This Bulletin provides academic information and program requirements for Penn State Law in University Park. In addition to the courses listed in this Bulletin, Penn State Law students can complement their legal studies by applying up to 12 credits of graduate coursework in Penn State’s internationally ranked graduate programs toward their J.D. degree requirements.
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Nondiscrimination Statement
The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, Email: aao@psu.edu, Tel (814) 863-0471.
Changes to the Penn State Law Bulletin
Changes to the Penn State Law Bulletin will be tracked in real-time and listed below. At the end of every semester, these updates will be incorporated into the Bulletin.
Courses Added: Effective Fall 2024
- EXPR 975: Litigation Skills: Cross-Examination, Direct-Examination, and Deposition Preparation Practicum
Course Changes: Effective Fall 2024
HLTLW 961: Introduction to Health Law (3 Credits)
Old Listing Effective Through Summer 2024:
This course surveys U.S. health law, focusing primarily on health insurance, and the organization and regulation of healthcare providers, organizations, and industry, which are the essential areas of health law practice. The first third of the course focuses on health insurance. Public health insurance programs, Medicare and Medicaid, are covered first before moving onto the Affordable Care Act and the regulation of private insurance. The remainder of the course covers topics such as regulation of healthcare entities and providers; tax exemption requirements for hospitals; healthcare fraud and abuse; and antitrust issues in the provision of healthcare.
Changes Effective Fall 2024:
- Changed Course Title
- Changed Abbreviated Title
Course Changes: Effective Spring 2025
IHEAC 900: Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic (3-4 Credits: Maximum of 11 Credits)
Old Listing Effective Through Fall 2024:
Under the supervision of a faculty member/director of the clinic, students learn to represent entrepreneurs, start-ups and not-for-profit organizations in a setting that is similar to a small law firm. Issues most frequently encountered include choice of entity, entity formation, founder and initial investor agreements, shareholder agreements, loan arrangements, certain intellectual property protection, commercial real estate leasing and acquisition, operating agreements, employee management and compliance with regulatory requirements. Students will learn the basic skills necessary to attract and interview potential clients, organize a business plan, communicate orally and in writing with a client and third parties, conduct research, draft transactional documents, prepare for and manage closings. Students will learn basic principles of law office administration and will be expected to comply with law office protocols (e.g. conflict screens, client confidentiality, and time and expense record keeping) and will learn and conform to the professional responsibilities of lawyers engaged in business transactional practice. The faculty member will hold weekly class sessions for presentation and discussion of client projects, skill development, and legal issues affecting entrepreneurs and counsel for entrepreneurs.
PREREQUISITE: Faculty approval required.
Changes Effective Spring 2025:
- Changed Credits
- Changed Course Description
IPLAW 952: Introduction to Intellectual Property (3 Credits)
Old Listing Effective Through Fall 2024:
This course will survey the protection of proprietary rights in inventions, writings, creative expression, trade secrets, and other intangible intellectual products by federal patent, copyright, trademark and unfair competition law, and by state trade secrecy and unfair competition law. A central theme will be the challenges to traditional legal paradigms posed by new technologies and the shift to an information-based economy. The course is intended for all students who anticipate having corporate clients and seek a basic understanding of the laws applicable to key assets of most businesses, as well as for students interested in becoming intellectual property specialists. This course does not replace (and is not a prerequisite for) Copyrights, Patent Law, Trademarks, or any other intellectual property course.
Changes Effective Spring 2025:
- Changed Course Description