Frequently Asked Questions

Academic

What is an MJ in Health Law?

What can I do with my MJ degree?

Can I practice law with the MJ degree?

What is the connection between Loyola and Concord?

How do Loyola courses work?

How much time should I expect to spend on my degree per week?

What if I need help or have difficulty with my study schedule?

How quickly can I complete the program?

Can Online students attend Loyola’s On-ground MJ Program and vice-versa?

Can I transfer credits from other schools?

Is the program accredited?

Will my diploma be from Loyola University?

 

Admission

Do I need a Bachelors degree?

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other entrance exam required?

What is required to be submitted with the application?

Do I need to be in a certain profession to be considered for admission?

How do I apply?

Is there an application fee?

What are the costs associated with the MJ Program?

Does Loyola provide financial assistance?

 

Student Life

When do classes start?

Who are my classmates?

Do I need my own computer?

How do I communicate with my professors?

 

 

What is an MJ in Health Law?

The Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law Degree was created by Loyola University Chicago in 1986 in response to a growing need for those in the health care field to have a working knowledge of the legal, business and policy forces impacting the health care industry.  In the more than twenty years since its launch, the MJ in Health Law has been emulated by other law schools and universities.

What can I do with my MJ degree?

The skills and knowledge gained at Loyola can be used to open and improve career opportunities in virtually every sector of the health care field.   Most Loyola graduates will use their online MJ degree to complement and significantly enhance previous work and life experiences.  Read More

Do I need a Bachelors degree?

Yes.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other entrance exam required?

No.

What is required to be submitted with the application?

You must submit: a resume, transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Read More

Do I need to be in a certain profession to be considered for admission?

Applicants must have at least three years of experience in a health care field, however you do not need to be in a certain profession. Read More

Is there an application fee?

No.

Can I practice law with the MJ degree?

No, MJ graduates cannot practice law or sit for the bar examination with this degree. If you are thinking about becoming an attorney, we suggest you thoroughly research attending law school to get a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The admissions process for the J.D. program at Loyola is completely separate from that for the MJ program. Further, you should be aware that the American Bar Association guidelines forbid courses taken at the MJ level to be applied towards a J.D. degree.

When do classes start?

Summer 2008 Term

Application Deadline: May 1, 2008 (for application and all supporting materials)

Term Begins: May 12, 2008 

Term Ends: August 15, 2008  

Fall 2008 Term

Application Deadline: August 1, 2008 (for application and all supporting materials)

Term Begins: August 25, 2008
Term Ends: December 5, 2008  

Spring 2009 Term

Application Deadline: January 5, 2009 (for application and all supporting materials)

Term Begins: January 20, 2009
Term Ends:  April 30, 2009  

What is the connection between Loyola and Concord?

Loyola University Chicago School of Law and Concord Law School have teamed up to offer the best possible health law education available online or anywhere. Your MJ degree is granted by Loyola, taught by Loyola professors, and the curriculum is based on the MJ degree that Loyola has been offering to students at our Chicago campus since 1986.   Concord Law School has revolutionized the way legal education is delivered and you will “attend” classes, take exams, and communicate with your teachers and classmates via Concord’s innovative learning platform which optimizes student learning outcomes.

Who are my classmates?

Health care industry professionals--clinicians, administrators, scientists--from all areas of the health care industry study in the MJ program. Whether they work in a dentist’s office, a hospital, a dialysis center, an insurance company, a government agency, or a myriad of other settings, each student brings a unique background to the MJ program. Loyola attracts a diverse student body in terms of age, ethnicity and professional background as well. And while we require that MJ applicants have at least three years experience in the health care field, many students have 10 or more years of work experience, and have typically been away from the university environment for many years.

How do Loyola courses work?

Courses at Loyola are scheduled on a semester-long basis, and generally each course is divided into 14 modules. A course module may contain a reading assignment, video lecture, multiple-choice quiz or essay writing assignment, an additional study option, or a combination of these assignments.  Read More

How much time per week should I expect to spend on my degree?

We advise students to expect to spend about 10-12 hours per week attending classes, listening to lectures, reading, completing homework assignments, etc.  Graduates of clinical health science master’s programs who have also received the MJ degree in our residential program have found that the MJ is more akin to attending law school than graduate school.

What if I need help or have difficulty with my study schedule?

At orientation, each student is assigned an academic advisor who is responsible for providing academic support to the student, including advising on techniques to keep a student on the suggested study pace. This advisor also aids students in sharpening their legal writing skills, provides study tips, and suggests resources for the student whose studying has gotten off track and needs a plan to improve.  Advisors also assist students in meeting their academic goals and are available to discuss administrative functions.

What are the costs associated with the MJ Program?

Tuition for the 24-credit program is $1040 per credit hour.   Click here to learn about other fees and expenses associated with the online M.J. program.

Does Loyola provide financial assistance?

Yes. Online M.J. students are eligible for federal loan programs. Please contact Loyola's Office of Student Assistance for more information and to apply.

How quickly can I complete the program?

MJ students can generally complete the 24-credit program in two years, but in the future, may be able to complete the program at their own pace.

Can Online MJ students take courses in Loyola’s On-ground M.J. program and vice-versa?

Not at this time, but this option may be available in the future.

Can I transfer credits from other schools?

Due to the unique nature of the online MJ degree, transfer credits are generally not accepted. Applicants or students seeking exceptions to this rule should contact Kelley Yaccino, Director of Online Legal Education at Loyola.

Is the program accredited?

Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools while Loyola University Chicago School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association's Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. Concord Law School is part of Kaplan University which is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Concord Law School is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council and is registered with the California Committe of Bar Examiners.

Will my diploma be from Loyola University?

Yes, your MJ degree is granted by Loyola, taught by Loyola professors, and the curriculum is based on the MJ degree that Loyola has been offering to students at our Chicago campus since 1986.

Do I need my own computer?

Yes, you need a computer with a modem and reliable access to the Internet. Upon entering the school, students participate in an extensive orientation to the technology and the Concord classroom where student-centered tech support is readily available. However, once students are familiar with the user-friendly system, they generally have few technical problems.  Read More

 

How do I communicate with my professors?

At Loyola, students tend to have as much—or perhaps more—individual contact with their professors as they would at many fixed-facility schools. Weekly seminars, emails, and periodic telephone conferences are all part of the Loyola experience.  The Email Us function within the school provides a convenient and ever-ready method of communication to deans, professors, and administrative services.

How do I apply?

Please complete the application on our website and send in your transcripts and letters of recommendation. The Loyola Admissions Committee meets frequently so you can expect prompt notice of your status.   We look forward to your application!

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