Mass Communication and Law
JD/MS in Mass Communication
The growth of new communication technologies has created a need for lawyers with special training in the technological, marketing, and legal changes brought about by a wide spectrum of new media. Recognizing the dramatic impact of these changes, the School of Law and the College of Communication at Boston University offer a dual-degree program that allows the student to acquire a law degree and a master’s degree in mass communication (normally a three-year plus a year-and-a-half sequence) in an accelerated program of seven semesters.
It is expected that many graduates of the program will work as in-house counsel for the new communication technologies companies. Others will serve with government agencies concerned with communications law or with law firms practicing in that field. This program also provides a solid grounding for future journalists who wish to report on legal affairs.
Admission Requirements
Students must apply to and be accepted by both the School of Law and the College of Communication. However, students applying to the JD/MS program may substitute the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Application deadlines are: February 1 for the College of Communication and March 1 for the School of Law. Students applying to the JD/MS program must meet both programs’ deadlines and requirements.
For application forms and catalogs, write separately to each. Director of Admissions, Boston University School of Law, 765 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; and Graduate Services, College of Communication, 640 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.
Degree Requirements
Assuming normal progress, the JD degree is granted at the completion of six semesters of study and the MS after a seventh, postlaw semester.
In addition to the work outlined below, dual-degree students are required to complete a thesis or professional project in COM. It is possible to satisfy both the LAW upperclass writing assignment and the COM thesis requirement with one paper if the paper is of sufficient magnitude. Prior approval must be obtained from the student’s advisors at both the School of Law and the College of Communication.
The program can be accelerated by summer work in the College of Communication. However, not all pertinent graduate courses are offered in COM every summer.
Curriculum
Each student in the dual-degree program takes eight courses in the College of Communication.
- COM CM 510 Computers in Communication
- COM CM 514 New Communication Technologies
- COM CM 704 Contemporary Mass Media
- COM CM 707 Writing for Media Professionals
- Four COM electives
First and Second Semesters First-year law program
Third Semester Three (or more) LAW courses and one COM course
Fourth Semester Three (or more) LAW courses and one COM course
Fifth Semester Three (or more) LAW courses and one COM course
Sixth Semester Three (or more) LAW courses and one COM course
Seventh Semester The four remaining COM courses
