Skip to main content

Weigh Types of J.D.-MBA Programs, Applications

By U.S. News & World Report

Typical law school programs involve three years of study, while MBA programs require two years. Instead of students devoting five years to pursuing both degrees, traditional joint programs allow students to earn the two credentials in four years. Schools like Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of Chicago all follow the traditional J.D.-MBA approach.

Gaining admission typically requires separate applications to both the law school and business school. This usually means taking both the LSAT and GMAT.

Often applicants apply contemporaneously to several J.D.-MBA programs. Getting a “match” of admission to both schools makes the application process more competitive. Another option is to apply during your first year of law school, which means submitting an application to your school’s corresponding MBA program.

[Decide if a J.D.-MBA dual degree is right for you.]

Because each school’s admissions office reviews applications separately, prospective students may try to take short cuts by submitting identical material. But recycling application material can backfire. It is important to establish why you need an MBA when applying to business schools and why you need a J.D. when applying to law schools. Neither degree should come across as ancillary.

While you can submit the same letters of recommendations, your recommenders will need to upload their letters separately to each program. As such, I advise applicants to ask recommenders to draft two letters each: one targeting business school and one targeting law school.

Adjust your personal statement to highlight different skills and goals. For MBA programs, emphasize how your professional experience shapes your desire to work in the corporate sector. For J.D. programs, reflect upon how the law intersects with your experiences and why understanding legal issues is crucial to your career path.

Applicants can write about the same experiences, but should adjust the discussion to focus on either law or business. You may also want to share in your application that you are pursuing a joint degree.

You can also modify your resume. MBA programs value practical work experience. Descriptions of your professional accomplishments should be concrete and specific. J.D. programs value work experience, too, but they also like to see evidence of research, writing and extracurricular involvement.

[Check out five key qualities of successful MBA applications.]

Three-Year Programs

Since joint J.D.-MBA degrees have grown more popular, some schools offer even more integrated programming. Instead of four years of study, you can earn a joint J.D.-MBA in three years.

Advantages of three-year programs include graduating with peers from both schools, as well as saving time and the costs associated with a fourth year in academia. Disadvantages include less time to network and less opportunity to explore academic pursuits.

Yale University and Columbia University, for example, both have three-year integrated J.D.-MBA programs.

[Consider these five reasons not to get a dual J.D.-MBA.]

Integrated Applications

Several programs have begun to integrate their applications. There is a lot of variability in how schools process these applications, so be prepared to research application requirements thoroughly.

For example, New York University‘s traditional four-year J.D.-MBA program involves an integrated application, but applications are still reviewed separately, which means prospective students need to gain admission to both programs. Note that the GMAT or GRE is optional — but the LSAT is mandatory.

In contrast, you can apply to Northwestern University‘s three-year accelerated program with one integrated application to the business school. GMAT scores are necessary, but applicants are not required to submit a separate law school application or even an LSAT score.

The University of Pennsylvania‘s J.D.-MBA also has a three-year program with an integrated application, but requires both the GMAT and LSAT.

Unlike separate applications, you will be submitting one set of materials. Therefore your application needs to showcase how your professional experiences position you for both a corporate and legal career path.

Unsure how to articulate your interest in business and law? You can reach me at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.

More from U.S. News

10-Week Timeline for Submitting Law School Applications

Make the Most of LSAT Practice Tests

Make the Most of Law School Recruiting Events

Weigh Types of J.D.-MBA Programs, Applications originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia’s next president as rival challenges vote