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Judges at a moot court: Pursue the MA in Law - Human Rights degree at Regent University.

M.A. in Law – Human Rights & Rule of Law

Be Equipped to Advocate for the Oppressed

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Law – Human Rights & Rule of Law,* offered completely online, can equip you with the skills you need to seek justice and serve as an advocate for those who are oppressed and vulnerable in the United States and around the world. Taught from a biblical perspective, this online human rights law degree can help you gain a competitive edge and solidify your reputation as a legal expert and trusted professional.

*The name of this program will be changed to M.A. in Law with a concentration in Human Rights & Global Justice starting with students enrolling in Spring 2025.

Online
32
January 13, 2025
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Enhance Your Credentials without a J.D.

Earn your M.A. in Law credential in just five semesters with this practical alternative to the on-campus 3-year Juris Doctor degree.

Expand Your Experience

If you live in Virginia Beach, participate in some global projects of Regent’s Center for Global Justice®.

Advance Your Knowledge

Choose from a robust list of courses from human trafficking, immigration, children’s rights to religious freedom and civil liberties.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the M.A. in Law – Human Rights & Rule of Law degree, you can:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in international criminal law.
  • Apply your knowledge of rule of law principles to strengthen the legal culture in developing nation-states.
  • Apply your knowledge of human rights and violations in cases such as trafficking in persons.
  • Evaluate legal issues through the framework of human rights law.

Career Opportunities

  • International legal advocacy
  • Nonprofit administration
  • Social entrepreneurship
$62Thousand
Mean annual wage for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018
Featured Courses
MLAW 535International Trafficking in Persons3
Overview of the global problem of trafficking in persons for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor. The course examines the issue of trafficking from several perspectives: (i) the various international conventions that prohibit trafficking in persons; (ii) regional examples of trafficking and factors that contribute to it such as civil unrest and governmental corruption; and (iii) the United States legislative and foreign policy response to trafficking in persons. This course will focus on trafficking in persons as a human rights violation and the treatment of trafficked persons as a victim of a crime.
MLAW 584Asylum & Refugee Law3
International and U.S. refugee law with an emphasis on asylum law in the United States.
MLAW 636International Criminal Law3
The criminal law that applies across international borders, including key international criminal law tribunals from Nuremberg to the International Criminal Court and the substantive law of international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
MLAW 638International Religious Freedom3
International and regional laws regarding the right to expression and protection of religious belief. Defenses to protect religious freedom, mechanisms for advocacy and intervention, and the impact that non-governmental organizations can have in protecting religious freedom. J.D. student prerequisite: LAW 511 and completion of two semester of law school. Cross-listed with GOV 657.
MLAW 681International Development & the Rule of Law3
Rule of law principles and how to apply the principles to form and fortify the legal culture and institutions in developing nation-states. How economic structures, the security environment, and cultural and religious views impact law-making and enforcement. Cross-listed with LAW 710.
MLAW 686International & Comparative Human Rights3
Addresses the questions of the universality of human rights, including the right of life, the right to death, rights of the child, women’s rights, religious freedoms, the rights of third-world countries and the export of Western values to Eastern societies.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$7156$4,290
Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies$1,035 (On-Campus)6$6,210
Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights$1,035 (On-Campus)
$725 (Online)
6$6,210
$4,350
Juris Doctor (JD)$1,36011$14,960

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$7159$6,435
Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies$1,035 (On-Campus)9$9,315
Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights$1,035 (On-Campus)
$725 (Online)
9$9,315
$6,525
Juris Doctor (JD)$1,36015$20,400

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

J.D. Program Fees Per Semester

Student Bar Association$80 (per semester)
Bar Preparation Program Fee$430 (per semester)**
Classroom Response Tech Fee$17 (per semester)

**To be fully vested and eligible to receive the bar preparation review course upon graduation for no additional cost other than postage, a $250 refundable materials deposit, and state sales tax. J.D. students must pay the $430 fee for six semesters.

Estimated Total Cost of Attendance 2024-25
Full-time J.D. (Fall/Spring Combined)

Tuition$40,800
University Fees$1,700
Program Fees$1,046
Loan Fees$326
Books & Supplies$2,000
Food$5,792
Housing*$13,120
Transportation$4,224
Personal$5,056
Total$74,064

*Estimated off-campus housing cost. If living in on-campus housing, the amount may vary.

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$7156$4,290
Master of Laws (LLM)$6906$4,140
Juris Doctor (JD)$1,29511$14,245

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$7159$6,435
Master of Laws (LLM)$6909$6,210
Juris Doctor (JD)$1,29515$19,425

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

J.D. Program Fees Per Semester

Student Bar Association$80 (per semester)
Bar Preparation Program Fee$430 (per semester)**
Classroom Response Tech Fee$13 (per semester)

**To be fully vested and eligible to receive the bar preparation review course upon graduation for no additional cost other than postage, a $250 refundable materials deposit, and state sales tax. J.D. students must pay the $430 fee for six semesters.

Estimated Total Cost of Attendance 2023-24
Full-time J.D. (Fall/Spring Combined)

Tuition$38,850
University Fees$1,700
Program Fees$1,046
Loan Fees$326
Books & Supplies$2,000
Food$5,792
Housing*$13,120
Transportation$4,224
Personal$5,056
Total$72,114

*Estimated off-campus housing cost. If living in on-campus housing, the amount may vary.

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the M.A. in Law program, each student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an appropriate level of legal knowledge within the student’s concentration;
  2. Apply legal knowledge in practical settings;
  3. Write knowledgeably and effectively on legal issues;
  4. Explain the relevance of Christian principles to law.

“At Regent, I became interested in issues of social justice. A big part of my calling is really around leveraging the market to do good. I believe if God is leading students here, He will open the door to a meaningful role where they are making a difference in people’s lives.”

Kyle Westaway, J.D., 2006 Lecturer, Harvard Law; Managing Partner, Westaway Brooklyn, New York

“I'm honored to be where I am right now. The Museum of the Bible and Regent are a big part of that.”

Joshua Charles, J.D., 2017 Bestselling Author, Historian, Researcher, & Speaker

“Regent definitely prepared me every step of the way, from a summer internship and moot court competitions to working with Singer Legal Group and securing a clerkship. I wouldn’t have had those same opportunities anywhere else.”

Kevin Hoffman, J.D., 2014

“As part of its overt and clear commitment to raise up Christian leaders to change the world, Regent provides an environment that encourages its students to abide in Christ; but it will also take your active commitment to abide in Christ for your legal calling to truly be fulfilled in your life.”

Bobby Maddox, J.D., 2001

“Without funding for a law degree, I was ready to give up on my dream. Then, Regent contacted me about their honors program and a full-ride scholarship. I said, 'All right, God; I guess this is your answer. I’m going.'”

Joe Addink, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2019 Associate District Attorney, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office