You will comprehend the basic structure of the American legal system, including the allocation of power among the branches of the federal government and between the federal and state governments. You will also be able to describe the legal relationship among children, families, and the state.

You will be able to:

• Be familiar with substantive and procedural laws of relevance to child-serving professionals
• Engage in various forms of legal research, including electronic research
• Analyze statutes, rules, and cases in the field of child and family law
• Write analytically sound and persuasive documents (letters, memoranda, reports, etc.) appropriate to the goals of child-serving professionals
• Understand and apply professional leadership skills

You will have a solid foundation that will prepare you to use your knowledge and skills to enhance outcomes for children, youth and families and improve child and family-serving systems. You will be able to:

• Integrate professional values of honesty, civility and respect for others in your advocacy work;
• Exercise ethically responsible judgment in interactions with clients and your peers;
• Respect and abide by court procedures governing conduct of legal professionals; and
• Understand the importance of using your knowledge and skills in service to those most in need of support and in service of advocacy for effective ways to meet their life’s challenges.

• Introduction to the Study of Law and the Legal System
• Introduction to Children's Law, Policy and Practice

• Leadership Development

In terms 3–5, you will complete six elective courses of your choosing

• Children's Summer Institute
• Child Welfare Law and Policy
• Education Law and Policy
• Family Law and Policy
• Human Trafficking Seminar (campus-based)
• Interdisciplinary Seminar on Domestic Violence
• International Children's Rights
• Juvenile Justice Law and Policy
• Legal Issues in School Discipline
• Legislative Advocacy and Policy
• Mediation Seminar(campus-based)
• Mental Health Law and Children

• Thesis/Capstone Project

The Online Programs team typically holds Education Immersion Weekends (EIWs) twice a year. EIWs offer programming to reinforce learning objectives, provide a venue for networking, and foster communication among students, alumni, and faculty. EIWs are usually held at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Based on current guidance surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we have suspended the requirement to attend Education Immersion Weekends. At this time, EIWs remain recommended but optional. For more information, please email LawOnlineAdvising@luc.edu.

Loyola's online MJ degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to improve career opportunities in every area of practice that affects children and families. Most Loyola graduates will use their online MJ degree to complement and significantly enhance previous work and life experiences. The program is designed to help you develop leadership skills that will equip you to assume management positions within your organization in line with your career objectives.

Our graduates work in a variety of positions at the forefront of children's law and policy, including executive positions with education and policy associations, serving in social work and advocacy roles for children and families, as leaders of school districts, and in senior governmental positions.

No, you do not need to be in a certain profession. However, you must have at least two years of experience in a field related to children and/or families.

No. MJ graduates may not practice law nor sit for a bar examination with this degree. If you are thinking about becoming an attorney, we suggest you thoroughly research attending law school to get a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The admissions process for the JD program at Loyola is completely separate from that for the MJ Program.

Unlike campus-based programs, you are able to take advantage of the program without relocating to Chicago. Online learning is also flexible, convenient, and geared toward your own schedule and needs. And distance learning is student-centered. You have regular contact with faculty and other students through e-mails, chat rooms, discussion boards, and instant messaging. Assignments are returned with in-depth feedback within days and student services are readily available.

Yes, The School of Law partners with Loyola’s School of Social Work to offer the MJ/MSW program. The application process is through Loyola’s system.