International Affairs (MA) and Juris Doctor (JD)

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A dual master’s degree program is offered by the School of International Service and Washington College of Law . Graduates receive both the International Affairs (MA) and Juris Doctor (JD).

Admission to the Program

Students apply to both the Washington College of Law (WCL) and the School of International Service (SIS). Students may begin their studies in SIS after completing one full year of full-time study at WCL. SIS accepts LSAT scores in place of the GRE general scores normally required for admission. For specific criteria employed by SIS, see the graduate admission and degree requirements for the MA in International Affairs above. Admission to either WCL or SIS in no way implies that admission to the other will be granted. Students who have been admitted to the MA in International Affairs may apply to WCL. For more information on admission requirements, contact the WCL Admissions Office at 202-274-4101.

Degree Requirements

86 credit hours of WCL coursework
- Up to 6 credit hours of SIS coursework may be credited toward the JD requirement
36 credit hours of approved graduate coursework in an SIS concentration
- Up to 15 credit hours in WCL courses may be credited toward the MA requirements (see approved list in the SIS Graduate Office)
- Capstone experience: demonstration of critical thinking, research and writing skills through completion of a master’s thesis, substantial research paper requirement, or practicum. All courses taken to fulfill this requirement must be passed with grade of B or better
- Evidence of professional experience in the field: Relevant internship or work experience must be certified
- Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified

Course Requirements

Required

Approved major theory course (3)
Approved research methods course (3)
12 credit hours of approved concentration coursework
3 credit hours of elective coursework

WCL Coursework

Up to 15 credit hours including the following:

LAW-516 Legal Rhetoric: Writing and Research I (2)
LAW-517 Legal Rhetoric: Writing and Research II (2)
Approved economic or business policy course (3)
5 credit hours of approved international law coursework