Advocating for children and families takes more than a good heart. You need a firm understanding of the law and an ability to function effectively in the legal system.
The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Children's Law and Policy is a degree program tailored to help nonlegal professionals better serve children and families. Whether your field is social work or education, health care or law enforcement, a deeper knowledge of family law enables you to make a difference while it prepares you for a leadership position.
Curriculum
Students can start the MJ in Children's Law and Policy program in the fall or spring term. This fully online program is designed to be completed in 6 terms (two calendar years). Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours.
Courses
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| LAW 665 | Introduction to the Study of Law and Legal Systems | 2 |
| LAW 667 | Introduction to Children's Law, Policy and Practice | 2 |
| LAW 668 | Leadership Development | 4 |
| LAW 677 | ChildLaw Thesis/Capstone | 4 |
| 18 |
| Total Hours | 30 |
Elective Option Samples
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| LAW 670 | Child Welfare Law and Policy | 3 |
| LAW 669 | Education Law and Policy | 3 |
| LAW 672 | Family Law and Policy | 3 |
| LAW 678 | International Children's Rights | 3 |
| LAW 671 | Juvenile Justice Law and Policy | 3 |
| LAW 673 | Mental Health Law and Children | 2 |
| LAW 687 | Introduction to Legislative and Policy Advocacy | 3 |
| LAW 691 | Domestic Violence: Theories, Policies and Societal Impact | 3 |
| LAW 692 | Special Education Law and Advocacy | 2 |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Plan of Study Grid
| Term 1 |
|---|
| LAW 665 |
Introduction to the Study of Law and Legal Systems () |
2 |
| LAW 667 |
Introduction to Children's Law, Policy and Practice () |
2 |
| | Hours | 4 |
| Term 2 |
|---|
| LAW 668 |
Leadership Development () |
4 |
| | Hours | 4 |
| Terms 3-5 |
|---|
|
18 |
| | Hours | 18 |
| Term 6 |
|---|
| LAW 677 |
ChildLaw Thesis/Capstone () |
4 |
| | Hours | 4 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Education Immersion Weekends
Education Immersion Weekends (EIWs) offer programming to reinforce learning objectives, provide a venue for networking, and foster communication among online Loyola law students, alumni, and faculty. EIWs are usually held at Loyola University Chicago's Water Tower Campus. EIWs are optional but strongly recommended. EIW participants are eligible to earn 1 credit. For more information, please email LawOnlineAdvising@luc.edu.
Degree Requirements
To earn an MJ in Children's Law & Policy, students must complete a total of 30 credit hours, including the completion of a final program project. Students are encouraged to attend Education Immersion Weekends at Loyola's Water Tower campus. Visit our Registrar for a complete list of degree requirements, academic calendars, and registration process. You may access full course descriptions here.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
