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Dual Law JD/MA in Psychology or Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)

Program Description
Aspects of legal practice often involve a psychological dimension, including nuanced interviewing, empathy for clients, inferring motivation, predicting behavior, selecting juries, and understanding psychological reports and testimony.

Two dual degree options enabling graduate study in psychology and counseling are offered through collaboration between VU's Graduate Division and the School of Law. Each option provides a different level of psychological competency relevant to legal practice. Because a limited amount of coursework for each degree may apply toward the other, the total number of credits required for the dual degree is substantially less than that required for both degrees individually.

JD/MA Psychology
The JD/MA Psychology augments the JD with a 30-credit MA in psychology. This program requires a total of 108 credits for both degrees and provides a general foundation in theories of personality and counseling. Coursework in professional issues and ethics for mental health counselors, as well as integrative work in law and psychology, is also required. This program is suited for law students whose practice may require understanding of and sensitivity to psychosocial issues (family law, mental health, children, the elderly, social services, etc.), but may also benefit others planning to work in settings where an understanding of human behavior is advantageous. This degree does not prepare students as mental health professionals.

JD/MA CMHC
The JD/MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is intended for law students who are interested in becoming licensed mental health counselors in the State of Indiana or other states offering the licensure option. This program combines the 90-credit JD with a 60-credit MA CMHC. Because each degree recognizes coursework completed for the other, the total credits amount to 132-138. This program serves students having a variety of goals related to the growing integration of law and psychology, including:

1. legal practice with a focus in mental health and social service (e.g., legal expert for Mental Health Centers);
2. mental health and social service administration where understanding of the law and ability to interact with legal systems is required (e.g., director of a social service agency);
3. government employment dealing with regulatory procedures and laws that impact mental health and social service agencies, professionals, and clients;
4. legal work for national, regional, or state mental health organizations and associations;
5. understanding of issues pertinent to the practice and enhancement of mediation using standard counseling techniques;
6. positions that, for whatever reason, require credibility within the mental health professions.

Program Requirements
Law school students are encouraged to begin coursework in psychology 2-3 semesters prior to beginning studies in the law program. The JD and MA degrees need not be awarded simultaneously; rather they are presented when the requirements for each degree are fulfilled. Students in the MA CMHC degree program should plan a minimum of 1-2 additional semesters beyond the third year of law school.

Curriculum

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;
4. Applicants to the JD/MA Psychology program must have at least 9 credits of prior coursework in psychology in order to enter the program;
5. Applicants to the JD/MA CMHC program must have at least 15 credits of graduate or undergraduate study (equivalent of a minor) with a minimum 3.0 grade point average in the social and behavioral sciences (psychology, sociology, social work, human development, or other closely related fields). Prior coursework must include introductory psychology and statistics.

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 relating your professional goals to law and psychology;
5. Application Fee: $20.

Because the number of positions in both JD/MA programs is limited, applications received by March 1 will be given priority for fall semester admission. Furthermore, presenting the minimum credentials as listed above does not guarantee admission into the program. Applications received after March 1will be considered on a space-available basis

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 of Arts in Psychology degree for about $10,800 and the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree for about $14,850.

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 Arts in Psychology & Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 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.

Contributing Faculty: