ONLINE MASTER OF LEGAL STUDIES
TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL Trinity’s Master of Legal Studies degree gives you the edge you need to get ahead. Trinity’s regionally accredited, 30-unit program gives you the background you need to confidently understand legal documents, proceedings, and rights and is taught from the distinctly Christian worldview that Trinity is known for. All courses are taught online in 7-week cycles, which allows you to focus on what’s in front of you while moving ahead in your career. This degree is ideal for those who want or need to know about the law for their current or future career, but who do not plan to be attorneys.
ABOUT TRINITY LAW SCHOOL HISTORY // In 1980, a trio of Christian leaders – Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Dr. Harold Lindsell, and Dr. Walter Martin – had a vision for an institution called the Simon Greenleaf School of Law. Their goal was the academic integration of law, human rights, and defense of the Christian faith. Eventually this school was renamed Simon Greenleaf University to reflect broader educational goals. In 1997, SGU joined Trinity International University and was renamed Trinity Law School. Trinity’s broadly evangelical ethos includes many of the same emphases that accompanied the Law School’s original founding in 1980, including the integration of the Christian faith and other disciplines such as law and the humanities. Trinity Law School is part of the Trinity International University family of schools. Trinity International University holds to the statement of faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America (adopted June 26, 2008). The Evangelical Free Church of America is an association of autonomous churches united around these theological convictions.
ACCREDITATION // Trinity Law School is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools of the Higher Learning Commission and is also accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.
CORE CURRICULUM This program is designed to give a broad understanding of law and legal systems for those students and professionals who seek to advance their careers in areas that involve legal compliance, regulations, contracts, negotiations, business, property, or human rights. The program provides a general introduction to legal principles that gives students already in the workforce the ability to aid their employers in legal issues. It also provides students with the ability to assess the effectiveness of counsel retained by employers and use legal services effectively. In addition to a general survey of law and legal systems, the MLS program will provide opportunities for students to concentrate their degree program in Human Rights, Human Resources, Nonprofit Management, Church and Ministry Management or Bioethics. The Master of Legal Studies degree program is a 30-unit online degree program. Students complete a core curriculum of 15 units, listed below, and complete an additional 15 units in General Legal Studies or a specific concentration. Required Courses (15 units): • Legal Fundamentals
• Legal Institutions and Values
• Contracts 1
• Business Organizations
• Torts 1
PERSONALIZE YOUR PROGRAM To personalize your degree coursework, you may choose to pursue a degree in General Legal Studies, or add a specific concentration.
General Legal Studies Human Resources Management Church and Ministry Management Non-Profit Organizations Human Rights Bioethics
MLS CONCENTRATION // General Legal Studies
Over the years, job seekers have earned MBA degrees as a way to fast-track their career advancement. The problem is that so many MBAs have been awarded that the market is saturated, making it harder for candidates to stand out. Over the last several years, increasing litigation and governmental regulations have created a need for employees with an understanding of law that often goes unmet. The MLS not only gives you many of the skills taught in MBA programs, it also prepares you to navigate your company through potentially dangerous legal waters. The general MLS degree provides you with a well-rounded view of law in a variety of fields.
Concentration Courses (15 units): • Constitutional Law - 3 units
• Criminal Procedure - 3 units
• Property - 3 units
• Wills, Trusts, and Estates - 3 units
• Criminal Law - 3 units
MLS CONCENTRATION // Human Resources Management Human Resources are the hub of any business organization. This department handles everything from recruiting, payroll, benefits, employee development, training, administration and knowledge of state and federal laws. Such an important and versatile position requires a solid foundation. Working in Human Resources today means you will be bombarded with legal questions and governmental regulations on a daily basis. With so much responsibility, you can’t afford to feel unprepared. By giving you an understanding of law as it relates to your role in HR, Trinity’s Master of Legal Studies in Human Resources Management arms you with the skills to confidently guide a company professionally and with integrity. Concentration Courses (6 units): • Criminal Law - 3 units • Human Resources Compliance - 3 units Elective Courses (choose 9 units from the following): • Staffing and Compensation Administration - 3 units
• Labor Law - 3 units
• Employment Law - 3 units
• Performance Assessment - 3 units
MLS CONCENTRATION // Church and Ministry Management If you lead a church, you know that there are many issues aside from ministry. A myriad of legal risks are also involved. Religious freedom issues, property disputes, and employment procedures are just a few of the challenges churches frequently face and it can be hard to know the best way forward. Trinity’s Master of Legal Studies in Church and Ministry Management trains church leaders with the skills to protect their members’ rights and preemptively avoid legal attacks. While it doesn’t train you to be an attorney, it does prepare you to use the law to keep the doors open for the gospel. Concentration Courses (9 units): • Constitutional Law - 3 units
• Nonprofit Law - 3 units
• Property - 3 units Elective Courses (choose 6 units from the following): • Religious Organizations - 3 units • Exempt Organizations - 3 units • The Human Resources Function - 3 units
• Staffing and Compensation Administration 3 units • Religious Liberty and the Law - 3 units
MLS CONCENTRATION // Non-Profit Organizations Because non-profits reinvest their surplus back into their cause or purpose, they have distinctly different business models than their for-profit counterparts. Non-profit organizations are created and exist according to specific state laws. This calls for unique skills to effectively lead a non-profit and further your cause. Whether you work for a non-profit organization or want to start your own, Trinity’s Master of Legal Studies in Non-Profit Organizations gives you a strong background in the law so that your organization is protected legally. Concentration Courses (6 units): • Nonprofit Law - 3 units • Property - 3 units Elective Courses (9 units):
• Exempt Organizations - 3 units • Religious Organizations - 3 units • International Non-Government Organizations - 3 units
MLS CONCENTRATION // Human Rights Human beings are guaranteed certain fundamental rights, such as food, water, shelter and payment for their work. When these human rights are violated, many of us want to help defend those in need of protection but don’t know how. While many human rights organizations raise awareness, they often fail to offer real solutions. Trinity’s Master of Legal Studies in Human Rights will train you to find legal solutions to complex human rights violations and prepares you to offer actual relief to real suffering. Concentration Courses (9 units): • Constitutional Law - 3 units
• International Criminal Law - 3 units
• Introduction to Human Rights - 3 units Elective Courses (choose 6 units from the following): • Philosophy and Theology of Human Rights 3 units
• Religious Liberty and the Law - 3 units • Introduction to Bioethics - 3 units
• Genocide and the Law - 3 units
• International Dispute Resolution - 3 units
• Theory and Law of War - 3 units
• International Human Rights Forum in Strasbourg,
• The Right to Life and the Law - 3 units • Rights of Women, Children, and Families 3 units • Law of Minorities - 3 units
France (study abroad course) - 3 units • Economic Development and Human Trafficking in Cambodia (study abroad course) - 3 units
MLS CONCENTRATION // Bioethics As scientific advances become more sophisticated, the need to study their moral implications and responsibilities also becomes necessary. Our Master of Legal Studies Bioethics degree delves into the research and practice of over-reaching reproductive technologies, euthanasia, testing on human embryos, and insurance regulations that put the patient second. Practices such as these show the value of human life is being lost on many fronts. If you are looking to make a difference, Trinity’s MLS in Bioethics provides you with the philosophical, bioethical, and legal arguments to prepare you for a profession where real change can take place. Concentration Courses (6 units): • Constitutional Law - 3 units • Introduction to Bioethics - 3 units Elective Courses (choose 9 units from the following): • The Right to Life and the Law - 3 units
• Readings in Bioethics - 3 units
• Current Issues in Bioethics - 3 units
• Bioethics Seminar - 3 units
• Classic Cases in Bioethics - 3 units
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Trinity Law School’s diverse student body, small class sizes, and supportive Christian environment makes it the perfect place to begin or continue your legal studies. Applications are accepted year-round at tls.edu/apply and an admission decision will be made upon completion of your application file. You must have a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). The GRE is not required for admission. In addition to the application, you must provide official transcripts from the colleges/universities at which you have earned your degree(s) and two letters of recommendation. Your assigned Admissions Counselor will assist you with the application process.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE This program has six start times per year with a new offering within two months of application year-round. Your first term will consist of one course and, following successful completion of your first term, you will have the option to complete two courses per term. At most, the program should take no more than 20 months to complete.
TUITION AND AID The cost of the program is $750 per credit hour, plus program fees. Federal financial aid and scholarships are available. Federal financial aid is available for all Trinity students through the Direct Unsubsidized Loan ($20,500/year, 5.31%) and the Direct PLUS Loan for Graduates (amount varies, 6.31%). The average financial aid package is $28,500 per year and can be used to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and some living expenses. Contact the admissions office for more information about financial aid and the application process. The Legal Advantage Scholarship is awarded to Master of Legal Studies students who demonstrate a deep understanding of the advantages that an MLS can provide in their respective fields. The total awarded for this scholarship is up to $4,500 over the course of the entire degree program, and the scholarship is renewable as long as specific academic criteria are met each semester. Please contact the MLS admissions office at 800-257-1486 to learn more.
CONTACT ADMISSIONS Jamie Adams Admissions Counselor jmadams@tiu.edu 714-681-2563
Stephanie Vadas Admissions Counselor szvadas@tiu.edu 714-796-7108