Stanford University

Overview

The Joint MA/JD in Law and Education at Stanford University is an innovative dual degree program that merges legal studies with educational policy analysis. This full-time, interdisciplinary course prepares students to become influential leaders in the fields of school reform, education governance, and rights-based educational initiatives. Over the course of three years, students will engage deeply with both legal frameworks and educational systems, equipping them with unique insights and skills.

What you'll study

Students enrolled in the Joint MA/JD program will experience a rich curriculum that combines coursework from both the law and education schools. The program emphasizes the importance of legal reasoning in the context of education policy, allowing for the exploration of critical issues such as equity and governance.

Core learning areas

• Legal reasoning and statutory/regulatory analysis
• Education policy, governance, and institutional decision-making
• Equity, inequality, and rights-based approaches in education
• Research methods and evidence-informed policy evaluation
• Professional preparation for education- and law-related careers

Indicative coursework

• One in Five: The Law, Policy, and Politics of Campus Sexual Assault
• Environmental & Resource Challenges on Native American Lands
• Pre-field Course for Alternative Spring Break
• International Human Rights
• Law and Inequality
• Dilemmas of Regulating Race and Inequality in American Society
• Human Rights Advocacy
• Guns, Drugs, Abortion, and Empirical Evaluation of Law and Policy
• Public Service Internship Preparation
• Work and Family
• Hip Hop as a Universal Language
• Language, Identity, and the Power of Public Discourse
• Public Education and Schooling: The Great Equalizer or the Fiercely Competitive Field?

Capstone / thesis

To culminate their studies, students will complete specific requirements for both the MA and JD components. The format of this culminating work—whether a research paper, thesis, or alternative project—will be determined by the approved degree plan and requirements established for their cohort.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Joint MA/JD in Law and Education is highly competitive, necessitating that candidates meet the academic and English language standards set by Stanford’s graduate programs. Specific requirements may differ based on the applicant's profile and the joint-degree pathway chosen.

Academic background

• Applicants must possess (or anticipate obtaining before enrollment) a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.
• International applicants must hold an equivalent degree to a U.S. bachelor’s from a recognized institution.

English language proficiency

• Applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide TOEFL iBT scores.
• All candidates must demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend English as used in lectures and group discussions.

Additional materials

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose / personal statement

Career prospects

Graduates of the Joint MA/JD in Law and Education program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths at the intersection of law and education. Potential roles include educational policy analysts, legal advisors in educational institutions, advocates for education reform, and positions in non-profit organizations focusing on educational rights. The dual degree equips students with a comprehensive understanding of both legal frameworks and educational systems, making them valuable assets in various professional environments.