Master of Jurisprudence –
Business and Entrepreneurship Law Concentration

The Business and Entrepreneurship Law Concentration is just one of your options. See the main Master of Jurisprudence page for details about the overall program and other available options.


M.Jur. Business and Entrepreneurship Law Concentration 

Are you considering a career transition or broadening your entrepreneurial horizon and wondering whether a legal master’s degree is the right path for you? Let’s break down the key factors of a Master of Jurisprudence with a concentration in Business and Entrrepreneurship at St. Mary’s Law to help you make an informed decision.

 Students of the law are renowned for their ability to deconstruct arguments and construct persuasive ones. Law school hones your critical thinking skills, making you adept at dissecting complex issues and presenting compelling cases. The M.Jur. at the School of Law is the perfect analytical compliment to your professional skill set. M.Jur. graduates are taught to excel in precise, detail-oriented communication and make successful entrepreneurs by combining their legal knowledge with their industry-specific toolbox.

If your goal is to practice law, a J.D. is a necessity. However, if you’re considering a broader career in business, an M.Jur. offers a diverse skill set and extensive career opportunities. Keep in mind that your success ultimately depends on how you leverage your education, contacts and knowledge. Choose the path that aligns with your long-term career goals and interests and be prepared to make the most of your chosen degree.

The matriculation ceremony was a bliss. The pledge was epic. It was an awakening gesture to start the journey of studying in law. I felt strongly committed and dedicated to the study by vowing the pledge and signing the paper. It was great to learn the history of St. Mary’s University and the vision of the School of Law. The dean and the faculty demonstrated their knowledge and the experience in practicing laws. They were also very accessible and willing to give advice in a professional field or in personal life. The facility does not just provide a good environment to study but also a venue to network with fellow colleagues. I felt comfortable to go to the law school buildings anytime for any reasons. thank you so much to hosting the ceremony and providing the outstanding experience.

-Joseph Liu (M.Jur. ’21)


Proven results and professional advancement

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs within the legal occupation sector (non-lawyer) are expected to increase 8% over the average for all occupations from 2022-23. To decide whether or not this is a career worth pursing, you’ll need to ask yourself: Is a career that continually adapts to changing business relationships of interest to you? Do you genuinely enjoy coming to terms with an understanding complex legal issues? Are you willing to analyze a constant stream of statistical information and data? Most importantly, if you can see yourself playing a key role within corporate meeting rooms and answered yes to any of these questions, you’re likely to enjoy working in the dynamic field of business law.

Our concentration in Business and Entrepreneurship Law both imparts the legal knowledge needed in the business world today and gives our students the tools they need to utilize that knowledge to succeed in business and in their community.

-Chad J. Pomeroy, J.D.
Professor of Law,
Co-Director of the Institute on World Legal Programs in Innsbruck, Austria
and James N. Castleberry, Jr. Chair of Oil and Gas Law


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

Concentration Emphasis Courses

Course NameCourse Numbers
Business StructuresLW 5305, 7310
NegotiationsLW 5310, 8761
Employment LawLW 5308, 8791
AccountingACCT or various
TaxVarious
SalesLW 7694
Secured TransactionsLW 7395
Sales/Secured TransactionsLW 7494 OR
Commercial Law and ContractingLW 5405
Business TortsLW 7312
Intellectual PropertyLW 6200
TrademarkLW 8685
CopyrightLW 8649
HIPAA Privacy LawLW 5607
Cyber LawLW 5313, 6200

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.

Applying to the M.Jur.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:


Master of Jurisprudence

This 30-credit-hour program is designed for those who do not wish to practice law, but are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the American legal system.

The M.Jur. degree is designed primarily for professionals practicing in areas that intersect with the law such as human relations, criminal and juvenile justice, the court system (including magistrates and probation officers), journalism, social work, regulatory agencies, county and municipal government, health care, intellectual property, technology and business.

Interested in practicing law? Learn about J.D.

Already a lawyer? Learn about LL.M.

Conventional thinking would have us believe that imposing punishment alone on justice-involved offenders changes criminal behavior. Therapeutic jurisprudence, however, is smart justice in that it addresses the core issues that lead to symptomatic criminal behavior, and in turn, provides a healing transformative and restorative effect for both the offender and the offended, their families, and our communities.

-Roberto Ruiz (M.Jur. ’17)


Proven results and professional advancement

Ruiz’s journey is a testament to the diverse backgrounds and experiences that our program embraces. A native of El Paso, he brings a unique perspective to his work. He holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law and a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the same institution. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, using his research to develop tools that enhance the effectiveness of the judiciary and create pathways for non-U.S. lawyers with foreign law degrees.

Join us on a transformative journey towards a graduate law degree that leverages your professional expertise to reshape the justice system and increase access to law for all. Like Ruiz, you can become a driving force for change in the legal landscape, fostering a more holistic and compassionate approach to justice. Your future in law begins here.

Learn more about the M.Jur.

Please submit your request for additional information here.

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M.Jur. Courses

All M.Jur. students take four required courses:

  • Fundamentals of the American Legal System (a 2-hour course designed specifically for the M.Jur. program, always taken in the first semester)
  • Legal Research and Writing (a 2-hour methods course designed specifically for the M.Jur. program, always taken in the first semester)
  • Two first-year law courses (Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, or Torts)

These courses provide a broader legal context and help you to understand how lawyers and judges think about and use law.

The M.Jur. degree requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours. Depending upon concentration choice, curricular requirements may vary.

Course selection is completed in consultation with the program director, who will assist you in tailoring a program to your professional goals. Students can choose to take a variety of courses, or develop a specific track with an emphasis in a particular area.


Accreditation

All of our Master of Jurisprudence degrees are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College and have obtained acquiescence from the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

The Master of Jurisprudence concentrations in Compliance, Business Law and Risk, and Health Care Compliance are the only two programs accredited in Texas by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. This prestigious designation is held by programs hosted at 14 law schools nationwide and 17 schools globally. J.D., M.Jur. and LL.M. students who complete the requirements are eligible to sit for any of the CCB’s certification exams for up to a year after graduation, without any additional continuing education or professional work experience requirements.


More About the M.Jur.

The M.Jur. provides practical knowledge about the law in less time than a J.D. program and more comprehensively than on-the-job training.

Credits earned through the M.Jur. program will not count toward the completion of a J.D. degree, and the M.Jur. degree does not satisfy the requirements to sit for any state bar exam. Instead, a Master of Jurisprudence degree provides graduates with tools to help them better understand legal issues in their field.


Study Abroad

Students may be interested in taking additional courses at the Institute on World Legal Problems in Innsbruck, Austria

Classes are taught in English, and students earn six credit hours in classes like:

  • Class Actions in a Global Context
  • International Insolvency
  • International Business Transactions
  • Lawyering Abroad: Basic Concepts of European Legal Systems
  • European and International Conflict of Laws

Certificate of Public Service

M.Jur. students may earn a Certificate of Public Service upon completion of their degree requirements and 50 hours of service to the community. Eligible service may include documented non-profit board service, community volunteering, church service or participation in advocacy and outreach opportunities sponsored by St. Mary’s School of Law and/or St. Mary’s University.

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.

Applying to the M.Jur.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:


Health Care Compliance Certificate

Familiarize yourself with the major issues concerning the health care industry, including fraud prevention, an expansion of telemedicine and credentialing, antitrust enforcement and health care privacy regulation.

As the health care industry continues to grow, professionals in the field will be expected to manage a diversity of functions.

The 16-hour certificate in healthcare compliance is ideal for those already working in the health care sector or are looking to pivot into the health field.


Health Care Compliance Courses

CoursesCredit Hours
Fundamentals of the American Legal System2
Legal Research and Writing2
Compliance, Ethics and Risk Management3
Health Care Law3
Administrative Law & Regulatory Interpretation3
Business Law and Ethics1
HIPAA Privacy Law2

Accreditation

All of our compliance certificates are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College and have obtained acquiescence from the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

St. Mary’s School of Law is the only law school in Texas that is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. J.D., M.Jur. and LL.M. students who complete the requirements are eligible to sit for any of the CCB’s certification exams for up to a year after graduation, without any additional continuing education or professional work experience requirements.

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.

Applying to the Law Certificate Program

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:


Compliance, Business Law and Risk Certificate

The field of compliance law has experienced significant growth and rapid evolution within the past few years. The 15-hour compliance, business law and risk certificate will provide a comprehensive overview of compliance, which is applicable to a majority of commercial fields and government organizations, especially in light of the regulatory changes prompted by the 2008 global financial crisis.


Compliance, Business Law and Risk Courses

CoursesCredit Hours
Fundamentals of the American Legal System2
Contracts4
Administrative Law & Regulatory Interpretation3
Compliance, Ethics and Risk Management3
HIPAA Privacy Law2
Business Law & Ethics1

Accreditation

All of our compliance certificates are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College and have obtained acquiescence from the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

St. Mary’s School of Law is the only law school in Texas that is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. J.D., M.Jur. and LL.M. students who complete the requirements are eligible to sit for any of the CCB’s certification exams for up to a year after graduation, without any additional continuing education or professional work experience requirements.

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.

Applying to the Law Certificate Program

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:


Certificates

In a world of ever-changing circumstances, it is important to have access to trusted and professionally accredited academic opportunities. Micro-credentials such as our certificate programs in Compliance and Health Care Compliance can be completed in one semester, can be stacked with additional courses should you decide to pursue a Master’s degree with us in the future and indicate unique professional development that will set you apart from your peers.

Students will have the option of a Master’s track or Certificate track, and can start in either Fall or Spring.


Accreditation

All of our compliance certificates are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College and have obtained acquiescence from the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

St. Mary’s School of Law is the only law school in Texas that is accredited by the  Compliance Certification Board (CCB)® . J.D., M.Jur. and LL.M. students who complete the requirements are eligible to sit for any of the CCB’s certification exams for up to a year after graduation, without any additional continuing education or professional work experience requirements.


More about the Certificates

St. Mary’s University School of Law has been offering online courses since 2016. All of our professors are certified to teach online and each course has gone through a rigorous review process. Our programs provide the education and experience that an individual will need to excel in the fields of Compliance & Health Care Compliance online, and if qualifications are met, will enable you to sit for one of five professional exams offered by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB).

We are one of 14 schools with accredited programs nationwide and one of 15 globally. The degree and the certification-by-exam are just what you need to jump-start your career and differentiate you from other professionals in the same field.

About the Compliance,
Business Law and Risk Certificate

The 15-hour Compliance, Business Law and Risk Certificate will provide a comprehensive overview of compliance, which is applicable to a majority of commercial fields and government organizations, especially in light of the regulatory changes prompted by the 2008 global financial crisis.

About the Health Care
Compliance Certificate

The 16-hour Certificate in Health Care Compliance is ideal for those already working in the health care sector or are looking to pivot into the health field.

Familiarize yourself with the major issues concerning the health care industry, including fraud prevention, an expansion of telemedicine and credentialing, antitrust enforcement and health care privacy regulation.

About the Legal
Studies Certificate

The Legal Studies Certificate will give professionals a deeper understanding of the American legal system, and is ideal for those who work in areas that frequently intersect with the law.

In addition to a broader understanding of the law, students can choose a field of law to specialize in, and add a concentration to their certificate.

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.

Applying to the Law Certificate Program

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Four students working in a law classroom

Juris Doctorate Program

Discover the J.D. Program at St. Mary’s University School of Law

Become a leader for service, justice and peace

For more than 90 years, St. Mary’s University School of Law has educated values-driven leaders in law. Graduates have gone on to become members of Congress, governors, justices of the federal judiciary, leaders of some of the nation’s most successful law firms and more.

What is a J.D.?

The Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D.) is required to practice law in most states. The J.D. degree is offered by American Bar Association (ABA) accredited schools like St. Mary’s School of Law, as well as some non-ABA-accredited institutions and some institutions in Canada.

To pursue a J.D. program, you must first have (or be nearing completion of) a bachelor’s degree and take the LSAT. Learn more about the J.D. application process.

After obtaining a J.D. degree, you’ll need to be admitted to the Bar of the state where you want to practice law. Each state sets its own rules for bar admission, but generally this includes a bar exam and a character evaluation. You can find out more about the requirements to practice law in the state of Texas at the Texas Board of Law Examiners website.

  • 3
    Year for completion
    Flexible Modalities
    Online and part-time options available
    90
    Hours to graduate

  • Join Us for a Virtual or On-Campus Event

    Join our information sessions covering the admissions process specific to the J.D. program at St. Mary’s Law. Check back on this page for future dates and times as they become available.

    Event

    Date

    Location

    General Virtual Information Session
    This is an opportunity to engage via Zoom with the admissions team at St. Mary’s Law. Attendees will be able to ask questions regarding our programs and the admissions process.

    Thursday, May 8
    4 p.m. CST


    General Virtual Information Session
    This is an opportunity to engage via Zoom with the admissions team at St. Mary’s Law. Attendees will be able to ask questions regarding our programs and the admissions process.

    Thursday, May 22
    4 p.m. CST


    General Virtual Information Session
    This is an opportunity to engage via Zoom with the admissions team at St. Mary’s Law. Attendees will be able to ask questions regarding our programs and the admissions process.

    Thursday, June 12
    4 p.m. CST



    Find St. Mary’s J.D. Admissions Near You

    EventDateLocation
    LSAC Digital Law School ForumThursday, Feb. 6, 2025lsac.org

    What You’ll Learn in the J.D. Program

    At St. Mary’s School of Law, students gain a strong foundation in core areas of U.S. law, including constitutional, criminal, civil and contract law. The curriculum emphasizes legal research, writing, and advocacy skills essential for effective legal practice.

    Students also have opportunities for hands-on learning through clinics, externships and moot court. Additionally, the program focuses on ethical leadership and service, preparing graduates to serve both their clients and their communities with integrity.

    J.D. Program Admission Requirements

    Applicants may apply to either the full-time day program or a part-time evening program, but not to both. Admissions and graduation standards are the same for both J.D. programs.

    All programs and offices, including the Clinical Program, are available to full-time daytime students as well as part-time evening students.

    Applicants to the School of Law must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. To learn more about how to apply and the School of Law’s admission requirements, visit the J.D. application page

    Academic Standing Requirements

    A candidate for the J.D. program must earn a minimum of 90 credit hours in order to graduate, or 91 credits hours for students who entered prior to Fall 2018. Students who entered law school in the Fall of 2019 or later must have a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher to graduate. For students who entered prior to that time, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required to remain in good academic standing. Other curricular and academic requirements will apply. Those requirements are set forth in the St. Mary’s School of Law Student Handbook. Faculty may add additional requirements at any time.

    Female student wearing a suit leans against the bookcase in the law library.

    Tuition and Aid

    At St. Mary’s School of Law, an affordable and valuable education matters. We believe in keeping our costs and tuition transparent to all students and offer competitive pricing.

    Earn Your J.D. Online

    For students with considerably more outside responsibilities,  the St. Mary’s University School of Law is proud to offer the first fully online J.D. program accredited by the American Bar Association in the nation. As an online student at St. Mary’s Law, you will have access to the same opportunities and resources as a full-time student, including career counseling and advice through the Office of Career Strategy, academic advising from the Office of Law Success, and student services from the Office of Law Student Affairs.

    four law students stand and sit together around a table outside and look at a laptop screen

    Pursue a Joint J.D. Program

    Students can earn credit toward the selected master’s degree by satisfying the requirements for a Doctor of Jurisprudence. These programs allow students at St. Mary’s to complement their training in the law with advanced study in another discipline.

    J.D. + M.B.A.

    The joint J.D. and MBA program is designed for law students who want to broaden their knowledge and skills to include an in-depth understanding of business. This includes students who want to serve as counsel to corporations or specialize in business and commercial law.

    J.D. + M.A. in International Relations

    This program is designed for Law students seeking to practice in firms or organizations with clients involved in international law, immigration and refugee affairs, international business and trade, international non-governmental organizations and governments.

    J.D. + M.P.A.

    This program develops lawyers with special skills in the public and nonprofit sectors. For those interested in a career in government or practicing law related to the public and nonprofit sectors, and advanced degree in Public Administration would be a valuable asset.

    J.D. + M.A. Theology

    This joint degree program is especially suited for students who wish to pursue a legal career as a form of ministry. Many students with this degree have found success working in parish and diocesan administrative positions and working for other mission-based nonprofit organizations.

    J.D. + M.A. in English Literature and Language

    The program is designed to immerse students in ethical, inclusive and responsible representation in literature and language. Students develop narrative skills in print and digital platforms and are invited to hone these through the programs.

    J.D. + M.S. in Computer Science

    The master’s in Computer Science prepares students to manage all aspects of a software development project. This program provides an advantage to students interested in pursuing careers in intellectual property law, technology law and privacy issues.

    Discover J.D. Special Programs

    Build Real-World Skills

    The School of Law is committed to equipping students with the practical skills needed to excel in their professional lives. Through the law school’s special programs, students have participated in legal advocacy of disadvantaged citizens in the San Antonio community, national moot court and mock trial competitions, mentorship programs, and more.

    Plan Your Best Career with Our Support

    Connect with the Office of Career Strategy

    The Office of Career Strategy (OCS) provides you with personalized advising to assist in all phases of your career planning and job search strategy. From resume and cover letter review, to help with job and internship search.


    Meet the J.D. Admissions Team

    The St. Mary’s Law J.D. Admissions Team understands you’ll have many questions about the J.D. admissions process and campus life. You can request more information about the law school, or contact us directly at lawadmissions@stmarytx.edu.

    Catherine Casiano

    Assistant Dean for Admissions
    ccasiano@stmarytx.edu

    Eddie Chavez

    Director of Admissions and Recruitment
    echavez10@stmarytx.edu

    Catherine Mery

    Director of Student Enrollment
    cmery@stmarytx.edu

    Johanna Fickel

    Assistant Director of J.D. Admissions
    jfickel@stmarytx.edu

    Nia Walker

    Administrative Assistant for Office of Admissions
    Nwalker7@stmarytx.edu

    Learn more about earning your law degree at St. Mary’s School of Law!

    Leave your contact information below, and we will be in touch with important information about applying and the admission process.

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