Combined Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science
and Juris Doctor (from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center)
The Combined Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science (Criminal Justice)/Juris Doctor (B.S./J.D.) is for talented, highly motivated students. Students in this program complete their baccalaureate preparation in three years and may then be admitted directly into the Touro Law Center, which requires three years to complete the J.D. degree.
Admission Basics
Admission into the baccalaureate portion of the program requires an overall high school average of 80 or above, a combined SAT score of 1100 or above, or ACT composite of 26, an essay detailing the student's desire to have a career in criminal law, and a successful interview with the Admissions Committee. Because of the special nature of this curriculum, no transfer credits will be awarded.
Program Requirements
In order to remain in good standing in the combined program, a student's grade point average may not fall below 3.0 in two consecutive semesters while at NYIT. In the first three years, students will complete 95 of 128 credits for the NYIT B.S. degree in Behavioral Sciences (Criminal Justice Option). Assuming they maintain a satisfactory grade point average and achieve a qualifying score on the LSAT of 152 or higher, they will then apply to Touro Law Center to commence their law degree studies. During the first two years of the J.D., 33 credits will be applied from Touro Law Center to NYIT in satisfaction of the remaining requirements for the B.S. The J.D. will be awarded the following year upon successful completion of 87 credits.
Requirements for J.D. Program
The separate requirements of both degrees must be met. Acceptance into the J.D. portion of the program at Touro Law Center is based upon the following criteria: Candidates must have a strong academic record as reflected by their cumulative grade point average at NYIT (generally 3.0 is required); and above-average aptitude for law study, as reflected by their Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) score (generally 152 is required); and a high level of motivation and maturity, as evidence in their personal statement and any supporting documentation. The Touro Law Center's admissions process does not require letters of recommendation, but the Admissions Committee will review up to three letters if submitted. Similarly, the Law Center's admissions process does not ordinarily require interviews, but an Admission counselor is available to meet with prospective students. The Touro Law Center's admissions process seeks to review each student on the totality of his/her application and, therefore, takes a flexible approach to evaluating each candidate's statistical predictors as circumstances warrant.