The general objective of the joint JD/MA degree program at DePaul University College of Law Center for Intellectual Property Law & Information Technology (CIPLIT®) and its School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems (CTI) is to offer law students the opportunity to acquire technology knowledge that will support them in their work in information technology law, intellectual property law, or patent law. This joint degree accommodates JD students without a technical or scientific background who are interested in intellectual property by offering a depth of knowledge and ability to communicate in technical terms. These tools are invaluable, as future intellectual property lawyers will require at a minimum a general understanding of computer and information systems, given the prominence of cyber- and telecommunications issues in today's legal practice. The JD/MA also accommodates JD students with technical or scientific backgrounds who may be interested in a broad-based exposure to computer or information systems. Where the JD/MS degree offers students an in-depth approach to specific computer science or information systems topics, the JD/MA presents a broader view that will prepare graduates of the joint degree program to interact successfully with clients and experts in computer-related fields.

Characteristics of the program include:

§          This joint degree is designed to provide intensive technological training to students with non-technical backgrounds who wish to pursue legal careers focused on high technology.

§          Some students may wish to use the JD/MA program as a means to fulfill the technical education requirements for the patent bar exam. Such students will need to consult closely with faculty advisors in both Schools and to contact the USPTO for specific eligibility requirements.

§          It is expected that most students who pursue this joint degree will also obtain a Certificate in Intellectual Property: General, Intellectual Property: Patent or Information Technology from the law school.

§          This program simultaneously offers a variety of curriculum options encompassing key technological topics along with legal courses which prepare the student for transactional and/or litigation work.

In this program, students will acquire:

§          An in-depth understanding of the legal issues that confront present and future technologies.

§          An understanding of legal principles and application of those principles to a growing number of legal issues facing technology

§          A broad exposure to current IT theory and practices including telecommunication and data communication fundamentals, database, computer and network security, B2C e-commerce technologies, object-oriented concepts, and client server architecture.

Course Requirement Reductions in the Joint Degree Program:

§          Joint degree students may substitute up to 8 law semester hours in place of up to 3 CTI master’s degree courses, reducing their CTI course requirements to 10 courses plus any necessary prerequisite coursework. Courses to be substituted must be selected from the elective and required courses for the College of Law certificates in Intellectual Property: General, Intellectual Property: Patent and Information Technology. Please see the certificate pages on the College of Law website for lists of qualifying courses.

§          Joint degree students may substitute up to 15 CTI credit hours in place of up to 10 of the 86 required law semester hours, reducing their law course requirements to 76 semester hours. Only CTI courses taken after enrollment in the College of Law may be substituted for law courses.

§          Joint degree students may not substitute CTI credit hours for required courses in the College of Law, such as the Professional Responsibility and Senior Seminar courses

§          Joint degree students must graduate from both schools on the same date, in the same semester/quarter, and in the same year. Double counting of credit hours occurs only after the student concurrently completes both degree programs. Students should consult with the joint degree advisors regarding any questions about coordinating the completion of the two degrees.