J.M. Program
Juris Master Degree
The FIU College of Law Juris Master (JM) degree program is designed specifically for graduates and mid-career professionals whose fields intersect with the law, but who do not want to become lawyers. Professionals working in banking, education, healthcare, and many other fields are often unequipped to navigate the legal, legislative, and regulatory issues affecting their work. The JM degree offers an exciting opportunity to close that knowledge gap and advance your career by gaining legal skills and knowledge without needing a traditional law degree or practicing law.
JM graduates complete a rigorous 30-credit course of study in just one year, which includes coverage of core legal subjects and specialized coursework in their chosen area of expertise, in addition to practical training in legal writing and analysis. Professors in the JM program include FIU faculty and industry practitioners who are experts in their respective fields. You will learn to think critically about the law, apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, and effectively interact with legal departments and other stakeholder groups in your field.
Affordably priced at $24,726.30 plus University fees, the JM degree program is also financial aid and scholarship eligible. Scholarship awards are based on a holistic review of candidates’ application materials, including prior academic performance, professional experience, letter(s) of recommendation, and the personal statement.
“I never dreamed that my educational path would lead me to FIU Law’s Juris Master program. Being able to gain analytical and critical thinking skills that lawyers are trained for has allowed me to broaden my career options within my profession. FIU Law’s Juris Master gave me the skills and confidence to have more in-depth interactions with legal counsel."
-- J.M. Graduate, Class of 2017
Concentrations
Resources
Professional Outcomes
Jobs held by recent FIU Law JM graduates include:
- Asylum Officer
- Bank Operations Manager
- BSA/AML Analyst
- Chief Administrative Officer
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Compliance and Risk Management Officer
- Credit Analyst
- Director of Academic Success
- Director of Health Insurance Group Operations
- Financial Advisor
- Forensic Accountant
- Healthcare Management Administrator
- Hospital Security Supervisor
- Legal Assistant
- Operations Manager
- Paralegal
- Senior Director of Corporate Strategy
- Senior Risk Manager
- Teacher
- Vice President (Assistant, Associate, Executive, Senior)
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the JM program will develop a variety of competencies and skills, including the ability to:
- Read and understand legal documents, including contracts, judicial opinions, statutes, and regulations.
- Analyze primary and secondary legal sources and draft objective and persuasive documents for internal use.
- Identify legal issues and recognize the legal risks that may affect organizational decision-making, and evaluate the range of appropriate responses thereto.
- Communicate more effectively with boards of directors, legal departments, and other organizational decision-makers.
Juris Master FAQ
Q: What is a JM degree?
The JM degree is a master’s degree in law for non-lawyer professionals who would benefit from legal training, but do not want or need a traditional, three-year law degree.
Q: Can I practice law with a JM degree?
No. If you are seeking to practice law, then you should consider our JD degree program.
Q: When can I start the JM Program?
The JM Program enrolls new cohorts in the Fall semester of each year.
Q: How long will it take me to earn my JM degree?
JM students earn their 30-credit master’s degree in just one year by taking three classes in each of their Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Q: Is financial aid available?
Yes. Scholarships, too! You must complete your FAFSA form to determine eligibility for aid. All JM applications are evaluated for scholarship awards simultaneously with their admissions evaluation.
Q: What is the application deadline?
July 1. The admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis until the deadline date, and will consider applications submitted after the deadline as space becomes available. Candidates who apply before March 15 receive priority consideration for scholarships, and have their application fee waived.
Q: Can international students apply?
Absolutely! Interested international candidates are encouraged to apply and should visit the International Students JM Admissions page for additional information. NOTE: The J.M. program is not eligible for F-1 Visas.
Q: Do JM students take law school classes?
No. Although some of the subjects covered in the JM program overlap with those offered in the JD program, the JM curriculum is specifically designed for students who are studying law, but who are not intending to sit for the bar exam or practice law.
Q: Can I transfer my JM credits to the JD program?
No. The American Bar Association prohibits the transfer of credits from a JM or MLS program into a JD program.
Q: How often do JM students attend class?
JM students typically attend class two days per week. Most semesters consist of one Wednesday evening class, and two Saturday classes. All courses are fully remote.
Q: What are the admission requirements?
You can visit our JM Admissions page to learn more about the application process and, when you are ready, to complete the online application form.
Interested in the J.M. Degree?
In October 2015 the ABA Accreditation Committee, “under the authority delegated by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, acquiesce[d] in the application of the law school for the establishment of the J.M. Program for a maximum of 40 students (Standard 506 and Rule 3(b)(3).”
Contact Us
Office of Admissions
- 11200 SW 8 Street, RDB 1050 Miami, FL 33199
- 305.348.8006
- lawadmit@fiu.edu, lawfinaid@fiu.edu
- 305.348.2965 fax