Several graduate schools offer dual degrees in religion and law, primarily for students who wish to combine their education in ministry with a professional degree in public policy, law or social work. Often dual-degree programs allow students to complete two degrees simultaneously in less time than if they were completed separately. Application deadlines and registration requirements are different at each university.
Degrees
The most common dual degrees available are Juris Doctor/Master of Divinity (J.D./M.Div.) and Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy (J.D./Ph.D.). Also available are Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work (J.D./MSW), Juris Doctor/Master of Theological Studies (J.D./M.T.S.) and combinations particular to each school.
Schools
The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, has dual-degree programs within the divinity school and the law school. The degrees offered are dual A.M.R.S./J.D., M.Div./J.D. or Ph.D./J.D. The University of Chicago also offers dual degrees with the divinity school and the School of Social Work, as well as with the The Irving B. Harris School of Public Policy Studies.
Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, hosts the Center for the Study of Law and Religion (CSLR), which offers four joint-degree programs. The Candler School of Theology offers both the J.D./M.Div. and the J.D./M.T.S. degree programs. The Institute for Judaic Studies within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a J.D./M.A. degree. The J.D./Ph.D. degree program is available through the Graduate Division of Religion in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, offers some dual-degree programs in ministry and social work, or law and philosophy (J.D./Ph.D.) through their divinity and law schools.
Considerations
Students applying for dual-degree programs in ministry and law must apply and gain acceptance to each school separately within the university. Schools recommend that students also make contact with the dean of students for each school to which they are applying.
Careers
Career options for dual-degree graduates vary depending upon the person's interests. With dual degrees in ministry and law, it's possible to practice law on local, state or federal levels. Non-profit agencies, particularly faith-based organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), benefit from having an employee who is knowledgeable in the legal field. Global human rights work, advocacy in social welfare ministries, mediation and arbitration centers, prison fellowships, and political and religious freedom organizations are also viable career options. Dual-degree graduates also pursue ordained ministry or work within the administration of various religious organizations.
Benefits
The flexibility of a dual degree allows students to mix their interests in diverse fields and apply their training to a broad spectrum of contexts. The range of career choices also provides a wide variety of compensation options. In the non-profit sector, annual salaries range from $25,000 to $40,000. Ordained ministers tend to earn around $40,000. Legal support staff can earn approximately $42,000 annually. Mediators/arbitrators earn a median salary of $45,900 annually, and lawyers can earn upwards of $90,000 annually.
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