Juris Doctor / Master of Business Administration

Joint Degree Program Requirements

from Seattle University's Bulletin of Information 2007-2008

Joint Degree Crossover Courses

The Seattle University Juris Doctor / Master of Business Administration joint degree program is designed to allow students to complete both degrees in less time than if the two degrees were obtained independently outside the program. Certain courses taken at the School of Law count toward the MBA degree and certain courses taken in the Albers School of Business and Economics count toward the JD degree. This joint degree program is available to both full- and part-time students.

MBA degree:

Full-time graduate business students ordinarily complete the MBA degree in a minimum of two years. Prospective applicants should note that the admission requirements for the MBA program include a current resume reflecting full-time work experience. Applicants who will have completed their first year in the School of Law at Seattle University will be waived the work experience requirement, but a resume is required. MBA students must demonstrate computer and math proficiency and complete six prerequisite courses that provide fundamental business skills and knowledge, or they may seek to have some or all of those courses waived. In addition to the prerequisites, MBA students must complete 55 quarter credits of course work in designated areas, including ten required courses and eight elective courses. See specific MBA course requirements in the Graduate Bulletin of Information.

JD degree

Full-time law students ordinarily complete the JD degree in three years; part-time students may take four years or longer. Students must complete a total of 90 semester credits of course work. In the full-time program, students complete 30 credits of required course work in their first year. In their second and third years, law students must complete 15 credits of required course work and 45 elective credits. For specific JD course requirements see the School of Law Bulletin of Information.

JD / MBA Joint Degree Program

Full-time students can complete the JD / MBA joint degree program in a minimum of four years, which is one year less than would be required to complete the two degrees independently. Time to completion will be longer if the student is part-time and/or if the student must complete business prerequisites for the MBA degree. Students in the JD / MBA program must complete the equivalent of 90 semester credits for the JD degree and the equivalent of 55 quarter credits plus the prerequisites (unless waived) for the MBA degree. Students can satisfy the requirements for each degree by using a specified number of crossover credits chosen from a list of approved courses in each school. Of the 90 semester credits required for the JD degree, 12 semester credits can be satisfied by 18 quarter credits chosen from a list of specified graduate business degree courses. Of the 55 quarter credits required for the MBA degree, 12 quarter credits can be satisfied by 8 semester credits chosen from a list of specified JD degree courses. Students must, however, complete the business prerequisites (unless waived) and all of the required courses for each degree.