC Law offer?
Merit-based and need-based scholarships, along with federal aid and employment opportunities, help reduce out-of-pocket costs for admitted students.