The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville prepares its' graduates for the general practice of law and for a wide range of specialties. The field of family law is one of particular interest to ministerial students. The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law offers qualified graduates the Juris Doctor (JD) Degree. The Master of Divinity, offered by the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, is designed for students seeking ordination. This program combines the academic and professional education demanded for ministry.

Admission Requirements

The dual JD/M.Div. program is open to all students who have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university. To be admitted into the program you must 1) apply to, 2) meet the admission requirements of, and 3) be independently accepted by the Louisville Seminary and the Brandeis School of Law. However, divinity students planning to pursue the dual degree must apply to and be accepted to law school prior to the completion of 30 credit hours in the master's program. Students currently enrolled only in the School of Law must apply to the Master of Divinity program prior to completing the first semester of the second year of law school.

Upon admission to both schools, students should contact the law school and the business school to develop a proposed course of study. It is the student's responsibility to monitor their progress in the program and to update the course of study as needed.

Curriculum Requirements

Candidates in the JD/M. Div. program must complete 60 hours in the M. Div. curriculum (instead of the normal 90 hours) and 81 hours in the JD curriculum (instead of the normal 90 hours). Nine hours from each program can be counted as electives in the other program to give the student the required hours for both the JD and M. Div. degrees. Students must complete the requirements for both degrees before either degree is awarded.

Full-time JD/M. Div. students must be enrolled in the Brandeis School of Law for a minimum of six semesters; and must enroll in a minimum of 10 hours each semester. Part-time JD/ M. Div. students must be enrolled in a total of eight credit hours each term for a minimum of eight semesters.

Law School Requirements (as of fall 2001)

Participating students must complete the standard first-year law curriculum in the traditional manner. Students may pursue divinity courses prior to beginning the first-year law curriculum and may combine law and divinity courses in subsequent years of the program.

The Brandeis School of Law does not have sequenced pairs of courses after the first year. It should be noted, however, that many upper division elective courses have prerequisites. For example, the course in Evidence is a prerequisite to Trial Practice and several externships. In all cases, students should plan their schedules carefully and consult with advisors in both programs.

Seminary Requirements (as of fall 2001)

The Seminary accepts the JD work of its students as the equivalent of 30 credit hours or one year of Seminary study. This work is registered in the Seminary's curricular Area C. Dual Degree students must complete 60 hours of work at the Seminary. Four units of field education must also be completed.

Throughout coursework and field work, the student will discover a deeper understanding of theology, the Bible, and his or her particular calling. Master of Divinity degree students work closely with faculty advisors who help each student relate their studies to their future plans as well as designing individual curricula. Through team teaching, lectures alternating with small groups, and seminar classes, students are given the opportunity to articulate their views, their learning, their theological vision and gain tools for church leadership.

Within the required 60 hours students must take courses in the following areas:

Area A: Biblical Studies (27 hours)

Biblical Studies requires successful completion of Scripture I and II, The Elements of Biblical Hebrew, The Elements of the New Testament Greek, and Exegesis in both testaments, as well as electives.

Area B: Theology, History, and Ethics (20 hours)

This area requires successful completion of Christian Historical and Theological Studies charts, a course in the student's denominational heritage, and three advanced courses, one of which must focus upon a theme in Christian theology or Christian history and electives.

Area C: The Church at Work (11 hours)

The Church at Work includes courses in the hands-on aspects of ministry-preaching, worship, counseling, Christian education, evangelism, and missions. Eleven credit hours must be taken from Area C that includes Introduction to Practical Theology and Basic Preaching.

Statement of Faith and Ministry (2,000-4,000 word essay)

In addition to the curriculum outlined above, Master of Divinity students must complete a Statement of Faith and Ministry, usually during the last semester of seminary study. Please refer to the LPTS catalog for more information.

For More Information Contact: