JD/MA Program Overview

 The JDMA program allows students to earn a JD from the Washington College of Law (WCL) and an MA in International Affairs from the School of International Service (SIS). The program exposes students interested in international law to political, historical, and economic classes germane to their future international practice.

It is particularly suitable for two types of students: those who are firmly committed to legal practice and who want to specialize in matters with a transnational focus and those who want to open the lawyer's route to a career influencing international policy. By completing the dual program students deepen their knowledge of international law that candidates for the law degree alone can rarely, if ever, achieve. The overall intent is to make students uniquely qualified for a career with the government, multinational corporations, law firms, nongovernmental organizations, and international organizations.

The JDMA in International Affairs program builds on the special strengths of the Washington College of Law and the School of International Service. U.S. News and World Report lists the Washington College of Law as one of the top ten programs in international law in the United States. The School of International Service is the largest school of international affairs in the United States, offering a wide range of small classes, recognized for their blend of theory, policy and practice.

Academics Overview

The JD/MA is a 3 1⁄2 year program (minimum time depending on the number of SIS credits taken during a student’s JD semester(s)) with the Washington College of Law (WCL) and the School of International Service (SIS). Students cannot graduate from both the JD and MA in the same semester and must complete at least six (6) credits of SIS coursework after the completing their JD degree. In addition to their JD, students in the JD/MA program receive an MA in International Affairs from SIS at the completion of the program.

  • SIS Credits needed for MA: 21, plus 15 double-counted from WCL.

  • WCL Credits needed for JD: 80, plus 6 double-counted from SIS.

  • Total Credits: 101

MA in International Affairs Requirements


SIS COURSEWORK (21 CREDITS)

  • SIS Approved Theory Course (3 credits)

  • SIS Research and Professional Methods Course (3 credits)

  • SIS Concentration (12 credits)

  • SIS Elective (3 credits) (may include skills institutes*, an SIS internship for credit, or an SIS elective course)

* JDMA students may take a maximum of 6 credits of skills institutes. Skills institutes must count towards degree requirements.

WCL COURSEWORK (15 CREDITS)

  • WCL Legal Rhetoric (4 credits)

  • WCL Approved course in economics, international business, economic or trade law (3 credits)

  • WCL Approved International law coursework (5 credits)

  • WCL Upper Level Writing Requirement (3 credits) (required to be on international topic)

NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

  • Certification of Professional Experience Requirement

  • Certification of proficiency (intermediate level) in modern foreign language

** JDMA students must complete at least 6 credits of SIS coursework after the completion of the JD degree.