Top Questions about Concentrations
Students often ask us about our concentrations – specialized courses of study centering around particular areas of the law. Would a concentration be right for you? The questions and answers below will help you in your decision making. For a list of concentrations at Quinnipiac Law, click here.
What is a concentration?
Through carefully constructed course selections, along with requirements for both writing and practical experience in externships or legal clinic courses tailored to your specialty, your concentration curriculum at Quinnipiac Law builds expertise and credentials according to a plan developed by faculty based on their extensive knowledge of both the field and the marketplace for careers in that particular specialty. If you have an area of the law that you believe you want to specialize in, choosing one of our optional concentrations ensures that you will have a program of study that builds depth and breadth in that specialty area. You will benefit from a program that is rigorous and complete – and employers will know that.
Am I required to choose a concentration?
Not at all! A concentration is completely optional. Approximately one-third of our students opt to pursue a concentration – which means two-thirds of our students do not, choosing to follow the general curriculum. No matter what path you choose, you will be in good company.
What if I change my mind about doing a concentration – or not doing a concentration?
No worries! There is no downside if you change your mind one way or the other. As long as you meet the requirements for the concentration before graduation, then you are recognized as having completed the concentration – you don’t have to choose it at the outset of your law school career like you would an undergraduate major. Or, if you have started in a concentration and then decide not to continue in it, that’s fine too – there is no penalty whatsoever. You still get complete credit for the courses you took, and you can shift gears and focus on a different area of the law at any time.
What concentrations are available at Quinnipiac Law?
We are proud to offer nine concentrations that span a range of intellectually challenging, diverse, and in-demand law specialties: Civil Advocacy and Dispute Resolution; Criminal Law and Advocacy; Family Law; Health Law; Intellectual Property; International Law and Policy; Tax Law; Workplace Law; and Privacy, Cybersecurity and Information Technology Law. The best place to get started learning about our concentrations is on our website: Read about our concentrations here.
What if I don’t want to choose a concentration? Can I still take the courses? Can I still focus on a particular area of the law?
Absolutely! All of our courses identified for concentration students are open to all law students who meet the prerequisite requirements. Many non-concentration law students find that once they have begun to immerse in law school courses, they discover areas of the law they are excited to explore in greater depth. At that point, you can choose electives and practical experience opportunities that build on those interests.
Though not technically a “concentration,” you can certainly build knowledge and expertise in a particular area – and showcase that with confidence to prospective employers. This is an approach many law students find themselves taking as they discover what areas of the law most appeal to them through their experience in their classes or during externships or legal clinic work.
Will I get the same level of support from faculty whether I choose a concentration or not?
Without a doubt. You will receive enthusiastic and tailored support from faculty no matter what path you take. As a small and intentionally close-knit law school community, we have made it a mission to build opportunities for communication and collaboration across the board. You will be in classes with students who are and are not pursuing a concentration, and you will find faculty members who will go to extraordinary lengths to help you dive into areas of interest – no matter when you discover the areas of the law you feel most passionate about.
If you want to find out more about concentrations, or anything about Quinnipiac Law’s programs, opportunities, or the admissions process, just email us at law@qu.edu. We’d love to talk to you! |
