Juris Master Degree Program
Scalia Law offers a range of specialized and general JM degrees. Click the boxes to learn more about each option, and how to get started.
Juris Master Degree Program (For Non-Lawyers)
Advance your legal-adjacent career with greater understanding and training in law.
The Juris Master (JM) degree, like other Master of Legal Studies degrees, was designed for professionals who interact with lawyers and/or legal issues regularly seeking to level up their careers, but who don’t intend to practice law themselves.
Non-lawyer professionals who are looking to build legal expertise as it relates to a variety of legal-adjacent careers, specifically among industries with high regulation and legal complexity such as Criminal Justice, Government, National Security and Cybersecurity, and Financial Services, will gain broad legal knowledge and develop independent specialization in the U.S. legal system. Students will advance through flexible courses tailored toward achieving their specific career goals without needing to spend three years pursuing a full-time Juris Doctor (JD) degree and passing the bar.
Why is a JM Degree Valuable to a Non-lawyer?
- Improved Communication & Understanding of Legal Topics
You will gain understanding of legal terminology and concepts for elevated interactions with legal professionals and workplace situations. - Informed Decision-Making & Leadership
Legal education can prepare you to make more sound and effective decisions for yourself and/or your organization. - Foundational Legal Principles & Specialized Expertise
A strong background in fundamental topics of law as well as industry-focused legal expertise can be immediately applied to your job. - Enhanced Career Opportunities
Highly regulated fields demand strong familiarity and compliance with legal principles, and this credential can accelerate career pathways.
Benefits of the JM
- Gain expertise and confidence to engage with lawyers and address legal issues in your professional role.
- Choose your industry focus from four specialized concentrations.
- Select from flexible hybrid or online course options that serve working professionals.
- Complete the degree in as little as one year of full-time study (or two years or longer for part-time).
- Earn an affordable credential in law without needing to spend three years pursuing a full-time Juris Doctor degree and passing the bar.
- Utilize access to Mason law library, study-spaces, events, student organizations, and support services to enhance your learning experience.
- Access personalized, one-on-one career advising and coaching.
- Connect with experienced law faculty, alumni, and cohort networks.