Juris Doctor
Joint-Degree Academics
Students may earn two graduate degrees with fewer total credit-hours than if the two degrees were earned separately.
A joint-degree program applicant must apply for admission to both schools of a joint-degree program and meet all admissions criteria specific to each school.
Each school shall notify the applicant regarding acceptance to its degree program. A joint-degree applicant who is accepted in only one school may enroll in that school, but not in a joint-degree program.
As a general principle, students should seek admission to a joint-degree program before completing one-third of any single-degree program. Upon admission to a joint-degree program, the student will be assigned an advisor in each school. Courses in the School of Law are not normally taken concurrently with courses in other schools.
Joint Degrees Available
Juris Doctor and
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
(School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship)
The law faculty and the business faculty recognize a great interdependence within the business and legal professions. The business professional who has an understanding of basic principles of law as well as the specialized areas of law that relate to business will be in a much better position to make business decisions in the fast moving and complicated business environment. The lawyer who represents businesses and has a knowledge of the fundamental principles of business will be much better equipped to give counsel and advice to individuals, partners, and to corporate officers and directors. In addition, the lawyer will especially benefit from a knowledge of business principles in the operation of the business of a law practice.
Juris Doctor and
Master of Arts in Communication or
Master of Arts in Journalism
(School of Communication & the Arts)
The interpretation and use of legal information in our modern society is greatly influenced by various media journalistic skills. The worldviews of the people in a society are shaped by the content and manner of this information flow. The relativistic views of many current day journalists have helped to undermine the foundations of our legal system by presenting the law as only an evolving set of values. Today we need journalists and those involved in media presentation who understand the historical roots of our legal system as well as current legal theories and practices. A joint-degrees program in law and communication gives students the opportunity to integrate a knowledge of the law with communication skills through journalism and other media.
Juris Doctor and
Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling
(School of Counseling and Psychology)
The law and counseling faculties recognize an important relationship between the counseling and legal professions. The lawyer who understands basic principles of counseling as well as the specialized areas of law that relate to counseling will be in a much better position to work with and on behalf of clients. Likewise, the counselor or psychologist who understands the basic legal rules that relate to counseling and family relationships has a great advantage.
This joint-degrees program is designed to give counseling skills training to students in law who want or need such practical skills training. This interdisciplinary approach enriches careers by broadening the student's scope of understanding as well as training and expertise to meet specific needs in legal services where legal remedies may be only a part of the solution.
Juris Doctor and
Master of Arts in Government
(Robertson School of Government)
The education offered in the government school prepares one for service in government, politics, and policy-making, with various concentrations available. Some government students may desire to add legal training for particular legal positions in government service or for specialization in law related to all governmental and political activity. The joint degrees program in law and government meets the needs of all these students. The law school teaches the technical skills to practice law; the school of government offers training in policy analysis and political methods, integrating Biblical and natural principles for government, economics, history, and natural science as well as law.
Juris Doctor and
M.A. in Divinity or M.Div.
(School of Divinity)
The law and divinity faculties recognize interdependence between the professions of law and divinity. The lawyer who understands and operates within a Christian worldview based upon Christian ethical/character foundations of personal spiritual formation will be in a much better position to work with and better represent clients. Likewise, the various ministerial professionals who also understand basic legal rules that relate to ministry, both corporate and family, have a great advantage.
These joint degree programs are designed to provide divinity courses and ministerial skills training to students in law who want or need such training. This interdisciplinary approach enriches careers by broadening the student's scope of understanding as well as training and expertise to meet specific needs in legal services where legal remedies may be only a part of the solution.
