Educational leaders are looking to the law more than ever for answers to complex policy issues. In conjunction with the School of Education, the School of Law offers a dual JD/Master of Education in Education Policy. The program is designed to produce legal professionals equipped to be effective advocates for social justice and seeking enhanced expertise in crafting policy to advance effective educational goals. You’ll have the advantage of NORTHAMPTON’s strengths in education policy and our expertise in children’s rights and education law.
You will achieve all learning outcomes of both the JD and MEd 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
10-12 credits of Law School coursework
Advocacy
3 elective courses
6 credits of Education coursework
Introduction to Educational Policy Analysis
Sociology of Education
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
3 credits of Education coursework
Statistical Analysis
Spring Semester
Degree Requirements
To earn a dual JD/MEd degree, you must complete a total of 89 credit hours, including 65 law school credit hours and 24 education credit hours. The dual degree can be completed 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 (up to two each semester).
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