Montclair State University - Department of Legal Studies

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M. A. in Legal Studies

  1. How many courses are required to complete the Master of Arts in Legal Studies?

    There are 12 courses (36 credits of graduate study) required for the Master of Arts in Legal Studies. However, there are 3 required undergraduate courses (9 credits) which are prerequisite to all courses in the degree program and which must be completed prior to matriculation into the Master of Arts program.

  2. Do I have to take the GRE's?

    Yes. In order to be accepted, you must have earned the minimum GRE score required by Graduate Studies at Montclair State University.

  3. How do I apply for admission?

    Contact the Graduate Studies Office, 655-5147 to obtain an application. Schedule your GRE's. Complete and return the Montclair State University Graduate Studies Application with all required attachments. You will then be notified of your status. (Note: if you are a graduating senior, you may apply for admission during your final semester of your undergraduate degree.)

  4. What are the career advancement opportunities for a professional with a Master of Arts degree?

    Some of the current career options include: advancement to supervisory and managerial positions in the legal environment; personnel, compliance and affirmative action officer positions in the private and public sectors; paralegal management and human resource officer positions; legal research and investigation work; private dispute resolution services; professional opportunities related to criminal justice and legal advocacy and education.

  5. How long does it take to complete the Master of Arts degree?

    Two years minimum, but the student can take longer.

  6. I understand that there are two concentrations in the Master's Degree Program. Are my career opportunities increased if I complete a concentration?

    This depends upon your area of interest and expertise. The General Course of Study is highly recommended. However, you may need a concentration for career change or advancement.

  7. When are courses offered?

    Courses are offered during the evening, from 6:30 to 9:10P.M., or from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M. Each course meets one night per week (except in summer session when courses meet twice weekly). Courses are offered during the spring, summer and fall semesters.

  8. Is there a minimum grade point average required in order to be admitted into the Master of Arts degree program?

    Yes, you must have earned at least a 2.75 minimum GPA in your undergraduate work and have completed the undergraduate prerequisites for the Master of Arts Program. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, you may be permitted to take two courses in the MA Program; if you earn at least a 3.0 in those courses, you may subsequently be permitted to matriculate.

  9. I already have a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies from Montclair State University. Can any courses be applied to the prerequisites or the Master's Degree?

    Yes. The three required courses in the Paralegal Certificate Program, or equivalents, are prerequisites to matriculation in the Master of Arts program. In addition, two courses from the following list can also be applied to the Master of Arts:
  10. Can you transfer credits/course work at another institution and apply it toward the Master of Arts in Legal Studies?

    You can apply equivalent coursework from another institution to the 3 prerequisites. Any other requests to transfer credits must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Dr. Barbara Nagle - Advisor M.A. in Legal Studies
Legal Management, Information & Technology Dispute Resolution

Revised May 1999