Master of Jurisprudence Admissions

Eligibility

Applications for autumn 2024 admissions will open on September 1, 2023.

Admission to the Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) program requires a bachelor's degree (or the equivalent). In addition, applicants must demonstrate an interest in the study of law and its application to a particular subject matter area or an interest in law and policy. There are no prerequisite courses for admission, but students must be able to articulate their reason for seeking legal education and how it applies to their career aims.

Language Ability

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The ways in which proficiency can be demonstrated are outlined in UW Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements.

Application Instructions

(Note: The Health Law & Administration (China) program has a separate application process.)

Applicants are required to apply to the UW Graduate School, and to submit the following materials online:

• Short statement of purpose (1-2 pages) describing your background, primary area of interest in law, career goals and the educational objectives which you expect to meet through the program.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Résumé listing educational qualifications, work experience and any other professional affiliations relevant to the application.
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please also upload transcripts for in-progress degrees, and for degrees that you did not complete.
• Applicants are encouraged but not required to submit their official report of their GRE, GMAT, or LSAT test scores. When submitted with an application, our admissions committee will consider these scores as part of a holistic admissions process; in some cases (for example, when an applicant has a low GPA), the scores can strengthen an application.
• Applicants whose native language is not English:

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit English Language Proficiency scores or documentation that satisfies the English test score exemption policy. Please self-report your scores in the application and electronically submit your test scores to the UW using the following instructions. Offers of admission cannot be made until the UW receives the official scores electronically:

Have ETS send your official TOEFL score electronically using Institution Code #4854.

Have Duolingo electronically report your score to the UW.

Have IELTS electronically report your score to the UW via the IELTS system (E-TRF), using the University of Washington’s organization ID 365.

For the full details of the English proficiency requirement, please see the UW Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements.

Minimum scores: TOEFL 80, Duolingo 105, IELTS 6.5.
Scores required to clear AEP requirement: TOEFL 92, Duolingo 120, IELTS 7.0

Application Deadlines

International Applicants

Due to the time required for processing international applications, applicants must complete the online application and submit the required application materials by Feb. 15.

U.S. Applicants

All applications materials must be submitted no later than June 15. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so it is suggested that application materials be sent earlier than June 15.