M.S. in Kinesiology - Sport Administration concentration
The M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sport Administration concentration at Montclair State Un...
M.A. in Law and Governance
Montclair, New Jersey
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The M.A. in Law and Governance program at Montclair State University typically requires 30-36 credit hours and can be pursued full-time or part-time. The program offers several concentrations, including "Conflict Management and Peace Studies" and "Governance, Compliance, and Regulation," allowing students to specialize in areas relevant to their career aspirations. It combines a rigorous liberal arts education with specialized preparation for law-related professions, focusing on developing skills in negotiation, mediation, compliance, human resources, and risk assessment. The program is specifically not approved by the American Bar Association for the education of paralegals or legal assistants, clarifying its focus on broader law and governance applications.
AACSB-Accredited: No, the M.A. in Law and Governance program at Montclair State University is not AACSB-accredited. AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation is exclusively for business programs and business schools. While Montclair State University's Feliciano School of Business is AACSB accredited, this accreditation does not extend to the Law and Governance program, which is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Law and Governance is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and their application in various organizational and societal contexts. Core courses often include "United States Legal System," "Research Methods and Analysis," "Ethical and Professional Issues in the Legal Environment," and "Private Civil Responsibility: Contracts and Torts." Depending on the chosen concentration, students will delve into specialized topics. For example, the "Conflict Management and Peace Studies" concentration includes courses like "Negotiation Theory and Practice," "Mediation Theory and Practice," and "Arbitration and Other Alternative Adjudicative Processes." The "Governance, Compliance, and Regulation" concentration focuses on administrative law, regulatory compliance, and related areas. The program emphasizes legal writing assignments and the use of computer-assisted legal research.
Research Focus: The research focus within the M.A. in Law and Governance program is applied and practitioner-oriented, aiming to develop students' abilities to analyze legal problems, interpret regulations, and apply policies effectively. While it's not a Ph.D.-level research program, students are trained in "Research Methods and Analysis" and are expected to engage in critical analysis of legal issues. The concentrations, such as "Conflict Management and Peace Studies" or "Governance, Compliance, and Regulation," highlight areas where students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Faculty research interests often align with these specialty areas, providing opportunities for students to engage with contemporary issues in law and governance.
Industry Engagement: Montclair State University's M.A. in Law and Governance program demonstrates strong industry engagement by explicitly preparing graduates for specific roles in governmental agencies, business organizations, social service providers, educational institutions, non-profits, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations. The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills in areas like compliance, human resources, and risk assessment and mitigation, which are directly applicable to industry needs. The program's website highlights various career outcomes, such as positions in insurance, employee benefits, procurement, contracts administration, compliance, business analysis, public policy, and law enforcement, indicating strong connections to the employment market.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Law and Governance program inherently integrates a global perspective, particularly evident in its "Conflict Management and Peace Studies" concentration, which explores interpersonal conflict management theories and processes in both domestic and "international settings." The program also prepares graduates for careers in "international governmental and non-governmental organizations." The interdisciplinary nature of the associated undergraduate major, Jurisprudence, Law and Society, often includes courses with a global approach, such as "Human Rights Law" and "International Law," which likely influence the graduate program's broader outlook. This focus ensures that graduates are prepared to address legal and governance challenges that extend beyond national borders.
Location
Montclair, New Jersey
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19916
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Montclair State University offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Presidential Scholarships: The university’s prestigious Presidential Scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students demonstrating exceptional academic records and leadership skills. These scholarships provide substantial financial support and are highly competitive.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate international students have access to departmental scholarships and graduate assistantships. Assistantships may include tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities, offering both financial aid and valuable professional experience.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Law and Governance from Montclair State University provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, regulatory frameworks, and dispute resolution. This program, with its focus on practical application in diverse settings, prepares individuals for careers that demand strong analytical skills, ethical judgment, and effective communication in law-related fields, even without a traditional law degree.
Compliance Officer/Manager: Ensuring that organizations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. This role is crucial in highly regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and technology to prevent legal issues and maintain ethical standards.
Mediator/Arbitrator: Facilitating the resolution of disputes outside of court by guiding parties toward mutually agreeable solutions. This can be in various sectors, including business, family, community, or workplace conflicts, leveraging skills in negotiation and conflict management.
Human Resources Manager/Specialist (Legal/Compliance Focus): Managing HR functions with an emphasis on employment law, workplace policies, discrimination, and compliance with labor regulations. This role ensures fair labor practices and mitigates legal risks for organizations.
Contracts Administrator/Manager: Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing legal contracts for businesses or governmental agencies. This involves ensuring that agreements are legally sound, protect the organization's interests, and comply with relevant laws.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensuring that products (e.g., medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food) or services comply with government regulations and industry standards. This involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes and preparing documentation for approvals.
Public Policy Analyst (Legal/Governance Focus): Researching, analyzing, and evaluating the impact of government policies and legislation. This role often involves advising policymakers, advocating for policy changes, or working for think tanks and non-profit organizations.
Risk Management Analyst: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal, financial, and operational risks within an organization. This involves developing strategies to protect assets, ensure business continuity, and comply with risk-related regulations.
Legal Administrator/Operations Manager: Managing the non-legal business aspects of a law firm, corporate legal department, or governmental legal office. This includes finance, human resources, technology, and strategic planning.
Government Administrator/Official: Working in various governmental agencies at federal, state, or local levels. Roles can involve policy implementation, program management, or regulatory enforcement, utilizing an understanding of governance structures and public law.
Non-profit Advocacy/Program Manager: Leading or supporting programs in non-profit organizations focused on social justice, human rights, environmental protection, or other advocacy areas. This often involves understanding relevant laws, engaging in policy advocacy, and managing legal aspects of programs.
