IU McKinney to offer degree for non-attorneys next year

Professionals who want to better understand the law, but not practice it, will be able to earn a Master of Jurisprudence degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law beginning next year, the school announced Thursday. Valparaiso University Law School will also begin offering a similar degree.

“Knowledge about the law and regulations is becoming increasingly important as it affects more and more disciplines, such as the life sciences; social work; human resources; business and corporate affairs; the environment; and real estate development, to name a few," said the program's director,  professor Deborah McGregor. "The focus of the M.J. degree is on those professionals who are interested in learning about the law as a way to enhance and potentially advance their careers."

The degree requires 30 credit hours, which can be taken full or part time. Master of Jurisprudence students will work one-on-one with a faculty advisor to create an individualized curriculum focused on the area of law that will most help their respective careers. IU McKinney says the students will be able to enroll in more than 150 courses that cover substantive areas of the law, but will not be allowed to take hands-on law classes reserved for students enrolled in the law school.

Valparaiso University Law School’s Master of Professional Studies program launches in January 2014 in Chicago and will offer three concentrations: business, health and criminal law. It is the first master of professional studies program offered by the law school and participants will take classes in-person and online.