Degree: Law Degrees

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.

Request Info Form

Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

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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.

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  • 3 to 4 Years
    for completion
    Flexibility
    Online and part-time option 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.

      Scheduled Virtual Info Sessions

      Join a scheduled virtual information session. Zoom Information Sessions are scheduled for online presentations weekly, complete with tips on how and when to apply to the J.D. Program at St. Mary’s Law.

      Schedule Session

      Ask Admissions Questions

      Whether a prospective student or an already admitted student, you can schedule a quick meeting on Zoom or receive more information via email from admissions staff.

      FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

    Admissions Event Calendar
    DateTimeEventLocation
    Thursday, Oct. 22, 202610 a.m. to 2 p.m. MSTPick Your Future: Graduate and Professional SchoolsUTEP, El Paso, Texas
    Saturday, Oct. 24, 202610 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    1:30 to 4 p.m.    		Chicago LSAC Law ForumChicago, Illinois
    Saturday, Nov. 7, 202610 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    1:30 to 4 p.m. PST    		Los Angeles LSAC ForumLos Angeles, California
    Monday, Nov. 9, 202610 a.m. to 2 p.m. Texas A&M Career Center Law School Fair 2026Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
    Thursday, Nov. 12, 202610 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. SWAPLA Swing Law School FairOklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
    Wednesday, Nov. 18, 20265 to 8 p.m. ESTLSAC Digital Law School ForumVIRTUAL
    Saturday, Nov. 21, 20269 a.m. to NoonLaw School Open HouseIn person at St. Mary’s Law, San Antonio, Texas REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND

    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.

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    J.D. Program Admission Requirements

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

    All programs and offices are available to full-time in-person students as well as part-time online students.

    To learn more about how to apply and the School of Law’s admission requirements, visit the J.D. application page

    Admission requirements

    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.

    St. Mary’s Law student handbook
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    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.

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    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.

    explore the online J.D.
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    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.

    explore the J.D. + MBA

    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.

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    International relations

    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.

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    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.

    explore the J.D. + Theology

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

    The joint degree 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.

    explore the J.D. + english literature and language

    J.D. + M.P.H. with UTHealth Houston

    This program with the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health offers a J.D./Master of Public Health (M.P.H.). The joint degree program prepares students for careers at the intersection of law, public health and policy, allowing them to bring a legal perspective to complex health challenges.

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    MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

    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.

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    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. OCS helps students to develop the skills needed to secure meaningful employment consistent with their individual strengths, values and passions. The team builds relationships with alumni and employers to optimize opportunities for students and graduates.

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    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 contact us directly at lawadmissions@stmarytx.edu.

    Catherine Casiano

    Assistant Dean for Admissions
    ccasiano@stmarytx.edu

    Catherine Mery

    Director of Student Enrollment
    cmery@stmarytx.edu

    Nia Walker

    Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment
    Nwalker7@stmarytx.edu

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