Law, J.D. and Political Science and Public Affairs, M.A. Dual Degree
Saint Louis University's dual Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Affairs/Juris Doctor program allows students to obtain a legal education alongside in-depth training in analyzing systems of governance, political activities and behavior.
Students can complete the program in roughly four years, with less time and expense than would be incurred completing the two degrees separately.
For additional information, see the catalog entries for the following SLU programs:
Political Science and Public Affairs, M.A.
Curriculum
Students select a concentration within the M.A. program (American politics, international affairs, political thought, or public policy and administration) or design an alternative course of study compatible with their research areas of interest. At the same time, law students may pursue a concentration (health law, international and comparative law, employment law, or intellectual property law) that could complement and enhance their political science research. Law students can pursue experiential learning opportunities at judicial, public interest, criminal, corporate or health law field placements that provide tangible experience in putting legal and political concepts into practice.
The dual degree is compatible with any concentration or topic in SLU's political science and public affairs master's program. A student interested in the role law plays in American society, for instance, might focus on courses on American political institutions and public law. In contrast, a student interested in international law might combine the J.D. with a concentration in international affairs.
Careers
The dual-degree program prepares students for careers in government, foreign service, national or international business, nonprofit organizations and NGOs. Possible careers include diplomat, nonprofit director, campaign manager, labor relations specialist, policy analyst, intelligence analyst, political consultant or in-house counsel. Attorneys may also choose to practice in specialized law firms doing employment law, corporate and transactional law, criminal law, tort law or civil rights.
Accreditation
Saint Louis University School of Law has been continuously accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) since December 1924. The accrediting body is the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.
Students who wish to enter the J.D./M.A. program must fulfill all admission requirements for the School of Law and the Department of Political Science and apply to each program separately.
Students must complete the first-year requirements for the School of Law before beginning their studies in the M.A. program.
Thereafter, students will attend classes in both the School of Law and the Department of Political Science. Students will ordinarily complete 103 credits of academic work to complete the M.A./J.D.: 82 credits in the School of Law and 21 credits in the Department of Political Science.
Of the 91 credits required for the J.D., nine credits are satisfied by political science courses, and nine credits of law school courses are accepted toward the 30 credits required for the master’s degree.
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.