Saint Louis University's dual Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies program provides students with a rigorous, interdisciplinary and critical study of law, gender and social justice. The SLU program allows students to complete both degrees with significantly less time and expense than if they were obtained separately, with 18 credits counting toward both programs.
For additional information, see the catalog entries for the following SLU programs:
Law, J.D.
Women's and Gender Studies, M.A.
Program Highlights
- While taking courses through both Saint Louis University School of Law and the Department of Women's and Gender Studies, students develop research projects that focus on how law and legal policies intersect with gendered social institutions and practices.
- By pursuing both degrees concurrently, students acquire a broader context for advocating for gender equality in law and policy, along with the distinct analytical training and skill set to navigate the legal system.
- Through the SLU Law Legal Clinics, students can gain first-hand experience representing clients who otherwise would not be able to afford a lawyer, working on civil and human rights issues, employment discrimination, prison/sentencing injustice, and municipal ordinance violations and more. Students also have the opportunity to assist female entrepreneurs, small business owners and neighborhoods in ways that contribute to the good of the local community.
Dual J.D./M.A. in women's and gender studies students at SLU acquire skills applicable to a variety of settings, including:
- Advocating for the rights of women and other disadvantaged groups
- Helping survivors of gender-based violence
- Working in local and national feminist legal organizations
- Practicing law with a clear understanding of how gender issues interconnect with public and private policies
Careers
Attorneys with an M.A. in women's and gender studies are well-equipped to work as nonprofit leaders, lobbyists, judges, public defenders and more. They may work in advocacy on behalf of women and other disadvantaged groups or on behalf of victims of gender-based violence, or choose to practice in fields such as employment law, family law, immigration law, health policy/health law, elder law and public interest law. Graduates may also pursue professional opportunities to expand diversity and representation in the legal profession or higher education.
Accreditation
Saint Louis University School of Law has been continuously accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) since December 1924. The accrediting body is the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.
Students apply for admission to each program independently. Students begin the J.D. program first and then apply for admission to the Master of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies program during their first year in law school.
The program is designed to be completed in four years. Students choose 18 credits (six courses) that count simultaneously toward both degrees. Examples of courses include Gender and Culture, Sexuality and the Law, Employment Discrimination, Family Law and Disability Law.
Of the 89 credits required for the J.D., nine credits are satisfied by the completion of women’s and gender studies courses. Credit from law courses will be accepted toward completion of the credits required for the women’s and gender studies degree.
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
For additional information about this program, please contact wstd@slu.edu or call 314-977-2057.