Intended for those students who wish to sit the patent law bar exam. Students need only have a technical degree and have taken the appropriate courses to sit the exam. This track is suggested for those who wish to go on to law school to become a patent attorney, or for those who wish to work as a patent agent. Patent agents work for law firms or companies that have research activities that result in inventions. Patent agents help the inventor gets patents on their inventions. This job only requires that the individual has a strong technical background, pass the bar exam (with or without attending law school), and be admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent Office.

There are basic requirements for being able to sit the patent bar exam (for more information go to www.ustpo.gov, or http://www.patents.com/index.htm). The requirements that the Physical Sciences program is most suited to helping students achieves is: 40 credit hours of combined chemistry, physics, biological sciences or engineering, with 8 credit hours either being in chemistry or physics. These 8 credit hours must be 2 sequential courses with labs, and at a majors-only level. Computer Science courses will also be accepted if they stress theoretical foundations, analysis and design, and have substantial lab work that can include software development. Some types of courses will not be accepted at all, including Mathematics and Astronomy.

To see a full outline of what is required to sit the bar exam, click here.

The suggested sequence includes concentrations in

1. Basic requirements: see the general curriculum requirements

2. Upper-level Distributive Requirements: Beyond the basic courses, students complete 24 upper level (300-400) distributive credits. All students must complete 18 of the 24 distributive credits as physical sciences majors. The distributive credits must be divided among three areas of concentration with at least 6 credits in each area. Any of the areas of concentration are acceptable, including all of the possible areas in engineering, except for Astronomy and Mathematics, which are types of courses that are not accepted for the bar exam.

3.Students must have their program approved by the Physical Sciences Committee.

4.The regular University requirements for graduation apply.