Program Overview

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Introduction to the MA in Law and Governance

The Master of Arts in Law and Governance is a 36-credit program that combines the rigor of law-related study with the flexibility of tailored concentrations. This program prepares students to make an impact in every sector, including government, business, nonprofits, education, and beyond.

Program Overview

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Law and Governance, students will achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Develop advanced skills in written and oral communication to effectively convey business and legal concepts and arguments.
• Cultivate strong analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for analyzing and interpreting, and applying regulations, ordinances, and policies in their respective fields.
• Understand the various non-litigation processes used to resolve disputes, including negotiation, conciliation, mediation, and arbitration.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in Law and Governance program have secured positions in:

• Insurance
• Employee benefits
• Procurement
• Contracts administration
• Compliance
• Business analysis
• Public policy
• Law enforcement
• Law office support services
• A wide variety of other fields Students have also obtained positions with:
• Governmental agencies
• Business organizations
• Social service providers
• Educational institutions
• Nonprofits
• International NGOs

Program Format and College

The program is offered in-person and is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, under the area of study of Public Service and the Humanities.

Concentrations Offered

The MA in Law and Governance offers the following concentrations:

• Law and Governance
• Conflict Management and Peace Studies
• Governance, Compliance, and Regulation
• Intellectual Property
• Legal Management

Career Paths

Potential career paths for graduates include:

• Corporate Leader
• Governance Officer
• Regulatory Analyst
• Compliance Officer
• Director and Manager of Compliance
• Mediator
• Arbitrator
• Intellectual Property Manager
• Human Rights Advocate
• International Worker in NGO

Focus on Your Passion

The MA in Law and Governance program allows students to choose from a selection of areas of focus, combining specialized preparation for law-related professions with a liberal arts education.

General Degree

The Master of Arts in Law and Governance program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in diverse career paths within governmental agencies, business organizations, social service providers, educational institutions, non-profits, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Conflict Management and Peace Studies

This concentration offers advanced preparation for careers in government, the corporate sector, and private arenas.

Governance, Compliance, and Regulation

This concentration provides instruction through a broad range of topics, developing the students critical understanding of law with special emphasis on gaining an advanced level of legal knowledge in areas such as governance, compliance, and human resources.

Intellectual Property

The programs incorporate education in the liberal arts with sound preparation for law-related professions, offering many career alternatives for graduates in government, the corporate sector, and private arenas.

Legal Management

Law and Governance provides graduate instruction through a broad range of topics, developing the students critical understanding of law and enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills essential to the legal field.

Combined Degrees

The program offers combined degrees, including:

• Combined BA Jurisprudence, MA Law and Society: An accelerated program for Montclair undergraduate students with a major in either Political Science or Jurisprudence.
• Combined BA Political Science, MA Law and Society: An accelerated program for Montclair students interested in the institutions, groups, leaders, policies, and ideas that shape the American political system and the governments of foreign countries.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, applicants must have:

• The equivalent of a U.S. bachelors degree
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for their undergraduate work
• Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information
• Candidates with marginal credentials may be accorded conditional matriculation status and permitted to enroll in a number of assigned graduate courses in the program

Application Checklist

The application checklist includes:

• Application Deadline: Rolling admission
• Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable)
• Transcript: One from each college attended
• Essays/Personal Statement: An integrated essay providing a response to specific questions
• Letters of Recommendation: Two

Featured Faculty

The program features a range of experienced faculty members, including:

• Jack Baldwin LeClair
• Ian
• Ariel Alvarez
• Jason
• Alfredo Toro Carnevali

Related Programs

Related programs include the Conflict Management in the Workplace Certificate.

Program Details

The MA in Law and Governance program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in law and governance, preparing them for careers in a variety of fields. The program is offered in-person and is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.