Canon law, in its strictest sense, is a set of ecclesiastical laws implemented and observed in several churches, most commonly in the Catholic Church. (1) That being said, canon law makes up the Church’s legal system. Experts in canon law are appropriately called canon lawyers who spent time studying in some pontifical universities.
Canon Law Degree
Canon law degree, often called Licentiate of Canon Law Degree, is a three-year endeavor focusing on the study of canon law, its history, foundation, principles, and practical application. Most commonly, canon law degree is taken up by Church leaders, such as priests, and lay men and women who have interest in Church government and ministry.
Obtaining a Canon Law Degree
If you are interested in obtaining a canon law degree, you should have sufficient knowledge about the entirety of the Church, thus you must have obtained a master’s degree in theology or other advanced theology- and church-related studies; otherwise, you must have to earn prerequisite subjects such as Latin, philosophy, theology, and the fundamentals of the canon law within two years. (2) Like other advanced studies, canon law degree requires you to pass an oral exam and author a thesis.
Upon obtaining canon law degree, you are then eligible to pursue Doctor of Canon Law, which in itself takes another two years of study. Before earning your doctorate degree, you must first write a dissertation paper. (3)
Job Opportunities
After graduation you may think that the Church will be your source of employment; that is to say, you will work in any of the Church departments. This, of course, is a common notion, which happens to be partially incorrect. While it is true that most canon law graduates chose to serve the Church, there are those who opted to work for other institutions. For instance, there are some who are teaching canon law in pontifical universities. (4) Others might be practicing their expertise and knowledge as radio commentators, TV hosts, writers, counselors, and lecturers whose influences can reach a myriad of people from varying social classes, age brackets, countries, and cultures. (5)
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_law
(2) http://canonlaw.cua.edu/programs/jcl.cfm
(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Canon_Law
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licentiate_of_Canon_Law
(5) http://www.kul.lublin.pl/art_151.html