Application Process
Before you can register for classes in the Legal Studies program, you must first be admitted to the University as a graduate student. Application for acceptance into the Master of Legal Studies degree program is separate from the application for admission to West Virginia University. However, you may initiate both applications at the same time by indicating program of study on the WVU application form.
Admission as a degree-seeking graduate student at West Virginia University requires completion of a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
The Admissions Committee will consider several factors in making its admissions decisions; undergraduate GPA, standardized test score, educational experience, professional experience, 3 letters of reference (evaluation), and a personal statement on the subject of why and how the Master of Legal Studies degree program will further the applicant’s career or special interests. Results of any of the standardized graduate level tests (LSAT, GMAT ,GRE) will be accepted. An applicant may petition for waiver of the test requirements if he or she has extensive graduate education or professional work experience in field related to legal studies.
The Admissions Committee will meet mid-November to consider the applications received at that point. After this initial meeting, if there are slots remaining in the cohort, the committee will admit on a rolling admissions basis until the cohort is filled.
You may fill out the application on-line. www.wvu.edu. Indicate Master of Legal Studies-Off Campus in your application form. Evaluation letters may be down loaded and returned to the program directly by your reference writers. You may submit your vita and personal statement directly to the program. You must request official transcripts be sent to Admissions and Records by your undergraduate program.
Official Test Results may be sent to the program directly by the testing agency. Due to the short time frame, application packets should be submitted without test scores. If requesting a waiver, submit a short waiver statement with your personal statement.
Information on tuition and financial aid is available on the WVU website. www.wvu.edu/FutureStudents/GraduateStudents/index.html
Send your packet to: Loretta.Hoover@mail.wvu.edu as an attachment(s) or to Loretta Hoover, P.O. Box 6322, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505.