The program of studies leading to the degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.) requires three years of study in the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan.

In order to obtain the degree of Juris Doctor, a student must satisfy the requirements for admission; register annually for the prescribed courses; pay the required fees; attend classes and participate in the first year orientation and Dispute Resolution week; pass examinations as prescribed; successfully complete the requirements in upper year which include a minor paper, a major paper, and a seminar. Students must complete a minor or major paper in second year. Normally, second year students will undertake the minor paper and then complete the major paper and seminar in third year; however, students may choose to do the major paper and seminar in second year and leave the minor paper to third year, or may choose to do all three requirements in second year. Students may not take additional courses in other faculties without the permission of the Associate Dean, Academic.

Starting in 2013-2014, students in their second year must complete "Administrative Law" (LAW 340.3). In their second or third year, students must also take "Legal Ethics and Professionalism" (LAW 421.3) as well as one of three other courses, "Business Organizations I" (LAW 361.3), “Trusts” (LAW 326.3) or “Fiduciary Obligations” (LAW 463.3).

These changes were implemented in order to comply with competency requirements established by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada for graduates with common law degrees who intend to apply for entry to provincial bars and law societies as of 2015.

Students are required to attend classes in courses in which they are registered. Persistent failure to attend may lead to exclusion from the examinations.

The faculty believes that success in the study of law requires full-time application by the student; therefore, a student is advised to avoid outside employment during the term.

A leave of absence arising during the school year is not permitted except in unusual circumstances. Students who complete with approval only one term are considered part-time students for promotion or supplemental purposes. Students who withdraw from the College can return (1) if first year students - by applying for re-admission in competition with other students applying for admission in that year; (2) if second or third year students - with permission of the Associate Dean, Academic.

Students ordinarily must complete the J.D. requirements within six years in order to receive that degree. However, students wishing to complete the J.D. requirements beyond a five year period must obtain permission from the Associate Dean, Academic. A leave of absence of up to two years is permitted upon notification to the Associate Dean, Academic before the commencement of the academic year. But an absence for a third year requires approval of the Associate Dean, Academic.

Information on academic requirements for promotion and graduation may be found in the College of Law Assessment Regulations.