“Jurisprudence” refers to the philosophy of law. For non-lawyers to gain professionally from high levels of law and state-of-the-art problem-solving skills, the online jurisprudence degree is best suited. The Master of Jurisprudence applies the tenets of legal practice in various settings as diverse as technological companies, hospitals, media, entertainment, or government agencies.

Whether one starts to practice law or is established in the field of legal practice, one may learn to understand and interpret legislation in this legal studies program, to interpret the law, objectively assess business conditions, and make informed decisions.

In the United States, the Master of Jurisprudence is a title that is sometimes used interchangeably with Master of Laws and Master of Juridical Science. While a Master of Jurisprudence, or M.J., does not allow students to take the bar test and become a lawyer, it does offer significant benefits, particularly for individuals who work with a practicing attorney, deal with legal issues, contracts, and government compliance. Although this is an advanced degree for non-attorneys, lawyers may pursue it for job advancement or to become a specialist in a specific field of law.

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Southern New Hampshire University

PROGRAM: Online Masters Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

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Best Master of Jurisprudence Online Programs

When looking for online education programs and particularly a Masters in Jurisprudence, it is essential to factor in the program’s flexibility, the quality and experience of teaching staff, reputation of the institution, accreditation, affordability, and more. Based on these factors and more, OMC has drawn up this list of the best master’s in jurisprudence online programs in the United States:

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College Name & AddressTuitionGraduation Rate
#1
Texas A & M University
JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843
$6,77583%
#2
Florida State University
222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
$9,68484%
#3
George Washington University
1918 F Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052
$31,77085%
#4
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35229
$20,58777%
#5
New York University
70 Washington Sq South, New York, New York 10012
$34,70488%
#6
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California 90263
$36,20089%
#7
Wake Forest University
1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106
$38,65089%
#8
University of Southern California
University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089
$47,88092%
#9
Georgetown University
37th and O St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057
$53,13694%
#10
Washington University in St Louis
One Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63130
$56,30094%
#11
Emory University
201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
$43,80090%
#12
Tulane University of Louisiana
6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
$59,09086%
#13
Seton Hall University
400 S Orange Ave, South Orange, New Jersey 07079
$24,37272%
#14
University of Arkansas
Administration Bldg 425, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
$7,75268%
#15
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515
$7,93554%
#16
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
$36,23471%
#17
Hamline University
1536 Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
$11,57065%
#18
Trinity International University
9010 SW 137th Ave, Suite #101, Miami, Florida 33186
$12,960NA
#19
Arizona State University
1475 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
$6,51624%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Understanding Master of Jurisprudence Programs

Jurisprudence is the legal interaction of the law within a variety of settings and specialties. The Masters in Jurisprudence online program is designed for students to gain legal analytical, communication, and critical thinking abilities, along with a deep understanding of legal practices, laws, interpretations, and applications of law, legal analysis, and understanding of the American legal system.

Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) degrees are intended for non-lawyer professionals who want to learn about the law. These degrees emphasize practical skills training in a range of legal-related sectors for students looking to further their careers or simply keep up with evolving regulatory needs. Typically, practicing lawyers and skilled professionals teach the courses.

Usually, the Master of Jurisprudence degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework. Specialized concentrations are available for more targeted studies, catering to a wide range of interests and work settings.

Master of Jurisprudence Degree Types

The MJur degree is muddled in overlapping degree types. Specializations play a considerable role in determining which degree type is best suited for a particular career path. For example, students with an MJ in health law online have a competitive advantage over their peers in the healthcare industry. Students who complete this program gain a unique perspective on healthcare law, regulations, and policies, as well as the ability to find work in the healthcare industry. However, there are predominantly two degree types common to Jurisprudence studies – the MS in Jurisprudence and the MPA Jurisprudence.

MS in Jurisprudence

The Master of Science in Jurisprudence or MS in Jurisprudence, often also referred to as the MSJ, is a technically oriented degree for non-lawyers to study law and legalities. This degree type has a fair amount of research and touches upon more pragmatic and scientific topics.

MPA Jurisprudence

A popular choice among students who want to study law is the Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Jurisprudence. However, this degree is usually a combined MPA-JD program, enabling the student to take a sequence of courses leading to two simultaneous degrees called the Master of Public Affairs – Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Students must note that the Master of Jurisprudence is sometimes used as an alternative name for both Master of Laws and Master of Juridical Science. In conclusion, the M.Jur. is a broad degree, and it is therefore vital for prospective students to research which college offers the right course for their choice of career.

Specializations in Master of Jurisprudence Programs

Specializations always lead to niche career paths and are excellent for those who want to narrow their study to specific areas within jurisprudence. Several colleges offer specializations and concentrations that allow for a tailor-made, flexible program. Students can either choose to remain focused on general legal studies or choose from a variety of specialization options such as:

  • Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law Online
  • Master of Jurisprudence in Corporate and Business Law
  • Master of Jurisprudence in Compliance and Risk Management

Other specializations/concentrations include:

  • Health & Hospital Law
  • Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Law & Compliance
  • Law and the Creative Industries
  • Privacy Law & Cyber Security
  • Financial Services Compliance
  • General Law/Legal Studies
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • International Legal Studies
  • Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law
  • Security and Data Privacy
  • Education Law
  • Human Rights
  • Energy, Oil & Gas Law
  • American Legal Studies
  • Real Property Development
  • Advocacy
  • Elder Law
  • Risk Management
  • Wealth Management
  • Taxation
  • International Taxation
  • Environmental Law and Policy
  • Energy Regulation and Law
  • Indigenous Peoples Law
  • Cybersecurity Law & Management
  • Energy and Natural Resources
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, and Innovation
  • Business Law & Compliance

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master of Jurisprudence Programs

The Masters of Jurisprudence allows students to tailor their learning experience to their professional objectives and personal interests. Contracts, legal procedure, workplace law, legal writing, negligence, liability, and business law principles are all covered in the curriculum. Depending on the degree program and chosen specialization, the following courses could be available to students enrolled in an MJur program:

  • Drafting Business Documents
  • Law and Entrepreneurship
  • Business and Human Rights
  • International Trade Law
  • Intellectual Property Survey
  • Advising Privately Owned Businesses
  • Basic Income Tax
  • Managing People in Public and Nonprofit Agencies
  • Property Dispositions and Transactions
  • International Finance Law
  • Taxation of Partners and Partnerships
  • Business and Financial Literacy
  • International Business Transactions
  • Chinese Law
  • Comparative Corporate Governance
  • Employment Law
  • Secured Transactions
  • Business Organizations
  • Estate Planning
  • Law of Nonprofit Organizations
  • Japanese Law

At the end of a Master in Jurisprudence online degree, graduates would have developed skills and abilities, some of which are but not limited to:

  • undertake legal research, analysis, and communication essential to understanding and applying the law in various settings;
  • interpret and apply laws regulating business, the environment, international trade, or other specialized sectors;
  • demonstrate conflict resolution skills, critical-thinking abilities, and a thirst for justice;
  • better understand how the law can affect businesses, employees, and markets;
  • draft legal documents to present in court or legal agreements between persons and entities; and
  • assist practicing lawyers and advocates through research, interpretation, and application of the correct law.

Accreditation for Master of Jurisprudence Programs

An online Master’s in Jurisprudence, like all master’s degrees, must be accredited for the degree to be valuable and considered by the job market. Accreditation agencies establish standards for schools to adhere to and ensure that they are met and maintained throughout the accreditation process. While some colleges have fully accredited programs (programmatic accreditation), most are regionally accredited, which is an equally valid option. In the United States, regional accreditation agencies include:

  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
  • Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The American Bar Association (ABA) is usually the accrediting authority for law-related programs and law schools.

When applying for an online Master’s in Jurisprudence, students should always look for accredited universities or programs. Our Accreditation Guide contains more information on accreditation.

Timeline For Graduating From Master of Jurisprudence Online Programs

Online Master of Jurisprudence programs can take anywhere from one to up to three years to complete. Most online programs support working professionals, allowing students to learn on their own time. Part-time completion of the program is generally possible in two years. Students can work at their own speed and finish the degree in as much as five years.

Admission Requirements for Online Master of Jurisprudence Programs

The process of applying to a Master’s in Jurisprudence is relatively straightforward. As with most other graduate-level programs, universities typically tend to have the following admission requirements:

  • Completed Application Form with Application Fee
  • A Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 and above
  • Official Academic Transcripts
  • A Professional Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two References/Recommendations
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency (if English was not the primary language in prior studies; especially for international students)

Masters in Jurisprudence Online No GRE Programs

In most cases, applicants to a Master’s in Jurisprudence do not have to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Law School Admission Test (LSAT). However, it is not uncommon for schools to ask for a GRE score, should the Grade Point Average (GPA) be lower than required.

Free Jurisprudence Programs

While it is best to earn a master’s degree in Jurisprudence from a university that is accredited and of some repute, students who are pressed for time, or who want to learn the subject out of interest or wish to supplement their master’s degree with additional courses (to gain further knowledge), could look for free content and courses that are available online. However, one must remember that these courses do not culminate in a master’s degree, although some offer certificate courses that may be of value in the job market. Here are a few resources for free online courses in Jurisprudence:

  1. Coursera
    Coursera’s law courses explore the history and interpretation of legal systems and codes, including criminal and civil law, environmental law, international law, constitutional law, and more.
  2. FutureLearn
    At the time of writing, FutureLearn showcased a total of 31 courses on a variety of topics under Law, such as Fraud Investigation, Drafting & Negotiating Commercial Contracts, Protecting Health Data, etc. 
  3. edX
    edX offers International Law, Human Rights, Property Rights, Criminal Law, and Contract Law through online seminars and courses in law. Students can learn about the legal implications of surveillance and privacy as they pertain to national security concerns.
  4. Udemy
    Boasting over 196K learners, Udemy offers a host of law courses, ranging from Cyber Security Law to Introduction to Child Rights, to Health Law and Interpretation of Statutes.

Note: Some of the courses mentioned on these sites may be free, while others may demand a small fee. As policies and offers keep changing periodically, students are advised to check for the latest ones that suit their needs.

1-Year Master of Jurisprudence Programs

Several schools across the United States offer 1-year Master’s in Jurisprudence degree programs. However, the exact length and duration of the program will vary, depending on the student’s abilities, chosen coursework and specialization, transfer credits, and program format or structure.

How to Pay for Master of Jurisprudence Online Programs

An online Master’s in Jurisprudence can be just as expensive as other masters’ programs. External funding will help offset the high cost of graduate school and related educational expenses, which is why graduate students should think about and explore the following funding options when applying to a university school:

Scholarships

Scholarships are frequently the first and best alternative for students to support their additional education because they are based on academic success, community service, cultural heritage, religious affiliation, and so on. Scholarships might be merit-based, privately provided, alumnae-funded, or awarded by cultural, religious, or commercial organizations. (Note: To prevent being defrauded online, read about Scholarship Scams.)

Grants 

In addition to tuition, grants are frequently available to pay educational expenses such as study materials, books, stationery, travel, and lodging. Grants, unlike scholarships, are typically need-based and are not provided based on academic performance.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships are two typical types of assistantships offered by numerous universities. An assistantship provides students with a stipend, which can help cover some of the costs of education.

Student Loans

Students can qualify for federal loans, bank loans, and private loans, all of which need interest payments. However, it should be noted that late or deferred payments will almost certainly result in higher student debt.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, can be used to determine whether a student is eligible for financial aid. FAFSA-related information can be found here.

Read the best Financial Guide to learn more about various funding options and their numerous advantages and drawbacks.

FAQs about Master of Jurisprudence Online Programs

Many students ask the question, “what is an MJ degree?”. To put it in a nutshell, an MJ or Master of Jurisprudence is an advanced degree for non-attorneys, while lawyers may pursue it to better their careers or become specialists. Here are a few other frequently asked questions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Masters in Jurisprudence worth it?

Although a Master in Jurisprudence may be an expensive pursuit, graduates of this degree often land themselves stable and high-paying jobs, making the degree worthwhile.

What is Jurisprudence and Policy?

“Jurisprudence” refers to the philosophy of law and is the legal interaction of the law within a variety of settings and specialties. Policy is defined as “a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization or individual”. In the context of jurisprudence, policy is based upon the written law, its interpretation, ramifications, and fairness to all.

Who can study Jurisprudence?

Where to study Jurisprudence?

Careers and Salary Outlook For Master of Jurisprudence Online Graduates

The abilities of a jurisprudence graduate can benefit a wide array of organizations and individuals. As a result, program graduates may pursue careers as corporate attorneys, civil rights lawyers, contract lawyers, regulatory and ethics lawyers, or international business lawyers. Individuals can even form their own law firms and specialize in copyright infringement, bankruptcy, tax law, or any other field of law, and even provide advice to educational institutions and healthcare providers. Some jurisprudence jobs usually held by MJ graduates include but are not limited to:

  • Risk Managers
  • Healthcare Administrators
  • Supervisors
  • Pharmaceutical Financial Analysts
  • Clinical Operations Directors
  • Nurse Managers
  • Compliance Officers
  • Consultants
  • Lobbyists
  • Quality Assurance Managers
  • Patent/Trademark Assistants
  • Contract Analysts

The Master of Jurisprudence salary for graduates is quite respectable. For example, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators earn a median annual salary of $66,130, with a job outlook of 10% between 2020 and 2030, while paralegals and legal assistants earn a median annual salary of $52,920, with a job outlook of 12% between 2020 and 2030. Similarly, claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators take home a median annual salary of $68,130, but with a slightly negative growth of -3% between 2020 and 2030.

Certifications and Licensure For Master of Jurisprudence Online Students

Certifications always provide extra and weighted credentials to working professionals. Graduates of a Master in Jurisprudence can receive recognition for their specialized practice by earning certification in a specialty field of law while certifying competency, experience, and proficiency as well.

The American Bar Association (ABA) is a powerful and recognized independent body that accredits and offers 4 specialization areas for attorneys and law graduates. There are state-level specialty board certification programs or national specialty board certification programs to choose from.

The Lawyer Legion provides exact and fuller information on certifications.

As far as licensing goes, most sectors do not require a specific license for a Master of Jurisprudence graduate to work or practice, usually because they do not present themselves in court as attorneys. However, depending on the state one resides in and works in, sensitive sectors may require specific licensure from a Compliance Certification Board.

Additional Resources For Master of Jurisprudence Online Students

The law, and especially its various interpretations under varying circumstances, tends to get complex and cumbersome. Therefore, Jurisprudence students and working professionals will do well to connect with others in the field, compare past notes, examine argued or disposed of cases, and seek advice from stalwarts and seniors. Here are a few associations and resources to get started:

  1. American Bar Association (ABA) The American Bar Association (ABA) strives to promote the best quality legal education, works towards eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, and seeks to increase public understanding of and respect for the rule of law, among other related objectives. The site offers its members news, seminars, information on regulation, and more.
  2. Lawyer Legion Lawyer Legion provides a wealth of information for lawyers and law practitioners and provides insights and legal resources and services.
  3. New York University Law Library The New York University Law Library provides students and working professionals primary and secondary sources for legal research, legal treatises, encyclopedias, law journals and periodicals, and dictionaries and reference tools.
  4. Library of Congress The Library of Congress hosts collections of law & legislation, researcher resources, news & events, and legal reports, all of which are a treasure trove for Master of Jurisprudence students and graduates.
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