Gavin Howe
It is possible to pursue two law degrees, and many universities offer dual degree programs. For example, the University of Miami offers a J.D./M.B.A. program, while IE University offers a Dual Degree in Business Administration and Law. These programs can provide students with a deeper understanding of the relationship between business and law and prepare them for careers in complex corporate legal and business environments. Additionally, some universities offer joint degree programs that enable students to earn both American and Canadian law degrees, such as the International Energy Lawyers Program (IELP) sponsored by the University of Houston Law Center and the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. These dual degree programs can enhance a student's career prospects and provide a competitive edge in the job market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dual degree options | Business Administration and Law, Juris Doctor and Master of Accounting, JD and MD, JD and MSW, JD and LLM, JD and MBA, JD and Master's in Communication, JD and Master's in Media Management, JD and Master's in Live Entertainment Management, JD and Master's in Public Administration, JD and Master's in Environmental Law and Policy, JD and Master's in Energy Regulation, JD and Master's in Global Business Management, JD and Master's in Business of Innovation, Law and Technology, JD and LL.M. in Taxation, JD and LL.M. in Real Estate/Property Development, JD and LL.M. in Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law |
| Number of degrees received | Two undergraduate diplomas |
| Time taken to complete dual degree | Less time than pursuing the degrees separately |
| Cost of dual degree | Lower cost than pursuing the degrees separately |
| Application process | Students must be admitted separately to each degree program; admission to one degree has no bearing on admission to the other |
| Coursework | Students must complete specific courses at each university to receive a degree from the respective law school |
| Benefits | Fast-track your career, gain an edge in competitive job markets, develop key analytical and conflict resolution skills, enhance your Master's or JD, gain a deeper understanding of a specific area of law |
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What You'll Learn
Dual degrees in business and law
Earning two law degrees is possible through dual-degree programs offered by several universities. A dual degree in business and law can be an excellent option for those interested in both fields, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between business and law. This type of dual degree is designed to prepare students for global business and law by offering key analytical and conflict-resolution skills.
IE University, for instance, offers a Dual Degree in Business Administration and Laws. This demanding program follows an innovative teaching model and is taught in Segovia and Madrid. Students who start in Segovia will spend the first two years there before moving to Madrid for the remaining three years. Alternatively, they can choose to complete all five years of the program in Madrid. Upon graduation, students receive two undergraduate diplomas.
The University of Michigan Law School also offers a dual degree in Law and Business Administration (JD+MBA). This program enables students to pursue concurrent work in both fields, providing professional flexibility and the benefit of studying two distinct disciplines. Students are required to complete the first-year curriculum in one school before moving on to the other school's first-year courses in their second year. The University of Michigan's dual degree program is not open to those who have already earned either a JD or an MBA.
The University of Arizona Law also offers a three-year or four-year dual-degree program in Law and Business Administration (JD+MBA). Students typically complete the first year of law school before starting the graduate curriculum, and they can select courses from both departments with guidance from faculty advisors. This program allows students to apply up to 15 units of law credit towards the MBA degree and up to 15 units of MBA credit towards the 88 units required for the JD.
Additionally, the University of Miami School of Law provides a J.D./M.B.A. dual degree option, allowing students to pursue a Juris Doctor degree in Law and a Master's degree in Business Administration simultaneously. This joint degree structure helps students earn a second graduate degree in less time and at a lower cost than pursuing the degrees separately.
Vermont Law and Graduate School also offer dual-degree programs in partnership with institutions like UVM, Yale, and the University of Cambridge. While specific details about their business and law dual-degree program are not readily available, their partnerships with renowned institutions present an appealing opportunity for prospective students.
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Joint degree benefits
A joint degree in law offers several benefits and opportunities for students to deepen their legal knowledge and explore other interests. Here are some advantages of pursuing a joint degree in law:
Enhanced Legal Knowledge and Interdisciplinary Study
Joint degree programs allow students to deepen their understanding of the legal field while exploring other academic disciplines. For instance, a joint degree in law and sociology provides insights into the evolution of the legal system and its effects on society. Similarly, combining law with history enables students to study the history of legal thought and practice, helping them contextualize the present legal landscape.
Career Advantages and Employability
Joint degrees can provide a competitive edge when applying for training contracts or jobs in law firms. For example, a joint degree in law and business enhances commercial awareness, demonstrating an understanding of both the legal and financial aspects of a firm's operations. This combination is also transferable to other professions if students decide against a legal career. Additionally, joint degrees can lead to faster career progression and provide a broader range of career options.
Academic Flexibility and Customization
Joint degree programs offer students the flexibility to customize their curriculum. Students can work with advisors from both schools to determine their course of study and ensure it meets the requirements of both institutions. This allows for a diverse educational experience that aligns with their interests and career goals.
Cost-Effectiveness and Time Efficiency
Pursuing a joint degree can often result in cost and time savings. For example, Stanford Law School's JD/PhD program can be completed at one-third the cost of a similar joint degree elsewhere, and the typical completion time is significantly reduced. Additionally, joint degree programs may allow for the double-counting of credits between the two programs, further reducing the time and financial burden.
International Opportunities and Language Proficiency
Joint degree programs, particularly those involving study abroad, offer opportunities for international travel and gaining real-life experiences in different legal systems. Additionally, including a language component in a joint degree can enhance a student's employability. Law firms often view proficiency in a foreign language as an attractive asset, increasing a candidate's appeal.
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Dual degree requirements
Earning a dual degree in law can open doors to unique professional opportunities. However, it is essential to understand the requirements for obtaining such a degree. Here are the key dual-degree requirements:
Academic Prerequisites
To be considered for admission into a dual-degree program in law, students typically need to meet certain academic prerequisites. For example, at the University of Miami School of Law, applicants must have a very strong academic background and submit official ACT/SAT scores. Additionally, students need to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and, in some cases, submit additional requirements such as a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report from LSAC.
Separate Admissions
Most dual-degree programs require students to apply and gain admission to each school or department separately. For instance, at Columbia Law School, students must apply and be admitted to both the Law School and the Journalism School to earn a J.D. and M.S. degree. Similarly, the University of Michigan Law School states that a student must be admitted independently to each school from which they seek a degree.
Academic Requirements
Once admitted to a dual-degree program, students must meet the academic requirements of both programs. This typically includes completing foundation courses, professional responsibility courses, and writing requirements. For example, at Columbia Law School, dual-degree students must complete the Major Writing requirement and the Minor Writing requirement, in addition to 40 hours of pro bono service.
Credit Requirements
Earning a dual degree often involves managing credit requirements for both programs. In some cases, credits can be shared or double-counted between the two programs. However, it is important to note that the Law School cannot always accept credits earned in other graduate programs prior to matriculation. For example, at the University of Michigan Law School, credits earned in another graduate program before starting law studies cannot be counted toward a student's JD degree.
Residency Requirements
Dual-degree programs may have residency requirements, where students are expected to spend a specified amount of time in residence at each school or department. For instance, in the Columbia Law School and Journalism School dual-degree program, students spend five semesters in residence at the Law School and two semesters in residence at the Journalism School.
Simultaneous Completion
Most dual-degree programs expect students to complete both degrees simultaneously. For example, at the Sturm College of Law, dual-degree students must pursue both degrees concurrently, not consecutively. This typically involves being matriculated in both programs for at least one full academic year.
Additional Forms
Dual-degree students may be required to complete additional forms before or during their program. For instance, at the University of Michigan Law School, students are required to complete a Dual Degree Declaration Form at the start of the program and a Dual/Joint Degree Election Form prior to graduation.
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Dual degree costs
The cost of a dual degree will depend on the institution and the type of degree being pursued. Generally, earning a dual degree can be more cost-effective than pursuing the two degrees separately, as it can often be completed in less time.
For example, New York University School of Law offers a dual degree program that allows students to complete a JD and a Master's degree in four years, or the JD in five semesters while pursuing a PhD. The University of Miami also offers a variety of joint degree options, including a JD/MBA and a JD/MS, which can help students earn a second graduate degree in less time and at a lower cost than pursuing the degrees separately.
The University of Michigan Law School offers a dual degree program where tuition is assessed at either the Law School or the Graduate School rate, whichever is higher, when enrolled in both schools in a single term. Vermont Law and Graduate School also offer dual degree programs in partnership with institutions such as UVM, Yale, and the University of Cambridge, but specific cost information is not readily available.
Additionally, the UNC School of Law offers a dual degree program with a minimum of four academic years of full-time study. The MBA/JD dual degree program requires a minimum of 63 credit hours for the MBA and 74 credit hours for the JD, while the JD and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program is a 42-credit graduate degree.
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Dual degrees in two countries
Pursuing two law degrees in two different countries is possible through dual-degree programs offered by various universities. These programs allow students to gain a more international perspective and experience in their legal education. Here is some information about dual law degree programs in two countries:
Columbia Law School:
Columbia Law School offers several international dual-degree programs in collaboration with partner institutions. Students can spend two years in London and the remaining two years at Columbia Law School. They also have dual-degree programs in Paris and Frankfurt, where students spend their entire 3L year abroad. These programs provide a global context to legal studies, enhancing understanding of law, language, culture, and governance.
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law:
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offers two international dual-degree programs. Students spend their first two years at Northwestern Law and their third year at a partner institution. Upon completion, they receive both their JD degree from Northwestern and a degree from the host school. Northwestern has collaborations with IE Law School and Universidad Panamericana. The IE program offers an LLM in International Business Law, while the Universidad Panamericana program confers an LLB degree.
Duke University School of Law:
Duke Law School allows students to pursue two degrees simultaneously, such as the JD/LLM in International and Comparative Law or the JD/MA in Bioethics and Science Policy. Duke's interdisciplinary approach enables students to combine their JD with a graduate degree in various disciplines, including business administration, environmental management, and public policy.
Vermont Law and Graduate School:
Vermont Law and Graduate School offer dual-degree programs in partnership with institutions like Yale, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Cergy-Pontoise. Through these partnerships, students can earn both a JD and an LLM or enhance their JD with an advanced degree in business, environmental law, or global business management.
University of Miami School of Law:
The University of Miami offers over 20 joint degree options, enabling students to earn a dual degree with one of its outstanding schools or departments. Students can pursue combinations such as a J.D./M.B.A. with the Miami Herbert Business School or a J.D./M.A. in Communication with the School of Communication. These joint degree programs allow students to earn a second graduate degree more efficiently and at a lower cost.
These are just a few examples of universities offering dual law degree programs in two countries. Each program has its own unique structure, requirements, and benefits, allowing students to tailor their legal education to their interests and career goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to get two law degrees. Many universities offer dual degree programs in law, allowing students to earn two degrees simultaneously.
Some examples include:
- Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- JD and Master of Social Work (MSW)
- JD and Master of Accounting
- JD and Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Earning two law degrees can provide specialized knowledge in multiple areas of law, enhance career prospects, and offer a more comprehensive understanding of the legal field.
When choosing a dual degree program, consider your areas of interest, career goals, and the reputation of the universities offering the program. Ensure you meet the admission requirements and carefully review the curriculum and structure of the program.
Several universities offer dual law degree programs, including:
- University of Miami School of Law
- Vermont Law and Graduate School
- University of New Mexico School of Law
- IE University
- University of Houston Law Center
