Dual JD/Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies


Program Description
This dual degree option enables students in the VU School of Law to take advantage of the wide range of concentrations offered through the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program. In addition to taking four core seminars in liberal studies, students select a concentration in:

  1. English
  2. Ethics & Values
  3. Gerontology
  4. History
  5. Human Behavior & Society
  6. Individualized
  7. Theology

The flexible and individualized nature of the MALS degree makes it an ideal and efficient enhancement to the JD. Specifically, students may:

  1. choose from a variety of core and concentration courses, many of which are offered in the evening and summer;
  2. develop an individualized concentration, taking coursework across disciplines to meet specific needs and interests;
  3. receive each degree upon completion of the requirements; degrees need not be awarded simultaneously;
  4. apply up to six graduate credits toward the 90 credit law degree, and up to 6 law credits toward the 33 credit MALS degree, saving up to 12 credits.

A Capstone Experience
No thesis is required for completion of the MALS in English, however, research papers are regular part of graduate coursework in the program. MALS students are encouraged to culminate their studies with a capstone experience, a research project, a creative or artistic work, a service-learning endeavor, or even a travel/study experience. Regarding this last option, MALS students may earn academic credit by taking advantage of 4-6 week stints of study at one of VU's overseas centers in Cambridge, England; Reutlinger, Germany; Puebla, Mexico; or Hangzhou, China.

Curriculum
The MALS degree requires four core seminars, five courses in the concentration, and two electives. Law credits used toward the MALS degree must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

 

Core Seminars
12 credits
LS 650 Seminar in Religion, Culture, & Value
3 cr
     Select two from the following
     LS 610 Seminar in Humanities
3 cr
     LS 630 Seminar in Fine Arts
3 cr
     LS 640 Seminar in Natural Science
3 cr
Seminar in Social Sciences
3 cr
Note: The Seminar in Social Sciences may be fulfilled by any of the following:
  1. LAW 442 Civil Rights Legislation/Litigation
  2. LAW 446 Employment Law
  3. LAW 483 Law & Feminism
  4. LAW 485 Family Law
  5. LAW 487 Elder Law
  6. LAW 488 Selected Topics in Elder Law
Concentration
15 credits
  1. 3-6 courses are offered each semester in each concentration. About 1/3 of these are offered in the evening.
  2. Up to three credits in the concentration may be completed through an independent study project. If elected, this project could bridge the MALS concentration and the field of law.
  3. Up to 3 credits of law coursework may be used toward the MALS concentration
  4. With prior approval, a student may construct an individualized major by choosing a theme and taking coursework related to that theme (e.g., Gender Issues & Law; Sports & the Law; Criminal Behavior; Religion & Government, etc.)
Electives
6 credits

Any two MALS courses may apply toward electives. Law students who are not able to come up with any reasonable substitutions in the core or concentration may apply all 6 law credits toward this category, with the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Note: with careful planning and enrollment in courses during 2L fall and spring, this program could actually be completed by the end of Summer 3L.

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 degree from an accredited University;
  2. TOEFL of 575 or 230 computer version or higher for non-native English speakers;
  3. An overall grade point average of 3.0.

As part of the application process, students must provide:

  1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application;
  2. One set of official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies;
  3. Two letters of recommendation (Letters may be forwarded from the VU School of Law);
  4. A reflective essay indicating your reasons for wanting admission to the program;
  5. For Ethics & Values (required) and Theology (highly recommended) concentrations, at least 6 credits in undergraduate or graduate Theology or Philosophy;
  6. 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 $12,150.

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 Art in Liberal Studies programs
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.