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.

Related Programs

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
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
Choose from LAW Election Options		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		Hours
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
Term 3
Electives		3
Electives		3
	Hours	6
Term 4
Electives		3
Electives		3
	Hours	6
Term 5
Electives		3
Electives		3
	Hours	6
Term 6
LAW 677	ChildLaw Thesis/Capstone	4
	Hours	4
	Total Hours	30

Education Immersion Weekends

In addition to the required curriculum, students are highly encouraged to travel to Loyola's Chicago campus during their tenure in the program for an Education Immersion Weekend (EIW). Each year a current event topic is selected which intersects with our Child, Compliance, and Health Law Programs to present significant findings and similarities from a legal perspective. During the weekend, students gather in person to workshop,  thesis/capstone project, attend experiential learning workshops, and meet with faculty, students and alumni. This event provides students an opportunity to further network and connect with faculty, students, staff, and alumni.

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.

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