Dual Degree Programs

The School of Law jointly sponsors several interdisciplinary programs with other graduate schools of the University leading to a dual degree. The student enrolled in a dual degree program gains a greater appreciation of the interrelationships between the law and the graduate program studied. The student also earns both the degree of Juris Doctor, the basic professional degree in law and a doctor of philosophy or master's degree in less time than would be necessary to earn each degree separately.

The dual degree student must fulfill all entrance requirements of both the School of Law and the school from which the doctoral or master's degree is sought and must be accepted by both schools. Because admission to the master's program is not guaranteed by admission to the School of Law, application for both should be made either at the same time or during the student's first year of enrollment in the School of Law.

In order to gain the interdisciplinary benefit of a dual degree program, the student must begin the dual degree program no later than the start of the fourth semester of law school. The student may request that the School of Law forward transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other documents in the student's application file to the appropriate school.

With the exception of the J.D./Ph.D in Health Care Ethics, students are expected to complete the requirements for both degree programs within one semester of each other.

Special Note: Although the dual degree programs are open to all students, part-time students may find it impracticable to pursue the other degree program because of scheduling conflicts.

The School of Law has established dual degree programs with the graduate programs outlined below. In addition, the School of Law will consider fashioning a dual degree program to meet individual student interest. In the past, programs have been developed with the Graduate School in history, political science, philosophy, English, and economics and with the School of Social Service.

The dual degree programs available are:

• Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (J.D./M.B.A.)
  School of Law Contact - Interim Dean of Student Services- Chris Rollins

• Juris Doctor/Master of Health Care Administration (J.D./M.H.A.)
  School of Law Contact - Assistant Director Amy Sanders

• Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Public Administration
  (J.D./M.A. in Public Administration)
  School of Law Contact - McDonnell Professor of Justice in American Society Peter W. Salsich Jr.

• Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Urban Affairs (J.D./M.A. in Urban Affairs)
  School of Law Contact - McDonnell Professor of Justice in American Society Peter W. Salsich Jr.

• Juris Doctor/Master of Public Health (J.D./M.P.H.)
  School of Law Contact - Assistant Director Amy Sanders, Center for Health Law Studies

• Juris Doctor/Master of Public Health – Health Policy
  (J.D./M.P.H. – Health Policy)
  School of Law Contact - Assistant Director Amy Sanders, Center for Health Law Studies

• Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work (J.D./M.S.W.)
  School of Law Contact - Interim Dean of Student Services- Chris Rollins

• Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy in Law and Health Care Ethics
  (J.D./Ph.D. in Law and Health Care Ethics)
  School of Law Contact - Assistant Director Amy Sanders, Center for Health Law Studies