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). Students must attend at least 80 percent of the regularly scheduled class hours in each course to receive credit for that course.
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. 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 Track Program
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 Track program. Students must complete 18 units of study in separate Juris Doctor Flex Track courses specifically designed to pass the First Year Law Students Examination (FYLSX).
Master of Legal Studies Overview
The Master of Legal Studies degree program is a 30-unit online degree program. Students complete a core curriculum of 15 units and must choose from one of various 15-unit tracks for a total of 30 units. The available 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. The program is designed to be completed within two years.
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 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.
