Law and Governance

  • MA
  • Master's
Students at job fair, speaking with a representative.

Lead. Influence. Transform. Montclair’s MA in Law and Governance is your launchpad to careers where law, policy, and leadership intersect. This 36-credit program combines the rigor of law-related study with the flexibility of tailored concentrations, preparing you to make an impact in every sector: government, business, nonprofits, education and beyond. 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.

What You Can Do With This Degree: Graduates have secured positions in insurance, employee benefits, procurement, contracts administration, compliance, business analysis, public policy, law enforcement, law office support services and in a wide variety of other fields. 

Students have also obtained positions with governmental agencies, business organizations, social service providers, educational institutions, nonprofits and international NGOs. The MA in Law and Governance positions you not just to take part in today’s conversations about law and governance, but to lead them.

Please note: The MA program is not approved by the American Bar Association for the education of paralegals or legal assistants.

Focus on Your Passion

Choose from a selection of areas of focus within the MA Law and Governance program.

The Master of Arts in Law and Governance program combines a specialized preparation for law-related professions with a liberal arts education. It 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. 

See the curriculum.

The Master of Arts in Law and Governance offers a program of study for students seeking advanced preparation for careers in government, the corporate sector and private arenas.

The graduate program in Law and Governance with a concentration in Governance, Compliance, and Regulation provides instruction through a broad range of topics which develop the student’s critical understanding of law with special emphasis on gaining an advanced level of legal knowledge in areas such as governance, compliance and human resources.

The programs of the Master of Arts in Law and Governance incorporate education in the liberal arts with sound preparation for law-related professions. Many career alternatives are possible for graduates in government, the corporate sector and private arenas.

Law and Governance provides graduate instruction through a broad range of topics which develop the student’s critical understanding of law. Graduate offerings are designed to enhance analytical and critical thinking skills essential to the legal field.

Combined Degrees

This dual degree is an accelerated program for Montclair undergraduate students with a major in either Political Science or Jurisprudence, Law and Society and are interested in the combined BA/MA program can take four master’s-level courses within the MA in Law and Governance program during their senior year. 

See the curriculum.

This dual degree is an accelerated program for Montclair students who are interested in the institutions, groups, leaders, policies and ideas that shape the American political system and the governments of foreign countries. The program culminates with simultaneous baccalaureate and master’s degrees. 

See the curriculum.

Career Opportunities

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

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for their undergraduate work.
  • Candidates with marginal credentials may be accorded conditional matriculation status and permitted to enroll in a number of assigned graduate courses in the program. If they attain a combined minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the assigned Law and Governance graduate courses and meet the other matriculation requirements, they may apply for full matriculation status in the program.

Application Checklist

  • 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: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions.
    • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
    • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career?
    • Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
    • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.

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