M.S. in Education Law

Program Overview

Nova Southeastern University's Master of Science in Education Law (MSEL) equips educators and legal professionals with the legal expertise and advocacy skills to safeguard and enhance education in the United States. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering core legal principles, education law fundamentals, and specialized concentrations in areas such as cybersecurity law and exceptional education. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in education law, K-12 education, higher education, and policy and advocacy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Master of Science in Education Law (MSEL) program at Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law equips individuals with the legal knowledge and advocacy skills necessary to safeguard and enhance education in the United States.
Amidst the complexities of educational litigation involving teacher unions, academic institutions, financial aid providers, and government agencies, the program empowers educators and legal professionals to champion the rights of students and promote educational equity.
• Objectives: The MSEL program aims to:
• Foster legal expertise in education law, enabling graduates to navigate the legal landscape and advocate for the best interests of students and educational institutions.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze legal issues and propose innovative solutions.
• Enhance communication and advocacy abilities to effectively represent clients and advocate for policy changes.
• Promote ethical decision-making and professional conduct in the field of education law.
• Program Description: The MSEL program is a 36-credit graduate degree that can be completed in as little as two years.
It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers core legal principles, education law fundamentals, and specialized concentrations in areas such as cybersecurity law, education law advocacy, and exceptional education.

Outline:

• Content: The MSEL program curriculum encompasses the following areas:
• Core Legal Principles: Legal Research Methods and Reasoning, Federal Privacy Law, Professional Communication, Legal Foundations
• Education Law Fundamentals: Ethical Issues in Education Law, Federal Legislation in Education, Constitutional Law in the Classroom, Special Education Advocacy Workshop
• Concentrations:
• Cybersecurity Law Concentration: Principles of Information Security, Cyber and Information Crimes, Electronic Commerce and Digital Trade, Cyber Law and Modern Mass Communications Policy
• Education Law Advocacy Concentration: Effective Advocacy Skills, School Discipline Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Exceptional Education Concentration: Special Education Advocacy Workshop, Response to Intervention, Bullying and Harassment
• Structure: The MSEL program is offered fully online, providing flexibility for working professionals and those with busy schedules.
Classes are typically held in the evenings and on weekends, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.
• Course Schedule: The program follows a semester-based schedule, with classes starting in September (Fall term), January (Winter term), April (Spring term), and June (Summer term).
• Individual Modules with Descriptions:
• MLAW 1020: Legal Research Methods and Reasoning:
Develops foundational skills in legal research, analysis, and writing.
• MLAW 1032: Federal Privacy Law: Examines federal laws and regulations governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• MLAW 1035: Professional Communication: Enhances written and oral communication skills essential for effective legal practice.
• MLAW 1036: Legal Foundations: Provides an overview of the American legal system, including the structure of the courts, sources of law, and legal reasoning.
• MEDL 1040: Ethical Issues in Education Law: Explores ethical dilemmas and professional responsibilities in education law practice.
• MEDL 1070: Federal Legislation in Education: Examines major federal laws governing education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the No Child Left Behind Act.
• MEDL 1080: Constitutional Law in the Classroom: Analyzes constitutional principles and their application to education, including the First Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause, and the Due Process Clause.
• MEDL 1030: Special Education Advocacy Workshop: Develops practical skills in advocating for the rights of students with disabilities.
• MLAW 3025: Individual Research Project Seminar: Culminates in a substantial research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Electives: Students can choose from a wide range of electives to customize their program and pursue their specific interests.

Assessment:

• The MSEL program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams: Written and oral exams assess students' knowledge and understanding of the course material.
• Papers and Projects: Research papers, case briefs, and other projects demonstrate students' ability to analyze legal issues and apply their knowledge to practical scenarios.
• Class Participation: Active participation in class discussions and activities contributes to the overall assessment.
• Grading: Student performance is typically assessed on a letter grade scale.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The MSEL program employs a variety of teaching methods to enhance student engagement and learning, including:
• Lectures: Faculty present course material through interactive lectures that incorporate real-world examples.
• Case Studies: Students analyze actual legal cases and apply their knowledge to solve problems.
• Simulations: Mock trials and other simulations provide hands-on experience in legal advocacy.
• Online Discussions: Asynchronous online discussions foster collaboration and peer learning.
• Faculty: The MSEL program is taught by experienced legal professionals and educators, including practicing attorneys, judges, and law professors.
Faculty members are committed to providing mentorship and guidance to students throughout their studies.
• Unique Approaches: The MSEL program offers unique features to enhance the student experience, such as:
• Fast-Track Option: Students can complete the program in just one year (four terms) by working with an admissions advisor to design a custom plan of study.
• Concentrations: The specialized concentrations allow students to focus their studies on specific areas of interest within education law.
• Hybrid Learning: Some courses may incorporate a hybrid format, combining online and in-person instruction.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the MSEL program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Education Law: As attorneys, advocates, or policy analysts in education law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• K-12 Education: As school administrators, curriculum developers, or legal counsel for school districts.
• Higher Education: As legal counsel for colleges and universities, or as faculty members teaching education law courses.
• Policy and Advocacy: As policy analysts, lobbyists, or advocates for educational reform.
• Opportunities and Outcomes: The MSEL program provides graduates with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.
Graduates have gone on to work in leading education law firms, government agencies, and educational institutions.