JD from the School of Law
Earn your JD from the University of St. Thomas School of Law
A Joint Degree With Purpose
Law and Catholic Studies
The Law and Catholic Studies Joint Degree (JD/MA) allows students interested in the study of law and their Catholic faith to earn two degrees in just three to four years.
The Department of Catholic Studies' partnership with the School of Law allows elective credits from both programs to count towards the other's requirements for graduation.
Students must apply for each program separately and meet all admissions requirements in both law and Catholic studies. Students may enroll in the School of Law before applying to the Master of Arts in Catholic Studies.
Two Degrees, One Purpose
The JD/MA joint degree program is designed to help expand your view of the world and diversify your career opportunities. And by combining courses of two degrees into one program, you are able to earn two advanced degrees in less time.
About the JD in Law
Master of Arts in Catholic Studies
Go even deeper into the law with an MA in Catholic Studies
Catholic Studies Curriculum for a Joint Degree
Required Courses
Joint JD/MA degree student take Catholic Thought and Culture I & II, as well as four thematic courses in the areas of: Theology, Philosophy, History, and Art.
Electives
Joint degree students transfer 12 credits from their law degree to count towards their degree as electives. They do not take additional elective courses.
Masters Essay
Under the supervision of a faculty adviser, all students complete a master's essay as the final, qualifying project for the degree. The master's essay gives students an opportunity to develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills, and deepen their mastery of areas of Catholic Studies that have captured their imagination.
Example Courses
- The Catholic Novel
- Secularization
- Thomas Aquinas
- Science and Catholicism
- The Heart of Culture: The Story of Catholic Education
- St. Francis and His World
- Catholic Social Tradition
- John Henry Newman
- Virtue
- Christopher Dawson
- Dante's Divine Comedy
- Augustine's Confessions
- Thomas More
Required Courses
Joint JD/MA degree student take Catholic Thought and Culture I & II, as well as four thematic courses in the areas of: Theology, Philosophy, History, and Art.
Electives
Joint degree students transfer 12 credits from their law degree to count towards their degree as electives. They do not take additional elective courses.
Masters Essay
Under the supervision of a faculty adviser, all students complete a master's essay as the final, qualifying project for the degree. The master's essay gives students an opportunity to develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills, and deepen their mastery of areas of Catholic Studies that have captured their imagination.
Example Courses
- The Catholic Novel
- Secularization
- Thomas Aquinas
- Science and Catholicism
- The Heart of Culture: The Story of Catholic Education
- St. Francis and His World
- Catholic Social Tradition
- John Henry Newman
- Virtue
- Christopher Dawson
- Dante's Divine Comedy
- Augustine's Confessions
- Thomas More
Scholarships and Financial Aid
No additional scholarship application is required. Priority is given to full-time, in-person students, followed by: full-time online/hybrid students; part-time, in-person Catholic ministers, including Catholic school teachers; part-time, remote Catholic ministers, including Catholic school teachers. All Catholic Studies graduate applicants will be considered for financial support.
Many of our students need financial support to pursue a graduate degree in Catholic Studies. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, a limited number of generous partial and full-tuition scholarships are awarded each year on a competitive basis to full-time, degree-seeking, in-person students of exceptional promise. These Catholic Studies Scholar awards are renewable until completion of the degree.
To apply for Catholic Studies Scholarships, simply indicate your interest in your online graduate application by March 1.
Paid Graduate Assistantships (4-10 hours/week) are available. Assistantships allow graduate students to work within the Department and Center for Catholic Studies on both scholarly and professional projects . They offer students a rewarding learning and professional development experience. Assistants might work on international conferences, help mentor students in our leadership programs, edit our academic journal or aid a faculty member in research for publishing, or other related work.
Murphy Scholars are involved in the full range of programming offered by the Murphy Institute, including public events, private faculty seminars and roundtables. They engage with the Institute's nationally and internationally recognized guests and participate in special Institute projects throughout the year according to their academic focus and scholarly interest.
Students enrolled full-time in the JD or MA in Catholic Studies program are eligible to apply. Students must also be in residence. Murphy Scholars receive a $2,000 stipend ($1,000 per semester).
The Dean's Office in the College of Arts & Sciences offers a limited number of scholarships to students admitted to its graduate programs. These scholarships are intended to appreciate scholastic achievement and to recognize academic potential among incoming students. MA and Certificate students are invited to indicate their interest in the Dean's Scholarships at the time of their application to their chosen program. Awards will typically be granted on a per course basis and, depending on availability of funds, will typically apply for up to three years when the recipient remains in good academic standing (with a GPA of 3.5 or above).
Student Testimonial
"Graduating with my MA in Catholic Studies means that I am equipped with the insight I need to integrate my faith into my legal practice and to witness to my coworkers and clients on a daily basis."
—Andrew Rydlund JD/MA '23