Rutgers Law School's curriculum ensures the development of professional skills and values within a theoretical framework that promotes intellectual growth and a commitment to social justice. Full-time students complete the 84 credits required for graduation in three years and part-time students typically complete the program in four years. The required curriculum gives students a solid foundation in the essential conceptual and analytical methods needed to be effective lawyers in complex professional environments. The small-section program enables first-year students to work closely with faculty members and to bond quickly with their classmates. The first-year legal research, writing, and analysis program features a team of seasoned instructors who provide detailed feedback on progressively more challenging assignments designed to prepare students for the practice of law.