Introduction

The Dual JD/MA program will create opportunities for graduates to advocate for educational equity in non-educational settings such as in public policy arenas or courtrooms. Key features of the program result in candidates obtaining a teaching credential, Master of Arts in Urban Education and a Law degree in four and a half years. JD/MA Dual Degree graduates can join the workforce in either the education or legal sectors to serve varied legal disciplines within the academic arena.

Program Admission Requirements

• Graduate Application
• Candidate Information Sheet
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • At least 1 letter must verify the applicant’s experience and familiarity with the elementary school age group.
  • Letters cannot be written by family members of friends.
• Technology Requirement Form
• Statement of Intent
  • 3-5 page essay describing how applicant’s experiences, qualities, and goals reflect the School of Education’s conceptual framework: REAL (Respect, Educate, Advocate, Lead).
• 2 sealed, official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended
• Verification of 20 hours of experience working with culturally diverse youth in the age group applicant plans to teach.
• Professional Resume
• Proof of satisfying California’s Basic Skills Requirement
  • Official CBEST passing scores or equivalent
• Subject Matter Competency Test (CSET) Plan of Action
• Certificate of Clearance (COC)
  • Fingerprint Clearance Form
• Proof of Satisfying the U.S. Constitution Requirement
• Tuberculin Skin Test Results
• Interview with Program Director
• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or a 3.05 in the last 60 undergraduate units, or a 3.0 in at least 9 graduate units
• For applicants who completed an undergraduate/graduate degree outside of the U.S.A.:
  • Transcript evaluations
  • TOEFL or IELTS minimum score

*Specific partnerships may have alternate requirements different from those listed above. Contact appropriate Program Director or SOE Admissions Office for details.

• In addition to SOE Admission Requirements, applicants to the J.D./M.A. Dual Degree program must be admitted separately to the Loyola Law School. Once admitted to both Schools, a candidate submits an application for the dual degree program. Candidates can submit an application for the dual degree program up to March of the first year of the program or while completing the Year 1 courses in the School of Education for the teaching credential.
• Admission requirements for Loyola Law School can be found at http://www.lls.edu/admissions/jdadmissions/.

Degree Requirements

Students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their LMU programs as well as meet all SOE and LLS policy guidelines for successful progress and completion of their program and degree. LMU|TFA Partnership students take their coursework over a period of two years. Exceptions to the recommended sequence must be approved by the Program Directors, Department Chairs, and Credential Director.

Required Coursework