Dual Law JD/MS in International Commerce & Policy


Program Description
The dual JD/MS in International Commerce & Policy (ICP) program enables law students to broaden their understanding of international relations, business, policy, and economics while pursuing their JD degree. Students can draw elective coursework from business, political science, economics, law, and even foreign language courses.

The ICP program is unique in that it draws a mix of international and U.S. students. Students in the program study and learn alongside people from many different cultures throughout the world. In order to maintain a balance of international and U.S. students, admission to this program is limited.

JD Requirements
VU law students may apply 6 credits of coursework taken in the Graduate Division toward their JD degree, and 6 credits of specified law coursework may be applied toward the Master of Science in International Commerce & Policy degree. The dual degree option reduces the overall credits for both degrees by 12, saving the law student both time and money.

The graduate program can typically be completed in two semesters beyond the JD degree, although careful planning may shorten this time. Because of the special "cohort" nature of this program, coursework during one summer is required.

Curriculum

International Commerce & Policy Curriculum 
Core Requirements
22 credits
International Commerce & Policy: Case Studies
3 cr
International Business Environment
3 cr
Cross-cultural Management
3 cr
Organizational Leadership & Team Development
3 cr
International Political Economic
3 cr
Seminar in Global Strategies
1 cr
In addition to meeting all the standard requirements of the JD degree, up to 6 credits from the following Graduate Division courses may be applied toward the 90 credit JD degree:
International Trade & Economics
3 cr
Policy/Administration of Public & Non-Government Organizations (NGO's)
3 cr
Core Support
6 credits
Choose from the following Law courses:
International Business Transactions
3 cr
International Law I
3 cr
International Law II
3 cr
Comparative Law
2-3 cr
International Commercial Dispute Resolution
3 cr
Law & Economics
3 cr
European Federalism
3 cr
International Environmental Law
3 cr
The Law of e-Commerce
3 cr
International Intellectual Property
3 cr
INS or U.S. Customs Externships
3 cr
Electives
9-12 credits
Additional credits from Core Support taken as ICP courses or:
Economics of Developing Nations
3 cr
Internship
3 cr
Travel/Study
3 cr
American Foreign Policy
3 cr
National Security
3 cr
Business Law
2 cr
Financial Accounting
2 cr
Marketing Management
2 cr
Managerial Studies
2 cr
Politics of Industrialized States
3 cr
Politics of Developing States
3 cr
Politics of East Asia
3 cr
International Marketing, International Finance, or eCommerce & eBusiness Technology *
3 cr

Criteria for Admission
Applicants must be admitted to both the Graduate Division and the School of Law. Admission to each program is separate. For a graduate application, click here.  For a VU School of Law application, click here.  Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

  1. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher;
  2. A basic course in micro- or macroeconomics (may be taken as part of the program by adding 3 credits).

As part of the application process, students must provide:

  1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application;
  2. Official transcript reflecting an undergraduate degree from an accredited University;
  3. Two Letters of Recommendation (these may be forwarded from the Law School;
  4. Essay indicating reason for requesting admission to the program;
  5. Application Fee: $20.

Financial Considerations
Full time students enrolled in the VU School of Law may take a maximum of 6 credits in the Graduate Division without paying additional tuition, as long as these credits are taken during the fall and spring semesters. The savings afforded by combining degrees enables a law student to add on a master's degree for about $13,950.

Students are strongly encouraged to begin their study during either the summer or fall semesters. Students may be surprised to discover the affordable tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $450 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $80 general fee each semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters. Students may transfer up to 6 credits of approved graduate coursework into the program.

For more information about the Master of Science in International Commerce and Policy program
To learn more about the School of Law, visit their website at http://www.valpo.edu/law/.

Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu.