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Master of Jurisprudence – Special Education Advocacy Concentration
The Special Education Advocacy Concentration is just one of your options. See the main Master of Jurisprudence page for details about the overall program and other available options.
Special Education Advocacy
The field of special education and advocacy is a growing and in-demand field with strong career prospects, both nationally and in Texas. Pursuing a graduate program in this field can help professionals advance their careers and make a positive impact on the lives of students with disabilities and their families. Our Master of Jurisprudence with a concentration in Special Education Advocacy is designed to prepare students for careers in special education teaching, advocacy and related fields. This new graduate degree concentration can aid school personnel, service providers and those advocating on behalf of students with disabilities and their families in gaining a greater understanding of the law in this area.
Upon learning of this ground-breaking M.Jur. program in Special Education Advocacy, I immediately applied. This innovative graduate program concentration is the first and only one to receive acquiescence from the American Bar Association and it is entirely online, making it accessible wherever an advocate may live. I hope others will join me and enroll, taking one step forward towards making special education advocacy a true profession.
– Patricia Johnson Howey
M.Jur. Special Education Advocacy Candidate 2025
Professional advancement
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of special education teachers and advocates is projected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for special education services for students with disabilities. In addition, there is a growing need for advocates who can help families navigate the complex special education system. In Texas, the BLS reports that employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is slightly faster than the national average. Texas has a large and diverse population, including many students with disabilities who require special education services. Additionally, there is a need for advocates who can support families in navigating the special education system in Texas.
Catherine M. Michael, J.D. is an attorney who is licensed and practices throughout the states of Indiana, Texas, Michigan and Ohio. She focuses on representing children and their families in a myriad of personal injury and education law issues. Her expertise encompasses personal injury of children and disabled adults, special education due process, Section 504 matters, expulsion and disciplinary challenges, and tort-related litigation including sexual abuse, molestation and rape both within and outside school settings, as well as private school disputes and discipline.
Required Courses
| Core courses |
|---|
| Fundamentals of the American Legal System |
| Legal Research and Writing |
| Choose two from the following: |
| Criminal Law |
| Constitutional Law |
| Contracts |
| Property Law |
| Torts |
Additional Special Education Training Opportunities
The St. Mary’s University School of Law offers a Special Education Advocacy Summit.
Concentration Emphasis Courses
| Course Name | Course Numbers |
|---|---|
| Administrative Law* | LW 5302 |
| Education Law* | LW 5309 |
| Special Education Law* | LW 5608, 7234 |
| Child Protective Services | LW 6600 |
| Employment Law | LW 5308, 8791 |
| Family Law | LW 7331 |
| Family Law Mediation | LW 7295 |
| Federal Education Law | LW 6600 |
| Immigration Law | LW 9441 |
| Juvenile Law | LW 8244 |
| Mediation | LW 8755 |
| Mental Health and the Law | LW 5610, 6600 |
| Negotiations | LW 5310, 8761 |
| School Discipline, Expulsion and Due Process | LW 5614 |
| Trauma Informed Advocacy | LW 5230 |
| Digital Evidence and Records | LW 5612 |
| Personal Injury of Children | LW 5211 |
Courses marked with an * are required electives. Two additional courses from the list must be chosen.
Request Information
Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.
- Visit campus
- Request information:
email mjur@stmarytx.edu
or complete the following form:
Applying to the M.Jur.
See details about admission requirements and how to apply:
