“In my career, a dual degree has had the effect of making both degrees more valuable. There’s a synergy between law and the other discipline, so you can get a deeper understanding on how one field relates to the other.”
— Francisco (Cisco) Aguilar, Class of 2004
Students considering interdisciplinary research or dual degree programs benefit from the deep strengths of the University of Arizona and its many leading programs.
Students in dual degree programs often complete the first year of law school before taking the first year of the graduate curriculum, then select coursework from both departments with guidance from faculty advisors in both programs.
There are independent requirements for admission to Arizona Law and University of Arizona graduate programs, and students must apply and be admitted to each program independently of each other.
Dual Degree Programs
Law and business are more interconnected than ever before.
Business lawyers need a robust understanding of corporate finance, management, entrepreneurship, and accounting to better serve their clients. Corporations often turn to lawyers to serve as CEOs or in other business roles, especially firms that operate in highly regulated markets. In partnership with the UA Eller College of Management, our dual-degree JD/MBA program prepares students for these careers. You may select from a four-year or three-year option.
Applying to the JD/MBA Program
- You must apply to and be admitted separately by Arizona Law and Eller,
- You must inform both schools of your intent to pursue the JD/MBA program either on the application or by phone or email, and
- You must identify which track (3-year or 4-year) you wish to pursue, and
- You must meet all of the independent requirements for admission to both the JD and MBA programs.
COMPARING THREE-YEAR AND FOUR-YEAR JD/MBA TRACKS
What is the difference between the three- and four-year JD/MBA tracks?
The three-year JD/MBA track permits a student to complete both degrees in three academic years while the traditional four-year JD/MBA track requires four academic years. To complete both degrees in three years, the curriculum is more structured and requires a relatively heavy credit-hour load in the later semesters of the three-year track, and that students take 6 units of courses in the summer, which can generally be taken in evenings to avoid conflict with summer employment. At the end of both tracks, graduates earn two full degrees: a JD and an MBA.
Who should pursue the three-year JD/MBA?
The three-year JD/MBA is primarily geared toward individuals with a clearer understanding of their career goals. The shorter length of the three-year track works well for those who are leaving full-time employment to complete the JD/MBA, as absence from the workforce is shortened by one year and income loss is minimized.
Who should pursue the four-year JD/MBA?
If you're interested in practicing law that involves business clients, working in a corporate law department, or have future entrepreneurial interests, the four-year track may be a good option for you. The four-year track is better suited to those with minimal to no post-college work experience and allows students the opportunity to explore careers in business and/or law.
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION
What are the prerequisites for admission to the program?
Neither Arizona Law nor Eller requires specific undergraduate majors or undergraduate coursework as prerequisites for admission. Review the admission criteria for Arizona Law and Eller.
Do I need to apply to each school separately?
Yes. On each application you must indicate that you wish to be considered for the JD/MBA program. It is possible for applicants to be admitted to one school and not the other.
If I have already applied to one of the schools, what should I do?
You should simply apply to the other school, and inform both schools that you wish to be considered for the JD/MBA program.
Must I pay the application fee to both? Are the fees able to be waived?
You must pay each school’s application fee. Arizona Law will waive the application fee in certain circumstances, including financial need. Students seeking a fee waiver should contact the Admissions Office at email@example.com or (520) 621-3477 and ask for a Fee Waiver Application.
Do I have to take the LSAT and GMAT? When are the tests available and how do I register for them?
Having both an LSAT or GRE score (for Law) and a GMAT score (for Eller) is preferred. Either (but not both) can be waived in particular circumstances. Please talk with the admissions representative regarding your situation. Dates of administration and registration information for each test are available at their respective websites: www.lsac.org, www.ets.org/gre, and www.mba.com.
Can I apply as a current 2L?
Current 2L students are eligible for consideration to the four-year JD/MBA track. Because the condensed curricular structure and timeline of the three-year track requires students to spend the entire second year of study taking business courses at Eller, current 2L students are not be able to complete the dual degree program within the three-year timeline.
How can I arrange a visit to the two schools? Can I attend a class? Can I correspond with current students of the two schools? What other activities can be arranged during my visit?
- Schedule a visit to Arizona Law
- Contact Eller MBA Admissions at firstname.lastname@example.org or (888) 355-3762
Are law and business classes held in the same building or, if not, are the buildings in close proximity?
The law and business buildings are adjacent, within a minute walking distance of each other.
Will I be able to take the courses that are typically covered on bar exams?
Yes. The exact courses you are able to take, however, will depend on each semester's schedule of classes.
Are JD/MBA students required to participate in a clinic?
JD/MBA students are not required to participate, but often take part in a clinical opportunity.
Can I still participate in a law journal and/or moot court program within the law school?
These opportunities are available to students on both the three-year and four-year tracks, but three-year JD/MBA students may find that the accelerated three-year schedule limits the amount of time available to participate in these activities.
Will I be eligible for honors?
In our JD/MBA program all courses for credit must be taken at either Arizona Law or Eller. You are eligible to graduate with honors at both Arizona Law and Eller; the grades used to determine honors will be only those for classes taken at the school granting the honors (cross-listed courses count in a student’s grade point average at both Arizona Law and Eller).
As I near completion of the program, can I pursue jobs in both business and law?
Yes. You will have both a law and a business degree. However, to practice law you will also need to take and pass the bar examination of the jurisdiction in which you plan to practice law.
What assistance will I receive in finding a job? A job in the legal profession? A job in the business sector?
The career services offices of each school offer a full range of job search services. Furthermore, student groups actively network with alumni and potential employers, and both schools host multiple on-campus recruiting events.
In what geographical areas are graduates of the schools employed?
Arizona Law and Eller place their graduates all over the United States. Employment statistics are available on our websites: Arizona Law Career Development Office and Eller Career Management.
Students may use up to 15 units of law credit towards the MPA degree and up to 15 units of MPA credit towards the 88 unit total required for the JD. The duration of the program is four years.
JD/MPH: Master of Public Health
Prepares students to practice law in the public health sector and to be involved in high-level policy discussions with a focus on law, regulation, and legislation. Students may apply up to 15 units of MPH credit to the JD degree and must earn a total of 112 units combined between the programs. The JD/MPH is typically a four-year program.
Prepares students to be effective leaders in their home communities by conveying important information, backed by research, on best practices in indigenous governance – taking lessons from Native nations in the United States and indigenous communities around the world. The curriculum is designed to provide up-to-date knowledge and new perspectives focused on the critical challenges of indigenous governance and helps to place students at the vanguard of leadership in the field. Students may apply 15 units of the 88 units required for the JD to the 30-units (including the culminating experience) required for the MPS in Indigenous Governance degree. The JD/MPS is designed as a four-year program.
JD/MSF: Master of Science in Finance
Prepares students to practice law in specialized business and finance-related areas. Students who specialize in one of these areas may see that obtaining the additional credential of the MSF will help them in their careers. The dual degree will accommodate JD students seeking this additional certification. Requirements for the JD include 88 credits. The MSF degree requires 36 units. The dual degree program allows students to count nine units of relevant JD coursework toward the MSF degree and nine units of MSF coursework toward the JD degree. Thus, a student must earn a minimum of 103 credits to earn both degrees under the dual-degree program.
Prepares students to practice law in the area of environmental policy, where there is an increasing demand for professionals with both legal and analytical-quantitative training. The MS in Agricultural and Resource Economics requires 33 credits. Joint degree students in this program will also receive a Graduate Certificate in Economics, Law and the Environment (ELE). The JD/MS in Agricultural and Resource Economics is a rigorous four-year program, combining core training in law, a year of core training in microeconomics and econometrics, and two additional years of courses and workshops in environmental law, environmental economics, and other courses in both law and agricultural resource economics.
Prepares students to provide legal representation to Indian tribes, tribal organizations and individuals on a wide range of matters including civil rights, water rights, gaming, economic development and taxation on Indian lands. A minimum of 27 units of graduate coursework in American Indian Studies, plus nine units of specified law coursework and clinical work, are required for the 36-unit MA in American Indian Studies. Students may transfer 15 units of American Indian Studies coursework toward the 88 units required for the JD. The JD/MA in American Indian Studies is a four-year program.
Prepares students to practice law, particularly in the Southwest border region, with a depth of understanding of Latin American history, culture, and Spanish or Portuguese language skills. A minimum of 21 units of graduate coursework in Latin American Studies, plus 15 units of specified law coursework and clinical work, are required for the 36-unit MA in Latin American Studies. Students may transfer up to 12 units of Latin American Studies courses and seminars toward the JD degree. The JD/MA in Latin American Studies is a four-year program.
Prepares students to practice law with an understanding of the historical and cultural dimensions of gender and feminism, as well as the interconnections of gender, law, and public policy, both nationally and internationally. A minimum of 21 units of graduate coursework in Gender and Women’s Studies or other graduate electives, plus 15 units of approved law coursework, is required for the 36-unit MA in Gender and Women’s Studies. Students may transfer up to 15 units of Gender and Women’s Studies courses and seminars toward the JD degree. The JD/MA in Gender and Women’s Studies is a four-year program. Students spend the first year of study in the law school.
The LLM is an intensive program that offers you an opportunity to gain a level of proficiency within a specific field of law to pursue professionally. Advance your knowledge with in-depth study and interaction with experts in the field of law, including experienced academics and policymakers. It is also a prerequisite for earning a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), the highest degree offered in law.