MJ in Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW)
The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Rule of Law for Development is a practice-oriented degree for nonlegal professionals. You will receive the advanced training and skills you need to inspire, lead, and manage efforts to strengthen both the rule of law and prospects for national development in your country and geographical region.
Knowledge
You will comprehend how the rule of law develops in society and the role and practices of domestic and international institutions in establishing and maintaining the rule of law. You will be able to describe the central features, branches and notions of law and the evolution of legal systems, and the legal methods and concepts employed when carrying out rule of law initiatives. You will also comprehend the current frameworks for sustainable development, the environment and the rule of law, and the dynamic relationship between models of governance and the rule of law.
Skills
You will be able to:
- Conduct research on rule of law and development topics and carry out assessments of rule of law problems
- Draft documents relating to rule of law and development, using legal terminology and reasoning
- Develop a conceptual framework or theory of change to create optimal sequencing of legal reform for development
- Support the implementation of rule of law initiatives which take into account varied legal cultures and systems
- Guide rule of law initiatives and economic activity that are consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
- Develop and manage rule of law programs, projects and national initiatives that employ appropriate methods and project management tools
- Prepare funding proposals for rule of law projects
- Advise on how applicable institutional and legal frameworks facilitate or place limitations on rule of law initiatives
- Devise and apply strategies for effective international and inter-organizational engagement and cooperation for rule of law and governance development in conflict prevention, reducing state instability, and peacebuilding
Professional Values
You will be able to inspire, lead, and manage efforts to strengthen the rule of law and prospects for national development, considering the interests of all stakeholders, incorporating diverse viewpoints, being willing to accept iterative progress, and respecting equality and human rights.
By The Numbers
94%
of PROLAW graduates are employed post-2025 sector disruption
65
Countries are represented among PROLAW Graduates
6
Billion People Live in a Country Where Rule of Law is Declining
Curriculum
You can complete this 30 credit MJ degree in one academic year, or over two years. This blended virtual and in-person degree includes online study and one term of in-person classes at our Loyola Rome Center campus in Italy. There is one annual program intake each year, in the fall.
The curriculum combines theory with practice in the course work, allowing you to gain both the knowledge of key topics and issues, and the skills all rule of law professionals need to work effectively on rule of law and development matters. Your courses will be taught by experienced practitioners who have multijurisdictional experience in supporting national initiatives aimed at improving the rule of law.
Fall Term
- Legal Systems and Methods
- History, Theory and Practice of Law for Development
- Research and Writing on the Rule of Law
- Principles of International Economic Law
- Comparative and Ethical Lawyering for the Rule of Law
Spring Term
- International Development Architecture
- Theory and Practice of Assessments in Rule of Law Advising
- Design of Rule of Law Programs and Proposal Preparation
- Rule of Law Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation
- Rule of Law in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
Summer Term
- Rule of Law Capstone Project
The curriculum is supported by the Rule of Law Lecture Series with prominent rule of law professionals.
Degree Requirements
To earn a PROLAW MJ, you must complete 30 credit hours of coursework, including ten courses and a major rule of law capstone project, while maintaining the GPA requirement. Visit our Registrar for a complete list of degree requirements, academic calendars, and registration process.
Admission
To apply for the PROLAW MJ degree, you must possess a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited college or university and demonstrate interest or experience in rule of law and governance through past work, studies, or volunteer experience.
- AUGUST 1: Application deadline, fall enrollment only
Testimonials
Marine Harutyunyan
Alum, Armenia
Monitoring and Reporting Officer, International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
“The PROLAW MJ provides a core understanding of the law, helps you understand what rule of law is, how it contributes to the development of societies, and how it can be applied to further enhance the sustainable development in a given country.”
Rachel Abrego
Alum, USA
Program Manager, Human RIghts NGO
“Living and studying in a different country, and being part of such a multicultural learning experience, is transformational. The Rome location provides unique opportunities to network with rule of law professionals at development and humanitarian relief organizations.”
Innocent Chamisa
Alum, Zimbabwe
Global Coordinator, EvalforEarth CoP (FAO, WFP, IFAD, GEF & CGIAR)
“With a scientific background in rural development and sustainable natural resource management, PROLAW’s practical learning experience was crucial to developing the skills I needed to impact communities as a food and agriculture expert.”
Rule of Law for Development Program
Loyola’s Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) program is a unique academic and experiential learning program that educates lawyers and other professionals to work in the growing rule of law and development field, whether in the public, private, civil society, or academic sectors.
Rule of Law Institute
This Institute is established within Loyola as a center for the advancement of the rule of law. We seek to develop ground-breaking research, produce new solutions, and prompt real change that will empower individual lives, assist economic development, and advance legal standing.
The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Rule of Law for Development is a practice-oriented degree for nonlegal professionals. You will receive the advanced training and skills you need to inspire, lead, and manage efforts to strengthen both the rule of law and prospects for national development in your country and geographical region.
Our Commitment to You
Upon graduation with an MJ in Rule of Law for Development from Loyola, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values:
Curriculum
You can complete this 30 credit MJ degree in one academic year, or over two years. This blended virtual and in-person degree includes online study and one term of in-person classes at our Loyola Rome Center campus in Italy. There is one annual program intake each year, in the fall.
The curriculum combines theory with practice in the course work, allowing you to gain both the knowledge of key topics and issues, and the skills all rule of law professionals need to work effectively on rule of law and development matters. Your courses will be taught by experienced practitioners who have multijurisdictional experience in supporting national initiatives aimed at improving the rule of law.
The curriculum is supported by the Rule of Law Lecture Series with prominent rule of law professionals.
Degree Requirements
To earn a PROLAW MJ, you must complete 30 credit hours of coursework, including ten courses and a major rule of law capstone project, while maintaining the GPA requirement. Visit our Registrar for a complete list of degree requirements, academic calendars, and registration process.
Admission
To apply for the PROLAW MJ degree, you must possess a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited college or university and demonstrate interest or experience in rule of law and governance through past work, studies, or volunteer experience.
- AUGUST 1: Application deadline, fall enrollment only