Certificate Programs
Rise and specialize.
Overview
Certificate programs are designed for students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to begin a successful career in a specific area of practice. In addition to eight certificate programs, KU Law also offers more than a dozen curriculum guides covering topics such as intellectual property law, constitutional law, litigation and criminal law.
Students who intend to pursue a certificate program should complete the Declaration Form. The form deadline for your intention to pursue a certificate is November 1st of your 3L year, though you may certainly do so at an earlier point. If you fail to meet the requirements of the certificate by the time you graduate, you will not earn the certificate.
Certificate Programs Offered
Advocacy Skills Certificate
Students who want to hone their skills in trial settings can complete the Advocacy Skills Certificate. You’ll get a solid grounding in all aspects of litigation while gaining hands-on experience through a related clinic or field placement.
Business and Commercial Law Certificate
The Business and Commercial Law Certificate allows students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to begin a successful career as a business lawyer. The certificate offers a solid grounding in the basic principles of business and commercial law.
Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Law Certificate
The Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Law Certificate exposes students to the basics of a constantly changing area of practice. At the end of the program, students can address related issues wherever they arise.
International Trade and Finance Certificate
The International Trade and Finance Certificate permits KU Law students to specialize their studies in the areas of international trade, international business and international finance.
Media, Law and Technology Certificate
The Media, Law and Technology Certificate focuses on legislative challenges, judicial decision-making and administrative policy in an era increasingly shaped by information technology, global networks and the media.
Social Justice Certificate
The Social Justice Certificate allows students to deepen their knowledge and expand expertise in areas that intersect with social justice. Through courses and hands-on work, the certificate prepares students for a career that aligns with their values.
Tax Law Certificate
Students who complete the Tax Law Certificate are ready to meet the growing demand for attorneys with tax expertise. Courses cover the basic principles of taxation and finer points of tax law and practice, allowing students to develop the skills needed to build successful careers.
Tribal Lawyer Certificate
The Tribal Lawyer Certificate program is designed to ensure that law students aspiring to a career representing Indian nations have the skills necessary to appreciate and strengthen the unique nature of Indigenous tribal legal systems.
Course Approvals for Certificates
The director of the certificate program may approve an appropriate course(s) to substitute for a course necessary to complete the certificate, particularly in instances when the necessary course is not offered or cannot be taken because of an irreconcilable schedule conflict. However, the director may not lower the number of credits or courses necessary to complete the certificate. Students are expected to plan their certificate studies carefully in advance and should not expect the director to exercise this discretion routinely.
