Law-Government Organization and Leadership (JD/MS)
The JD/MS in Government Organization and Leadership (GOAL) dual degree program from Creighton University School of Law will prepare you for leadership positions with government entities and the organizations that work closely with them. Enter the job market ready to succeed in a very competitive environment.
In this program, you’ll gain an invaluable mix of career-driven legal experience and professional subtleties that can’t be learned from a textbook. You’ll have the chance to see and experience the inner workings of our nation’s capital with the only legal program in the country that offers a full-time externship as part of the program.
Program Details
The joint JD/MS GOAL program is designed to give law students a full immersion in the life of government work on Capitol Hill.
You’ll spend the first semester of your third year of law school living in Washington, D.C., engaged in a full-time externship with a federal agency, Congressional committee or office of a member of Congress.
You’ll attend hearings and conferences, join in strategy sessions and accompany federal government attorneys to formal and informal gatherings and meetings. You’ll research law, prepare memoranda, draft federal rules and otherwise engage in the day-to-day professional lives of your externship host. Students have previously externed at the:
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Energy
- Department of Justice
- Department of State
- Department of the Treasury
- National Indian Gaming Commission
- National Mediation Service
- Peace Corps
- Senate Agriculture Committee
- Senate Banking Committee
- Senate Finance Committee
- Veterans Administration
- D.C. Public Defender
- World Bank
Students who participate in the GOAL program receive:
- Enhanced employment opportunities as lawyers in government service upon graduation
- A comprehensive understanding of the role of professional ethics in government settings, including a focused examination of the specific standards of ethical conduct applicable to lawyers in government service and to generic ethical principles arising from both the core values of society at large and the Jesuit tradition
- Skills to facilitate and improve strategic planning, creativity, collaboration and consensus building
- A set of core competencies to promote the capacity to assume leadership roles
- An understanding of the role of attorneys within large and diverse governmental organizations
Curriculum
In addition to a full array of law courses, you’ll take courses in government law and case-study regulatory programs. No later than the second year, you’ll be expected to master the refinements of administrative processes.
While in the nation’s capital as a third-year law student, you’ll take two courses to enhance your practical experiences: One examines issues of leadership and features speakers in top leadership positions throughout D.C.; the other examines specific ethical issues encountered by attorneys in public service.
You’ll also attend seminars on practical aspects of a Washington, D.C., career—everything from maximizing networking opportunities, to the value of nuanced communication and even proper attire for success. Because of Creighton’s Washington connections, you’ll be invited to receptions and events where you’ll meet professionals in your area of interest. Our students have visited the White House and the Pentagon, met with both U.S. senators from Nebraska and attended Creighton law alumni gatherings at prominent D.C. law firms.
The degree requires completion of at least 35 credits of study, 13 of which may be satisfied by successfully completing a list of courses taken for law school credit.
In sum, to secure both degrees, you must assemble a total of 106 credit hours. The receipt of a JD degree is a necessary prerequisite to receipt of the Master of Science degree in the GOAL program.
Admissions Requirements
To apply for the GOAL program, you must first be enrolled at Creighton University School of Law.
Once enrolled, you must complete an application for the program no later than the spring semester of your first year of law school.
Dates & Deadlines
Applications for the fall semester open in August or September of the prior year, and the early admissions deadline is Nov. 30. For scholarship consideration, the earlier you complete your application, the better.
Once enrolled at Creighton Law, students can apply for the program by April 1 of their first year.
For up-to-date deadlines and application information, visit our admissions page.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition rates are updated each year. Visit our financial aid site to learn more about the cost of attendance.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
To help make your studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance.
To be eligible for a scholarship, you must be enrolled in our full-time JD program or our Accelerated JD program. Part-time students are ineligible for scholarships. When you apply to Creighton University School of Law, you’re automatically considered for applicable law school scholarships. When you receive your acceptance letter from Creighton School of Law, you’ll also be notified of any scholarship awards. You can find a list of scholarships on the Financial Aid pages.
For questions about financial aid, contact:
gpfinaid@creighton.edu
402.280.2731
