Programs
Juris Doctor Overview
In addition to admissions requirements, students must complete 90 units of study with an average of C (a grade point average of 2.0). In order to receive credit for a course, students must complete not less than 80% of verifiable academic engagement required in each course in which the student is enrolled.
Both the full- and part-time degree plans must be completed in five years or less. The full-time program must include at least three consecutive academic terms within five years; the part-time program must include at least four consecutive academic terms within five years.
Any student with a disability requiring special arrangements will be accommodated upon petition, with supporting documentation and pending approval from the Registrar's Office. Special accommodations will be carefully tailored to meet the documented need in accordance with the Trinity Law School disability policy.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Juris Doctor degree will be able to:
- demonstrate a basic knowledge of the law in key areas tested on the California Bar Exam by obtaining a grade of C or higher on a class examination.
- demonstrate that law may be practiced as a tool of ministry through pro bono or low-cost legal services.
- identify and formulate the legal issues and theories that apply to the facts of a described situation or problem in the content area as demonstrated by successful performance on an examination.
- compare case law to a given set of facts, using it to determine the appropriate action as demonstrated by written case briefs and participation in classroom discussion.
- integrate biblical principles to content area topics by classroom discussion and/or assignments.
Juris Doctor Flex Academic Support Classes
Students who have not taken the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or who do not meet the requirements for the regular Juris Doctor program may be considered for admission into the Juris Doctor Flex Academic Support Classes (Flex Track). Students must complete one of the five paths in order to continue into the regular JD courses.
United States Department of Labor’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
The Juris Doctor program prepares graduates for occupations such as:
- Lawyers (SOC 23-1011.00)
- Judicial Law Clerks (SOC 23-1012.00)
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers (SOC 23-1021.00)
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators (SOC 23-1022.00)
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates (SOC 23-1023.00)
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary (SOC 25-1112.00)
Master of Legal Studies Overview
The Master of Legal Studies is a 30-unit online degree program. Students complete a core curriculum of 15 units and then must choose from one of 15-unit tracks for a total of 30 units. The available 15-unit tracks are: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bioethics, Church and Ministry Management, Contracts and Negotiation, Criminal Justice, General Legal Studies, Human Resources Management, Human Rights, and Nonprofit Organizations. Courses are offered on a modular schedule beginning every eighth week. Full-time students can complete the program in one year.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Master of Legal Studies degree will be able to:
- demonstrate a basic knowledge of the law in areas applicable to a wide range of business and ministry management positions.
- apply the law as a tool for effective and ethical decision making.
- identify legal issues and formulate legal theories that impact their professional career.
- effectively interact with attorneys regarding the application of legal solutions to business and ministry challenges.
- recognize and resolve ethical issues by applying knowledge of secular law and biblical principles to contact area topics.
Legal Fundamentals
A student required to take MLS 558 may not enroll in any other course until the student successfully completes MLS 558. An exception will only be granted upon a showing of a strong likelihood of success in this course and approval by a Dean.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S STANDARD OCCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATION (SOC)
The Master of Legal Studies program prepares graduates for occupations such as:
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011.00)
- Legal Support Workers, All Other (SOC 23-2099.00)