Joint Degree Programs

The School of Law and the College of Business Administration (CBA) offer joint programs in legal and administrative studies (JD/MBA), legal and management studies (JD/MSM) and legal and taxation studies (JD/MT). These combinations are of interest to students preparing for careers in such areas as corporate law, tax accounting, human resource management or legal practice in government. The total amount of time required to complete a joint degree program is shorter than the time required to complete both programs independently because required courses in one college fulfill course requirements in the other college. The reciprocal acceptance of course credits by each school is the essence of the joint program.

In order to pursue the JD/MBA, JD/MSM or the JD/MT cooperative programs, you must apply to, and be accepted by, both the School of Law and the College of Business Administration. You should contact each college independently for information concerning admission criteria and procedures. Individuals with baccalaureate degrees in any field of study are eligible to apply for a joint program.

Students accepted to a joint program usually complete the first year (if day/full-time) or second year (if evening/part-time) of law school without taking any graduate courses in the College of Business Administration. Sometime during the first or second year of law school you should make an appointment with a Graduate Adviser in the College of Business Administration for counseling. During the second year of law school (for full-time) or third year (for part-time), course work may include both law and business administration courses. Students should meet with counselors in both the School of Law and the College of Business Administration to ensure that the courses are acceptable according to both colleges' requirements and schedules.

Some students begin course work in the CBA before entering law school. CBA course work taken prior to law studies will not be transferable to the School of Law. You should check with a College of Business Adviser to carefully plan your studies to get the maximum transfer benefit.