Dual Master of Divinity / Juris Doctor
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 someone in the Office 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 the Dual Law (JD)/Theology (MDV)
Candidates must complete the requirements for the Law (JD) and Theology (MDV) degrees as shown below. A cumulative gpa of 2.0 and a gpa of at least 2.0 in the required courses for the JD, is required for completion of these two degrees.
Required Law Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 & Communication 3: Persuasive Communications | 2 |
| LAW 9207 | Taxation & Accounting Principles for Lawyers | 2 |
| LAW 9229 | Professional Responsibility | 2 |
| LAW 9301 | Constitutional Law: Individual Liberties | 3 |
| LAW 9303 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAW 9312 | Property 2 | 3 |
| LAW 9314 | Torts 2 | 3 |
| LAW 9326 | Remedies | 3 |
| LAW 9356 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| LAW 9401 | Constitutional Law: Structure, Power & Legislation | 4 |
| LAW 9405 | Civil Procedure | 4 |
| LAW 9407 | Contracts 1 | 4 |
| LAW 9408 | Contracts 2 | 4 |
| LAW 9411 | Property 1 | 4 |
| LAW 9413 | Torts 1 | 4 |
| LAW 9504 | Trusts and Estates | 5 |
| LAW 9520 | Practice Court 2: Trial Evidence, Procedure & Practice | 5 |
| LAW 9521 | Business Organizations 1 | 5 |
| LAW 9527 | Practice Court 1: Pretrial Practice & Procedure | 5 |
| LAW 9528 | Practice Court 3: Trial & Post-Trial Practice, Procedure & Evidence | 5 |
| Electives | 48 | |
| Total Hours | 126 | |
Required Theology Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Requirement | (87) | |
| Residence Requirement | (51) | |
| Grade point average - minimum of 2.00 or "C" overall and minimum of "C" or 2.00 in all core courses | ||
| Introductory Courses 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 and 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 |
| Electives | 12 | |
| Select 12 hours of electives 2 | ||
| Satisfactory academic progress | ||
| Shared Credit from JD Degree | 27 | |
| Total Hours | 87 | |
- 1
THEO 7340 Introduction to Christian Scriptures and THEO 7341 Introduction to Christian History and Theology 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
Students seeking ordination in the Wesleyan tradition are required to take WSLY 7330 Wesleyan Worship & Sacraments as one of their electives.
Master of Divinity/Juris Doctor Degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MDV Total Hours | 87 semester hours | |
| Credits completed for the MDV Degree | 60 semester hours | |
| Credits shared from the JD degree | 27 semester hours | |
| JD Total Hours | 126 quarter hours (84 semester hours) | |
| Credits completed for the JD degree | 114 quarter hours | |
| Credits shared from MDV degree | 12 quarter hours | |
| Total Non-Repeating Hours | 136 semester hour (204 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