Children's Law and Policy (MJ)
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
The online MJ program is designed to be completed in 2 calendar years by taking 4-6 credits in each of 6 consecutive terms (including summers). In terms 3-5, you will complete six elective courses of your choosing.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| 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 |
| Electives (choose 6) | 18 | |
| Human Trafficking Seminar | ||
| Mediation Seminar | ||
| Legal Issues in Student Discipline | ||
| Interdisciplinary Seminar on Domestic Violence | ||
| Children's Summer Institute | ||
| Education Law and Policy | ||
| Child Welfare Law and Policy | ||
| Juvenile Justice Law and Policy | ||
| Family Law and Policy | ||
| Mental Health Law and Children | ||
| International Children's Rights | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
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.
| Term 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 665 | Introduction to the Study of Law and Legal Systems (Fall or Spring) | 2 |
| LAW 667 | Introduction to Children's Law , Policy and Practice (Fall or Spring) | 2 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| LAW 668 | Leadership Development (Spring or Summer) | 4 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Terms 3-5 | ||
| Select six elective courses of your choosing: | 18 | |
| Children's Summer Institute | ||
| Child Welfare Law and Policy | ||
| Education Law and Policy | ||
| Family Law and Policy | ||
| Human Trafficking Seminar (campus-based) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Seminar on Domestic Violence | ||
| International Children's Rights | ||
| Juvenile Justice Law and Policy | ||
| Legal Issues in Student Discipline | ||
| Mediation Seminar (campus-based) | ||
| Mental Health Law and Children | ||
| Hours | 18 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| LAW 677 | ChildLaw Thesis/Capstone (Summer or Fall) | 4 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Education Immersion Weekends
In addition to the required curriculum, you are required to travel to Loyola's Chicago campus at least once during your program for an Education Immersion Weekend (EIW). During the weekend, students gather in person to workshop or present their thesis/capstone project, attend workshops, participate in graduation activities, and meet with faculty, students and alumni.
Degree Requirements
To earn your degree, you must complete 30 credit hours of coursework, including the Capstone Project and one Education Immersion Weekend. Visit our Registrar for a complete list of degree requirements, academic calendars, and registration process. You may access full course descriptions through our student information system through guest access.
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 supercede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:
- Articulate substantive and procedural laws of relevance to child-serving professionals
- Participate in various forms of legal research, including electronic research
- Analyze statutes, rules, and cases in the field of child and family law
- Write analytically sound and persuasive documents (letters, memoranda, reports, etc.) appropriate to the goals of child-serving professionals
- Analyze and apply professional leadership skills