These minimum averages are calculated without regard to a student's overall average. For instance, a student who has a 2.48 overall cumulative average, but a 2.71 average within the concentration, and who still fulfills the other concentration requirements, earns a concentration. Conversely, a student with a 2.71 overall cumulative average, but a 2.48 average within the concentration, cannot earn a concentration. Core courses are those that the faculty members believe are the most essential to the practice area. Generally, a concentration will require that half of the credits toward the total needed for the concentration come from core courses.
Related courses are important, but slightly less central, offerings.
Generally, the rest of the credits earned for a concentration can come from related courses. Courses at Other Law Schools Courses taken at other ABA-approved law schools, for example as a transfer or visiting student, may be counted toward the concentration if the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs determines that the course content is substantially similar to that of the Albany Law School course. However, students are encouraged to elect as early as possible to maximize the chances that they will successfully completing the concentration. It is the student's responsibility to map out a course of study that will allow him or her to complete the concentration. In certain courses and activities, a student can obtain faculty certification as having met professional skills in fact investigation, alternative dispute resolution, oral and written persuasion, and drafting.