Hempstead,
NY,
United States
Type
Private
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
Juris Doctor/Master of Linguistics in Forensic Linguistics in Hempstead United States | Hofstra University
Hofstra University
|
Hempstead United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Combined Graduate / Doctoral Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
74,723
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
48 months
The JD/MALFL is a dual-degree program provided through a collaboration between the Maurice A. Deane School of Law and Hofstra College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (HCLAS).
Linguistics, as a scientific discipline, systematically examines every facet of human communication. One of its specialized branches, forensic linguistics, emerged from recognizing that language lies at the heart of most legal issues—whether involving statutory interpretation, contract disputes, confession validity, jury instruction clarity, warning label effectiveness, advertising truthfulness, copyright infringement, defamation cases, or countless other scenarios.
This field enhances legal examination by implementing scientifically validated language analysis methods. Professionals in forensic linguistics work across various sectors, including law enforcement and academic institutions, frequently serving as expert witnesses. The legal community—including scholars, judges, and practitioners—has shown growing interest in this discipline.
This combined program enables students to earn both a JD and MALFL degree in four years instead of the typical five. More significantly, it offers an integrated educational approach through specialized internships and courses that bridge legal studies with forensic linguistics training.
Students gain practical experience through initiatives like Hofstra's Forensic Linguistic Capital Case Innocence Project and the Institute for Forensic Linguistics, where they examine active cases, contribute to legal reports, and advise defense attorneys on linguistic matters.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
Students seeking admission to the joint-degree program must be admitted separately to the Law School and to HCLAS's MALFL program. All applicants must meet the requirements for full-time admission to the Law School. A check box is included on each school's application that allows students to indicate their interest in being considered for the joint program.
Students may apply to the joint-degree program as they apply to, or during their first year in, either program. However, because of the timing of the various law school activities, potential participants are strongly advised that they will have the smoothest student experience if their four years consist, in order, of:
Year 1: First-year MALFL studies,
Year 2: First-year Law School studies,
Year 3: Completion of second-year Law School requirements, plus appropriate electives/requirements in either school,
Year 4: Completion of remaining program requirements in either school.
TOEFL - 80
IELTS - 6.5
Students may apply to the joint-degree program as they apply to, or during their first year in, either program. However, because of the timing of the various law school activities, potential participants are strongly advised that they will have the smoothest student experience if their four years consist, in order, of:
Year 1: First-year MALFL studies,
Year 2: First-year Law School studies,
Year 3: Completion of second-year Law School requirements, plus appropriate electives/requirements in either school,
Year 4: Completion of remaining program requirements in either school.
TOEFL - 80
IELTS - 6.5
Tuition
USD
74,723