JD/MA in Law and Comparative Education with the School of Ed
The right of children to an education is a global concern. In conjunction with the School of Education, the School of Law offers a dual JD/MA in Law and Comparative Education. A combination of legal analysis and knowledge related to children’s legal rights at both a national and international level enables you to effectively advocate in the interest of social justice. You will focus on conducting original research at the intersection of education law and policy to improve education practices.
You will achieve all learning outcomes of both the JD and MA in Comparative Education degrees. Your studies in each program will be enhanced by designing a curriculum tailored to your interests and career goals.
CURRICULUM
You will work with your advisors to plot your course sequence based on admission time, career goals, and course availability. Here is a sample plan:
YEAR ONE
Fall and Spring Semesters
YEAR TWO
Fall Semester
9-11 credits of Law School coursework
Advocacy
3 elective courses
6 credits of Education coursework
Philosophy of Education or Sociology of Education
Research Methods
Spring Semester
YEAR THREE
Fall Semester
9-11 credits of Law School coursework
Practicum or clinic (Education Law Practicum, ChildLaw Clinic, Legislation and Policy Clinic)
Professional Responsibility
Elective course
6 credits of Education coursework (2 courses Advanced Seminar electives or additional Research Methods course) and design MA thesis proposal
Spring Semester
Degree Requirements
To earn a dual JD/MA in Law and Comparative Education degree, you must complete 89 credit hours, including 65 law credit hours and 24 education credit hours. The dual degree can be earned in three years of concentrated study. You will spend your first year as a full-time law student and take one education course in the spring semester. JD foundational course requirements and skills and experiential course requirements will be taken in the second and third years, concurrent with several education courses. Completing course requirements by taking one or more summer classes is highly recommended. The MA degree requires successful defense of a thesis for which students must conduct independent, original research. The JD and MA degrees are awarded concurrently upon the successful completion of degree requirements for both programs.
FEES
The School of Law and Northampton Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Northampton affordable