
It is possible to obtain a master's degree in military law, also known as an LL.M. in Military and National Security Law. St. Mary's University School of Law, for example, offers this program to professionals in military, government, and corporate positions who require a working knowledge of the treaties, statutes, and regulations governing national security. This degree can be advantageous for those seeking to advance their careers in the military with specialized legal knowledge. In the Navy, for instance, a master's degree can lead to benefits such as additional points toward rank advancement and higher pay. Furthermore, a master's degree in military law can provide a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing a career in military justice and law within the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Master's in Military Law at St. Mary's University School of Law | Military and National Security Law Concentration |
| LL.M. in American Legal Studies, LL.M. in General Law, LL.M. in International and Comparative Law, and LL.M. in International Criminal Law are some of the degree programs offered | |
| The LL.M. in General Law offers specializations in Cybersecurity, Employment and Human Resources Law, and Territorial Law | |
| The degree requires 24 credit hours and can be completed in one academic year (two semesters) or two academic years on a part-time basis | |
| Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS test and achieve a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL or 6 on the IELTS | |
| The Admissions Committee may interview candidates via telephone or Skype to verify English proficiency | |
| International applicants who have completed a high school or higher program in English are exempt from the English proficiency test requirement | |
| The LL.M. in American Legal Studies satisfies the legal education requirement to sit for the Texas, California, or New York Bar exams, but additional components may be required by some states | |
| The degree does not qualify a foreign-trained attorney to practice law in the US | |
| Benefits of a Master's Degree in the Navy | --- |
| A master's degree can lead to various jobs and special training in the Navy | |
| It can provide a leg up in pay and promotion, with higher starting pay and additional points towards rank advancement | |
| Those with a master's degree can join the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) and attend Officer Development School (ODS) or Naval Justice School (NJS) | |
| Starting as a Lieutenant Junior Grade or O2, the pay is $3,580.50 a month, excluding housing and specialty pay |
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What You'll Learn

Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG)
The Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) is the military justice branch of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. Officers serving in the JAG Corps are typically referred to as judge advocates and are responsible for providing legal advice to their assigned command. Judge advocates are also responsible for administrative law, government contracting, civilian and military personnel law, the law of war and international relations, and environmental law, among other things. They act as prosecutors for the military during courts-martial and can also serve as personal legal advisors to their commanders.
Highly experienced officers of the JAG Corps often serve as military judges in courts-martial and courts of inquiry. The JAG Corps also includes enlisted soldiers with specific paralegal training who provide support to judge advocates. These enlisted soldiers may act as paralegals to military attorneys, draft legal documents, provide guidance on administrative and disciplinary procedures, and act as notaries.
The Navy JAG Corps, in particular, delivers full-spectrum legal services that enable naval and joint operations and support national defense. The Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island, is the primary training centre for Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard judge advocates. Judge advocates in the Navy only serve in legal positions, while those in the Army and Air Force may be assigned to non-legal positions with the permission of the Judge Advocate General.
Individuals interested in joining the JAG Corps typically do so after graduating from law school. However, the U.S. Army's Funded Legal Education Program allows a small number of active-duty officers and non-commissioned officers to attend law school full-time while receiving their military base pay and benefits.
It is worth noting that having a master's degree before joining the Navy can provide benefits such as additional points towards rank advancement and higher pay. However, whether one has a master's degree or just a four-year degree, they will generally join the Navy at the same rank as other graduates pursuing similar jobs.
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Officer Development School (ODS)
The Officer Development School (ODS) is one of five officer training programmes offered by the US Navy. The course is designed by Navy officers and educators to give candidates a basic working knowledge of the high-tech Navy establishment afloat and ashore. It is a demanding programme, both physically and mentally, and only those with a strong desire to become Navy Officers will successfully graduate.
The purpose of the US Navy’s ODS is to introduce the newly commissioned officer to the military structure of the US Navy, its history, customs, traditions, the naval legal system, and military etiquette. The course is five weeks long and covers a range of topics, including:
- Naval leadership
- Naval administration
- Naval organisation
- Military law
- Military indoctrination
- Naval warfare
- Damage control
- Seamanship
- Division officer
- Navigation
- Engineering
- Pay and allowances
Upon completion of the programme, future officers are commissioned as Ensigns with a minimum four-year obligation from the date of appointment. The starting base pay for Ensigns (O1) is $3,107.70 a month. It is worth noting that, in addition to the base pay, officers will also receive a housing allowance as well as specialty pay depending on their job.
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Naval Justice School (NJS)
The Naval Justice School (NJS) was established in 1946 at Port Hueneme, California. In 1950, it moved to its current location in Newport, Rhode Island. The NJS provides legal training for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard lawyers, as well as enlisted legal professionals, active and reserve. The school offers a 9- to 10-week program that covers civil and military law, as well as trial advocacy. The program is designed to train individuals in the administration of military law and to promote justice within the Sea Services, which include the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
The NJS is one of the paths available to those pursuing a career in military justice and law within the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG). The other path is through the Officer Development School (ODS), also located in Newport, Rhode Island. The ODS is a five-week course that focuses on familiarizing students with Navy customs and traditions, as well as providing leadership training.
Upon completion of either the NJS or ODS program, individuals will typically start their career as a Lieutenant Junior Grade or O2. The pay for this rank starts at $3,580.50 per month, and they may also receive additional allowances and specialty pay depending on their specific job and marital status.
It is worth noting that having a master's degree before joining the Navy can provide certain advantages in terms of pay and promotion. However, if one is pursuing an officer path, the presence of a master's degree may not give a significant advantage in terms of starting rank when compared to other graduates with four-year degrees.
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Career benefits of a master's degree in the Navy
Joining the Navy with a master's degree can offer a range of career benefits. Firstly, it is possible to receive financial assistance for a master's degree while serving in the Navy. The Graduate Education Voucher program (GEV) provides funding for graduate degrees, including tuition, books, and registration fees, with a maximum of $20,000 per fiscal year. The Navy also offers programs to help finance graduate-level schooling, such as the Health Professions Scholarship Program for physicians.
Secondly, having a master's degree can lead to increased opportunities for career advancement and specialization within the Navy. With a master's degree, individuals can pursue a variety of jobs and receive special training in their chosen area. This could include the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG), where individuals receive leadership training and start their career as a Lieutenant Junior Grade or O2. Other areas of specialization include the Navy Medical Corps and the Master-at-Arms, who serve as the Navy police.
Thirdly, a master's degree can result in higher pay grades and increased benefits within the Navy. The pay received in the Navy is dependent on rank, and those with higher degrees often start at higher ranks and pay grades. For example, Ensigns (O1) with a master's degree can expect a starting base pay of $3,107.70 per month, while Lieutenants (O3) start at $4,142.90 per month. In addition to base pay, individuals also receive housing allowances and specialty pay depending on their job and marital status.
Lastly, the Navy values advanced education and encourages its members to pursue graduate degrees. This can lead to critical research opportunities, strategic planning roles, and other initiatives that are vital to the Navy's overall mission. Overall, a master's degree can provide a competitive edge in the Navy, leading to increased opportunities for career growth, specialization, and financial benefits.
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St. Mary's M.Jur. in Military and National Security Law
The St. Mary's M.Jur. in Military and National Security Law is a master's degree program designed for professionals in the military, government, and corporate sectors. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the treaties, statutes, and regulations governing national security, privacy, economic security, and national defense. This degree is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of laws applicable in the United States and its international relations.
The M.Jur. program exposes students to contemporary legal issues with national and global significance. It offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in military law and national security, preparing graduates for a wide range of career paths. This degree can be advantageous for those seeking roles in the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) within the Navy, as it provides a strong foundation in civil and military law, trial advocacy, and leadership skills.
St. Mary's University School of Law, known for its diverse student body and transformative journey, offers this M.Jur. degree to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of military and national security law. The program is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility through online coursework, ensuring that students can balance their studies with their careers.
The M.Jur. in Military and National Security Law is just one of several concentrations offered within the Master of Jurisprudence program at St. Mary's. Other concentrations include Compliance, Business Law, and Risk Management; Healthcare Compliance Law; and various LL.M. programs, such as American Legal Studies, International and Comparative Law, and International Criminal Law. These programs cater to different interests and career goals, providing students with specialized knowledge in their chosen fields.
The St. Mary's M.Jur. in Military and National Security Law is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the military, government, or corporate sectors. It empowers graduates with the legal expertise and practical skills needed to address complex challenges in national security, privacy, and defense. The program's flexibility and academic rigor prepare students to become leaders and change-makers in their respective fields, contributing to a more holistic and compassionate approach to justice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, St. Mary’s University School of Law offers an M.Jur. in Military and National Security Law.
The M.Jur. in Military and National Security Law is a master's degree program in business law that focuses on military and national security law.
The degree program is designed for professionals in military, government, and corporate positions who require a working knowledge of the treaties, statutes, and regulations that govern national security.
The degree program is valuable for developing knowledge in the fields of privacy, economic security, and national defense security. It also exposes students to important contemporary legal issues with national and worldwide significance.
Yes, you can join the military with a master's degree. In the Navy, you can pursue a number of different jobs and receive special training and earn a certain rank upon completion of this training.







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