Earn a J.D. and a Master’s Degree Simultaneously
In addition to separate graduate and law degrees, St. Mary’s University School of Law and St. Mary’s University also offer a joint program of studies leading to degrees of Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and select Master of Arts, the Online MBA for Professionals, and Master of Public Administration.
The joint degree program allows a student to complete the requirements for both degrees in three to four years. This is accomplished by six to twelve hours of law credit being transferred as elective credit to the appropriate master’s degree and six hours of master’s credit being transferred as elective credit toward the J.D. degree.
Students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of master’s level courses at St. Mary’s University, exclusive of prerequisites.
Course of Study
The first year of academic work for a law student pursuing a joint degree consists entirely of law courses. During the second and third years, law and master’s degree courses are taken. Depending on the specific requirements of the master’s degree program, a student ordinarily can earn both a law degree and a master’s degree in three or four years.
An interested applicant must gain admission to both the School of Law and a graduate program, which make separate admissions decisions. Application to a graduate program may be made after the student begins law school.
Joint Degree Options
J.D./Online MBA for Professionals
Students obtain a Doctor of Jurisprudence and Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the same time. The joint J.D./MBA program is designed for students who wish to serve as counsel to corporations or specialize in business and commercial law.
Students must apply and be admitted to the law school as a J.D. student and successfully complete at least one semester of law school before applying to be admitted into the Online MBA for Professionals.
J.D./M.A. in English Literature and Language
The St. Mary’s School of Law and College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences offer a joint program of study leading to the degrees of Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Arts in English Literature and Language. The joint degree program allows a student to complete the requirements for both degrees in three to four years.
Admission to the joint program requires application to both schools, although application to graduate programs need not be made until the student begins law school. Upon successful application to both programs, students work with the graduate program director and the law school to coordinate student scheduling for completion of both degree programs.
J.D./M.A. in International Relations (MAIR)
Due to the internationalization of relations among the countries of the world, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the globalization of the world’s economy, there is an increased need for lawyers who have an international perspective on the practice of law.
Among the courses offered in the International Relations program are Ethical Issues in International Relations, International Law and Treaties, International Political Economy, Human Rights, and Border Security and Immigration Policy.
J.D./Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Controversies concerning the utilization of natural resources, land use (zoning, planning, and economic development), labor relations, the administration of justice, and civil rights all illustrate the importance of law in the public sector. Associate Professor Emily Fowler Hartigan is the J.D./M.P.A. adviser.
Among the courses offered in the master’s in Public Administration program are Social Responsibility and Business Environment, Financial Policies, Management and Organization Development, Organizational Behavior, and Urban Political Institutions and Processes.
J.D./M.A. in Theology
The program is especially suited for students who wish to pursue a legal career as a form of ministry. Among the courses offered in the Master’s of Theology program are Foundational Moral Theology Ethics, Ecology and Christian Ethics, Dynamics of Spiritual Life, Marriage and the Family, Theology of Human Sexuality, and Principles of Theological Method.
J.D./M.S. in Computer Science
Earn both a master’s in Computer Science and a Doctor of Jurisprudence law degree. The Master’s in Computer Science program prepares students to manage all aspects of a software development project and provides a deep understanding of the hardware and software components of computer systems.