The School of Divinity, in partnership with the School of Law, offers a five-year, dual degree program, Juris Doctor and Master of Divinity (JD/MDiv). The program provides a vocational perspective different than that available in separate law or divinity degree concentrations. The program also enriches the learning and experience of students who want to pursue careers in either discipline. The dual degree curriculum meets standards set by the accrediting bodies of each partner.

Plan of Study and Requirements

Students in the dual degree program must complete all requirements of each program. Students may choose to complete their first two years of study in either the School of Divinity or the School of Law. Two additional years of study are then undertaken in the alternate school. The fifth and final year includes coursework in both schools. Upon successful completion of the dual degree requirements, students receive both the Juris Doctor and the Master of Divinity degrees.

When undertaken as part of the dual JD/MDiv program, the MDiv degree requires completion of 57 hours of divinity coursework including the degree requirements prescribed by the School of Divinity for graduation. When undertaken as part of the dual JD/MDiv program, the JD degree requires completion of 75 hours of law coursework including the degree requirements prescribed by the law school for graduation.

Students are required to complete 57 hours toward the Master of Divinity Degree.

Advising

Students will be assigned a faculty adviser from each school and are required to meet with their advisers at least once during each semester of the five-year program. Course selection is made in consultation with advisers.

Fifth Year

During the fifth year of the program, students register in and pay tuition to the School of Law during one semester, subsequently registering in and paying tuition to the School of Divinity during the remaining semester. During the School of Divinity fifth-year semester, students may take courses in the School of Divinity, courses cross-listed with the School of Law, or courses offered by other schools or departments of the University as approved by the School of Divinity. A similar process applies to the School of Law fifth-year semester.

Continuing Eligibility

Continuing eligibility in the JD program is outlined in the Degree Requirements section in the  School of Law’s Student Handbook. Continuing eligibility in the Master of Divinity program is outlined in the School of Divinity’s Continuing Eligibility Policy.