Joint & Dual Degree Programs
The Law School participates with several other areas of the University in formal joint degree programs. These programs have specific admission requirements and candidates are able to count course work in each area toward the academic requirements in the other area, thus reducing the time and expense involved in earning both degrees. Although there currently are no formal joint J.D./Ph.D. degree programs with other areas of the University, candidates who wish to earn the J.D. in the Law School and a Ph.D. concurrently in another area of the University have found ways to facilitate and expedite such a dual course of study.
The Law School has formal joint degree programs with the Booth School of Business (both M.B.A. and Ph.D. degrees) and the Harris School of Public Policy (M.P.P.). The admission and degree requirements for these programs are available from the Law School Admissions Office.
Students pursuing dual or concurrent J.D. and Ph.D. degrees may, with the approval of the Law School Dean of Students, count up to 12 credits of course work outside the Law School toward the J.D. degree. The Law School is flexible in giving students leaves of absence so that they may register full time in other areas of the University. J.D. candidates working concurrently on Ph.D. dissertations with a law-related component have found that their studies in the Law School may enable them to complete their dissertations in a shorter time than other Ph.D. students.
In addition, the Law School has joined several other professional schools on campus (Booth, SSA, and Public Policy) and now offers law students an opportunity to earn a Certificate in Health Administration and Policy while simultaneously obtaining a J.D.
Law students have or are currently pursuing concurrent degrees in International Relations, Computer Science, Linguistics, and Economics. Students interested in applying to another program in the University should speak with the Dean of Students or the Associate Director of Student Affairs about the application process and transfer of joint credits. In addition, any students interested in pursuing a joint or dual degree should review the Joint and Dual Degree Handbook.
