Master of Divinity/Juris Doctor Dual Degree
Purpose Statement
The dual degree links the faculties, resources, and educations of a nationally recognized law school and a top-tier seminary, offering to students an education that prepares them well for a multitude of leadership opportunities. Graduates will be fully qualified to serve in a traditional law practice and/or in a congregational setting. Beyond these contexts, the skill sets developed from this program would also allow graduates to serve in non-profit organizations, particularly those focused on human rights, or in careers that provide legal advocacy for society’s underserved populations.
Admission
To pursue the dual MDiv/JD degree, a prospective student must make regular application for admission to, and be accepted by, both the Law School and the Seminary. Once admitted to both schools, the student will declare his or her intent to enroll in the dual degree with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Seminary and the Associate Dean of the Law School. Applicants also may begin the coursework in one school before applying for admission to the other program so long as admission to the second program is obtained before completion of the work in the first.
Once admitted to both programs, dual degree students have some flexibility in scheduling their coursework in each school; however, there are stipulations. Because it is generally in their best interest to take the bar examination immediately upon completing their JD degrees, it is recommended that students end the dual degree program with the law school courses. Additionally, MDiv credits earned prior to matriculation at the law school cannot be applied toward the JD degree. If starting with the MDiv, a dual degree student could move to the law school after the first year of seminary and have any later MDiv courses applied to the JD degree. Alternatively, they may choose to begin and complete the MDiv coursework between the first and second or second and third years of their JD coursework.
Advising
All dual degree students are required to meet with the Director of Academic Services at Truett Seminary and the Director of Academic Services & Registrar in the Law School once a year to monitor their academic progress.
Requirements for Master of Divinity
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Spiritual Formation | ||
| PRTH 7101 | Spiritual Formation I | 1 |
| PRTH 7102 | Spiritual Formation II | 1 |
| PRTH 7103 | Spiritual Formation III | 1 |
| PRTH 7004 | Spiritual Formation Retreat | 0 |
| Introductory Classes 1 | ||
| THEO 7340 | Introduction to Christian Scriptures | 3 |
| THEO 7341 | Introduction to Christian History and Theology | 3 |
| WOCW 7385 | Introduction to Christian Witness and Mission | 3 |
| Christian Scriptures | ||
| THEO 7370 | Christian Scriptures I | 3 |
| THEO 7372 | Christian Scriptures II | 3 |
| THEO 7371 | Christian Scriptures III | 3 |
| THEO 7373 | Christian Scriptures IV | 3 |
| Christian Theology | ||
| THEO 7360 | Christian Texts & Traditions I | 3 |
| THEO 7361 | Christian Texts and Traditions II | 3 |
| THEO 7362 | Christian Texts and Traditions III | 3 |
| THEO 7382 | Constructive Theology | 3 |
| Christian Tradition | ||
| THEO 7396 | The Baptist Identity | 3 |
| or WSLY 7310 | Wesleyan Theology and Doctrine | |
| LEAD 7303 | Leadership for Congregational Ministry | 3 |
| or PAST 7330 | Introduction to Pastoral Care | |
| or WSLY 7320 | Wesleyan History & Polity | |
| Christian Ministry | ||
| PRCH 7316 | Preaching I | 3 |
| PRTH 7391 | Integrative Seminar: Faith and Practice | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Elective hours * | 12 | |
| Satisfactory academic progress | ||
| Credit from JD Degree | 27 | |
| Total Hours | 87 | |
- 1
THEO 7340 and THEO 7341 are required courses; however, based upon previous academic experience, students may petition to waive or substitute these courses. Introductory courses are waived from the degree plan by passing an advanced standing exam (see the Advanced Standing Policy).
- 2
This course is required for all students receiving a Baptist scholarship.
- *
Students seeking ordination in the Wesleyan tradition are required to take WSLY 7330 as one of their electives.
Juris Doctor Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1L Curriculum | ||
| LAW 9101 | Legal Analysis, Research and Communication 1: Introduction to Legal Writing, Part 1 | 2 |
| LAW 9103 | Legal Analysis, Research & Communication 2: Introduction to Legal Writing, Part 2 | 1 |
| LAW 9104 | Legal Analysis, Research & Communication 4: Transactional Drafting | 1 |
| LAW 9105 | Legal Analysis, Research & Communication 5: Litigation Drafting | 1 |
| LAW 9203 | Legal Analysis, Research & Writing 3: Persuasive Communications | 2 |
| LAW 9207 | Taxation & Accounting Principles for Lawyers | 2 |
| LAW 9405 | Civil Procedure | 4 |
| LAW 9407 | Contracts 1 | 4 |
| LAW 9408 | Contracts 2 | 4 |
| LAW 9303 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAW 9356 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| LAW 9401 | Constitutional Law: Structure, Power & Legislation | 4 |
| LAW 9411 | Property 1 | 4 |
| LAW 9312 | Property 2 | 3 |
| LAW 9413 | Torts 1 | 4 |
| LAW 9314 | Torts 2 | 3 |
| 2L Curriculum | ||
| LAW 9521 | Business Organizations 1 | 5 |
| LAW 9504 | Trusts and Estates | 5 |
| LAW 9326 | Remedies | 3 |
| LAW 9301 | Constitutional Law: Individual Liberties | 3 |
| Law School Electives | 24 | |
| 3L Curriculum | ||
| LAW 9527 | Practice Court 1: Pretrial Practice & Procedure | 5 |
| LAW 9520 | Practice Court 2: Trial Evidence, Procedure & Practice | 5 |
| LAW 9528 | Practice Court 3: Trial & Post-Trial Practice, Procedure & Evidence | 5 |
| LAW 9229 | Professional Responsiblity | 2 |
| Law School Electives | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 115 | |
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total Hours taken in the Law School | 114 quarter hours |
| Credit from MDiv Degree | 12 quarter hours |
| Total Hours for JD | 126 quarter hours |
Master of Divinity/Juris Doctor Degree
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Master of Divinity Degree | 60 semester hours (84 quarter hours) |
| Juris Doctor Degree | 114 quarter hours (81.4 semester hours) |
| Total Hours | 141.4 semester hours (198 quarter hours) |
For further information regarding the Juris Doctor degree consult the Baylor University Graduate Catalog or contact:
Jerri Cunningham
Director of Academic Services and Registrar, Baylor Law School
Baylor University
One Bear Place #97288
Waco, TX 76798-7288
E-mail: Jerri_Cunningham@baylor.edu
Telephone: 254-710-1911