Recognizing that today’s lawyers are called upon for creative and thoughtful leadership on complex issues, Hamline University and Hamline University School of Law are responding with an innovative program to produce lawyers capable of exploring social and political issues through fiction and creative nonfiction writing. Hamline students now have the unique opportunity to pursue both a juris doctor (JD) and a master of fine arts (MFA) degree in creative writing. Hamline’s joint JD/MFA in creative writing degree is the first of its kind in the nation.
“There’s no doubt that the world is rapidly changing in this global economy,” Hamline University School of Law Dean Don Lewis said. “To be successful, lawyers and other leaders must be able to think creatively and use disciplined imagination to solve problems. For students who can meet the rigorous admission requirements of both schools, the combined JD/MFA will encourage creativity and personal expression as part of the analytical rigor of law. Our graduates will be well positioned to serve as global leaders, thinkers, writers and, of course, members of the bench and bar.”
The MFA program at Hamline University was established as Minnesota’s first master of fine arts program in creative writing and is distinguished by its multidisciplinary emphasis and its encouragement of multi-genre explorations. The JD program at Hamline University School of Law provides a dramatically expanded interdisciplinary approach to writing and exploration of social and political issues through fiction and creative nonfiction writing. Students may apply to either program at any time.
Graduate School of Liberal Studies Dean Mary Rockcastle (pictured right) said the new dual program will allow Hamline “to create a bridge between two very different programs.” Rockcastle said that in the Graduate School of Liberal Studies, faculty members integrate the craft and values of good writing into interdisciplinary coursework and encourage students to write and publish in multiple content areas.
“Now, we’ll be able to do the same with students in law school, who can take their knowledge and experience as lawyers and write — nonfiction, fiction, screenplays and poetry,” Rockcastle said.
The JD/MFA is just one of Hamline’s many joint degree programs, which also include management, nonprofit management, public administration, and organizational leadership. To learn more about the new joint degree program, which was featured in the July 30 issue of Minnesota Lawyer, visit www.hamline.edu/law/jdmfa.