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
In addition to meeting all the requirements of the JD degree, up to 6 credits from the following Graduate School courses may be applied toward the 90 credit JD degree.
| ECON 626 | International Trade | 3 credits |
| ICP 662 | International Competitiveness, Politics, and Policies | 3 credits |
The graduate program can typically be completed in two semesters beyond the JD degree, although careful planning may shorten this time. Together these degrees can be earned with 115 credits. Law students must meet all the admission requirements for the program.Because of the special "cohort" nature of this program, coursework during one summer is required.
Curriculum
| Susbtitutions require approval of the Dean of the Graduate School and the Associate Dean of the School of Law. |
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| MS in International Commerce & Policy Core Requirements | 25-29 credits |
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| ECON 626 |
International Trade | 3 credits |
| ICP 610 |
International Commerce & Policy: Case Studies |
3 credits
|
| ICP 661 | International Political Economy | 3 credits |
| ICP 662 | International Competitiveness, Politics, and Policies |
3 credits |
| ICP 670 | Law and Legal Principles | 3 credits |
| ICP 689 | Professional and Career Development | 0-1 credit |
| ICP 699 | Seminar in Global Strategies (two semesters) | 1 credit |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| ICP 620 |
Cross-Cultural Management | 3 credits |
| ICP 621 |
Global Leadership & Team Development |
3 credits |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| ICP 613 |
Future of Business in a Global Economy | 3 credits |
| ICP 614 |
Marketing & Entrepreneurship |
3 credits
|
| ICP 615 |
New Venture Creation |
3 credits
|
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| ICP 677 | World Trade Organization and International Regime | 3 credits |
| ICP 678 | International Commerce and trade Law | 3 credits |
| Students must complete all the core requirements and one track for the program. However, students may apply 6 credits of the following courses toward any track listed above. |
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| LAW 270 |
Comparative Law |
3 credits
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| LAW 280 |
Law & Economics |
3 credits
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| LAW 410 | International Business Transactions |
3 credits
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| LAW 477 |
International Law I |
3 credits
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| LAW 478 |
International Law : Use of Force |
3 credits
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| LAW 495I | International Environmental Law |
3 credits
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| LAW 495R | The Law of eCommerce |
3 credits
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| LAW 495T |
International Intellectual Property |
3 credits
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| Approved Externships |
2-4 credits
|
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Criteria for Admission
Applicants must be admitted to both the Graduate School 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. The admission requirements of the Graduate School include:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher;
- 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:
- Valparaiso University Graduate Application;
- Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
- Two Letters of Recommendation (these may be forwarded from the Law School;
- Essay indicating reason for requesting admission to the program;
- Application Fee for Dual Programs: $20.
Financial Considerations
Full time students enrolled in the VU School of Law may take a maximum of 6 credits in the Graduate School without paying additional tuition, as long as these credits are taken during the fall and spring semesters. Because dual and joint degree programs provide significant savings in tuition, time, and credit hours, law students in such programs will not be able to take advantage of these 6 credits. The savings afforded by combining degrees enables a law student to add on a master's degree for under $14,000. 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 2011-2012 academic year is $560 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Part-time graduate students pay a $100 general fee each fall and spring semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters.
For more information about the School of Law programs
To learn more about the School of Law, visit their website athttp://www.valpo.edu/law/.
Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of the Graduate School through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.School@valpo.edu.