Joint Degrees
| Joint-Degree Academics | |
| What is a Joint Degree? | Helpful Tips |
| The Application Process |
Joint Degree Options |
What is a Joint Degree?
Students may earn two graduate degrees with fewer total credit-hours than if the two degrees were earned separately.
Joint degree programs prepare students to transfer the valuable skill of “thinking like a lawyer” to a range of professional disciplines.
Law alumni with joint degrees in organizational leadership, skills in communication and journalism, or training in counseling and psychological services enhance their marketability in an increasingly competitive legal job market.
The Application Process
As a general principle, students should seek admission to a joint degree program before completing one-third of any single-degree program. If you are interested in pursuing a joint degree in multiple schools at Regent University, here is the typical process:
- Apply for admission to both schools of a joint degree program separately and meet all admissions criteria specific to each school.
- Each school will notify the applicant regarding acceptance to its degree program. Upon admission to a joint degree program, the student will be assigned an advisor in each school. A joint degree applicant who is accepted in only one school may enroll in that school, but not in a joint degree program.
- Return an enrollment agreement to each school, indicating the name of the specific school in which you plan to begin your studies.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to matriculate to the law school following successful academic progress in the other Regent graduate program.
Helpful Tips
- Students should seek admission to a joint degree program before completing one-third of any single-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.)
- Courses in the School of Law are not normally taken concurrently with courses in other schools.
Joint Degree Options
Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration or M.A. in Management
(School of Business & Leadership)
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 knowledge of the fundamental principles of business will be much better equipped to give counsel and advice to individuals, partners, corporate officers and directors. In addition, the lawyer will especially benefit from knowledge of business principles in the operation of the business of a law practice.
Juris Doctor and M.A. in Communication
(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 or journalism gives students the opportunity to integrate knowledge of the law with communication skills and the media.
Juris Doctor and M.A. in Counseling
(School of Psychology and Counseling)
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 M.A. in Divinity or M.Div.
(School of Divinity)
The law and divinity faculties recognize an interdependence between the professions of law and divinity. The lawyer who understands and operates within a Christian worldview and based on 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.
Juris Doctor and M.A. in Government
(Robertson School of Government)
The education offered in government school prepares students for service in government, politics, and policy making. 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 government school 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 Organizational Leadership
(School of Business & Leadership )
Companies, organizations, and nations need proven, qualified leaders. True leaders distinguish themselves through their vision, their ability to conceive and implement strategies, and their ability to transform organizations and the lives of the people within them. The M.A. in Organizational Leadership teaches key organizational leadership elements such as ethics, motivation, creativity, vision, strategic planning, teamwork, group development, technology, customer service, and organizational development. The joint degree program in law and leadership provides unique training for future lawyers who are called to lead.
