Transfer Applicants - Frequently Asked Questions
Foreign-Educated Attorneys may find relevant FAQs on the Accelerated J.D. for Foreign Attorneys page.
How do transfer students register for classes?
Upon acceptance and payment of your seat deposit, you will work with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the Registrar's Office to establish your remaining required classes and your class schedule for your first semester. You will bid for future semester courses along with your classmates and receive priority for classes based on your anticipated graduation date.
Can credits from a previous graduate degree transfer toward the J.D. program?
No. Only credits taken at an ABA- or state-approved law school may count toward the J.D. program and will be evaluated on an individual basis. For more detail, see our Transfer Credit Policy (PDF).
Do transfer students qualify for scholarships?
Transfer students may apply for continuing student scholarships once enrolled. Admitted transfer students seeking loans should review the information on the Student Financial Planning website and review the My Finances tab in myStetson for more information.
What is required for graduation?
To earn a Juris Doctor degree at Stetson University College of Law, you must:
- Complete a minimum of 88 semester hours of coursework;
- Satisfy the requirements stated under the "Required Curriculum" policy;
- Satisfy the provisions of the "Residency Requirement," if you are a full-time student;
- Complete the pro-bono requirement;
- Complete 65 credits of regularly scheduled classroom hours;
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.30;
- Absent extraordinary circumstances, not have a pending honor code, conduct code, or criminal case; and
- Not be subject to the rules of academic exclusion as stated under "Academic Probation and Exclusion."
According to your school's policy, what is the maximum time to earn the Juris Doctor degree?
Both part-time and full-time students must complete the program of study within six years.
Excluding the paperwork submitted to the Office of Admissions, is there additional paperwork I am required to send?
You may be asked to submit a syllabus as part of the credit awarding process. No student will be allowed to enroll without an official transcript and letter of good standing from the home institution.
Do transfer students have full access to the Career Development Office?
Yes! Admissions provide Career Development with a list of incoming transfer students so they are prepared to assist you with your career search and development, including career counseling, on-campus recruiting, etc.
Will my already completed pro-bono hours transfer to Stetson Law?
Yes. Stetson will accept up to 30 hours of legal or non-legal pro-bono from transferring students. All J.D. students who enter the College of Law (whether as new or transfer students) are required to complete 60 hours of pro bono public service as a graduation requirement. At least 30 hours must be completed in legal-related activities; the 30 remaining hours may be completed in non-legal-related activities.
Are transfer students permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities?
Yes! Transfer students are invited to participate in a diverse collection of experiences on campus such as nearly 45 student clubs and organizations, leadership programming (leading to a Leadership Development Certificate at graduation), legal and non-legal pro bono community service activities, intramural sports, etc.
Activities also include Law Review, Moot Court, Mock Trial Teams, Client Skills Boards, Internships, and Clinics. New transfer students may seek to participate in these activities along with current students.
What are the eligibility requirements for Law Review if you are a transfer student?
For information about the Stetson Law Review, Stetson's primary academic legal journal, please visit the Stetson Law Review's website.
Eligibility to compete in Stetson Law Review's Write-on Competition in the first semester of enrollment will be determined by reviewing the class rank at the prior institution. Transfer students in at least the top one-third of the class at the prior institution will be eligible to compete. In all subsequent semesters, only grades and rankings at Stetson University College of Law will be considered for eligibility requirements.
Transfer students may also seek to participate in Stetson's other academic journals, which include:
When are tryouts for the Advocacy Board and transfer eligible?
Tryouts occur during the spring of each year. Transfers are eligible to try out if they meet the requirements. Each team has different case requirements. Please refer to the Centers for Excellence pages for eligibility requirements.
Why Stetson?
A Student's Perspective
" I chose to transfer to Stetson because of its stellar reputation, experienced professors, and unparalleled presence in the Tampa Bay area. I am already impressed and appreciative of all the resources available to students. The Career Development programs are not only practical applications geared toward career goals, but also broad and thoughtful concepts focused on personal growth. I cannot wait to see the career and social opportunities available to me as a future Stetson graduate. I am thrilled with my decision to transfer to Stetson. The staff is professional, dedicated and made my transition seamless. I would recommend future transfer students visit the campus if possible, start the process early, and get ready for an amazing experience as a Stetson law student! ”
May 2014 Graduate