Dual
Government and Politics/Law, Master of Arts/Juris Doctor
In conjunction with the School of Law, The Department of Government and Politics offers a dual M.A./J.D. program.
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At the end of three years of graduate study, including at least one summer, you may graduate with both the Master of Arts and the Juris Doctor degree.
You must apply separately to the School of Law and the Graduate Division of St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and meet all requirements for admission to both programs as set forth in the respective Bulletins.
If you are currently enrolled in the School of Law, you may apply prior to completion of your second year of study. You may, however, need to spend an additional semester or more in full-time study for the M.A. If you are currently enrolled in the M.A. program, you may also apply for the dual degree.
The Deans of both schools must approve the course of study for all M.A./J.D. students.
Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. St. John's University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. If you reside or plan to reside outside New York, you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program.
Contact
Fred P. Cocozzelli, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
Government and Politics
St. John Hall, Room 234L
718-990-5267
[email protected]
- Degree Type
- JD/MA
- Area of Interest
- Law, Policy & Government
- Associated Colleges or Schools
- Program Location
- Queens Campus
- Required Credit Hours
- 108
Admission
You must apply separately to the School of Law and the Graduate Division of St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and meet all requirements for admission to both programs as set forth in the respective Bulletins.
Please see the Graduate Admission and J.D. Admissions sections of the website for more information.
Courses
Students, in consultation with the M.A./J.D. committee and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences, may apply up to 9 credits taken as part of the Law School curriculum toward the M.A. degree. Alternately, in consultation with the M.A./J.D. committee and the approval of the Dean of the School of Law, students may apply up to 9 credits from the Department of Government and Politics toward credits required for the J.D.
In planning a course of study suitable for each student, the following shall apply:
- Students will not enroll in any M.A. courses during their first year of study in the School of Law.
- Satisfactory progress in the School of Law shall also satisfy the M.A. residency requirement.
- Students will be obliged to take a total of at least 3 credits of Government and Politics graduate study during each of the fall and spring semesters of their second year and third years of law school studies (12 credits minimum).
- All M.A./J.D. students must take the Comprehensive Examination (GOV 500) in Government and Politics no earlier than the last semester of course work and within one year of the completion of all course work, language and residency requirements.
| J.D. Program | M.A. Program (Thesis) | M.A. Program (Non-thesis) | |
| J.D. Credits | 75 | - | - |
| M.A. Credits | - | 24 | 24 |
| Credits towards both degrees | 9 or | 9 | 9 |
| _____ | _____ | _____ | |
| Totals: | 84 | 33 | 33 |
Students electing the thesis or non-thesis option for the M.A. will complete at least 108 semester hours for their dual degree program.
Career Outcomes
As a lawyer with a master's degree in Government and Politics, you will be well positioned to advise and represent agencies on legal issues and disputes at the local, state, and federal level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of lawyers is projected to grow six percent through 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Interested in Law, Policy & Government, but not sure if Government and Politics/Law, Master of Arts/Juris Doctor is right for you?
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