Master of Jurisprudence in Children's Law and Policy

Advocating for children and families takes more than a good heart. You need a firm understanding of the law and an ability to function effectively in the legal system.

The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Children's Law and Policy is a degree program tailored to help nonlegal professionals better serve children and families. Whether your field is social work or education, health care or law enforcement, a deeper knowledge of family law enables you to make a difference while it prepares you for a leadership position.

Upon graduation with an MJ in Children's Law and Policy from Loyola, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to advocate for children and families:

Knowledge
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.

Skills

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

Professional Values

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.