Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2015 - 2016 
    
Graduate Catalog 2015 - 2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Studies, JD/MA


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs Offered

The combined curriculum leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Environmental Studies is designed to permit the student to complete both degrees over four years instead of the five years that would typically be required to complete the two degrees separately.

Entry into the Dual Degree Program can occur in one of two ways. Applicants who are not currently enrolled in either the JD or the MA in Environmental Studies degree program must apply for admission to both the College of Graduate Studies and the College of Law concurrently and follow the normal procedures of the respective colleges. Application for admission must be specifically for the Dual Degree Program. Students who enroll in this manner spend their first year taking courses exclusively in the JD program and their second year taking courses exclusively in the MA in Environmental Studies program. In the third and fourth years, students take courses in both degree programs. Applicants who are currently enrolled in either the JD or the MA in Environmental Studies degree program must apply for admission to the other degree program prior to the completion of sixty credit hours in the JD program or twenty-four credit hours in the MA in Environmental Studies program. Students who enroll in this manner are advised as to how to schedule the remainder of their courses in the Dual Degree Program. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to take more than eight years to complete the combined programs.

The Dual Degree Program requires a total of four academic years. The Juris Doctor requirements are fulfilled by the completion of eighty credit hours of work in the College of Law, including all required courses, and the transfer of ten credit hours from courses taken in the Master of Arts in Environmental Studies program. The Master of Arts in Environmental Studies requirements are fulfilled by the completion of thirty-six credit hours of courses in the College of Urban Affairs, including all required courses, and the transfer of the equivalent of eight credit hours from courses taken in the College of Law. In order to ensure that the degree requirements of both programs are fully maintained, while at the same time permitting the saving of a full academic year, students who pursue the Dual Degree Program are not permitted to take courses outside either the College of Law or the Master of Arts in Environmental Studies program for credit toward either degree.

When a student graduates from both degrees together they are allowed to transfer ten credit hours toward their law degree. If they elect to received the law degree first, only eight credits can be dual counted.

Submit College of Graduate Studies application materials to the Graduate Admissions Office. Contact the College of Law regarding law application procedures.

The 5-year BA+MA in Environmental Studies Program


Through the BA+MA in Environmental Studies program, students may complete a BA in Environmental Studies and an MA in Environmental Studies through the Levin College of Urban Affairs in five years, instead of the six academic years normally required of full-time students. High performing undergraduate students may apply to the 5-year program during the third year of undergraduate study and, if accepted, complete MA coursework during the fourth year and a transition term. Students may then complete all remaining MA coursework in two semesters of full-time graduate study.

Admission and Requirements

In addition to meeting the admission requirements for the conventional MA in Environmental Studies program, students applying to the 5-year BA+MA program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and submit two letters of recommendation from Cleveland State University faculty. Upon successful completion of the fourth year and transition term, students are awarded the BA in Environmental Studies. In order to be admitted to the final year of the BA+MA Program, students must complete the BA with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and receive grades of B or better in designated coursework.

For more information and curriculum plans, please consult the Levin College Office of Student Services, at 216-687-3884.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs Offered