J.D./M.A. in Law and International Relations

The dual degree program in Law and International Relations provides an essential background for positions in national governments or international agencies, and gives the international lawyer a perspective on the global environment. Students can complete this dual degree program in three-and-a-half years. The requirements for the dual degree include courses in the I.R. core areas of Theory and Policy, Political Economy, Security Studies and Regional Studies. The required J.D. Courses in the School of Law provide professional background and preparation for law practice.

During the first year of the program, dual-degree candidates will take the prescribed first-year BU Law curriculum.

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During the second and third years of the program, dual-degree candidates will take:
  • Six graduate-level courses in the Department of International Relations, which will constitute three International Relations core courses and three GRS/IR International Affairs electives
  • At least four BU Law courses in the areas of international, foreign and comparative law, including BU Law's introductory International Law course and:

    EITHER
  • Two courses from among the following BU Law offerings in international, foreign and comparative law:
    • English Legal History; European Union Law; Immigration Law; International Business Transactions; and Responses to Massive Violations of Human Rights
  • One seminar from among the following BU Law offerings in international, foreign and comparative law:
    • Comparative Law; E-Commerce; Globalization of the Legal Profession; Health Law, International Business Agreements; International Business Arbitration; International Competition Law Research; International Intellectual Property; International Law for the 21st Century; International Legal Research; International Project Finance; Islamic Law; Jewish Law; Law & Development; National Security Law; Refugee and Asylum Law; and The Constitution and Foreign Affairs

    OR

  • One course from the above list of BU Law courses in international, foreign and comparative law
  • Two seminars from the above list of BU Law seminars in international, foreign and comparative law

  • In addition to the six IR graduate-level courses, students take a sufficient number of law courses to satisfy the regular residency requirements of the law school.