Juris Doctor / Master of Science in Finance

Joint Degree Program Requirements

from Seattle University's Bulletin of Information 2008-2009

Joint Degree Crossover Courses

The Seattle University Juris Doctor / Master of Science in Finance 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 MSF 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.

MSF degree:

Full-time students ordinarily complete the Master of Science in Finance degree in a minimum of two years. Prospective applicants should note that the admission requirements for the MSF 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. MSF 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, students in the Master of Science in Finance program must complete 45 credits of course work in designated areas, including eight required courses and seven electives. Students with an MBA from an AACSB-accredited program may waive two of the free electives. See specific MFA 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 / MSF Joint Degree Program:

Full-time students can complete the JD / MSF 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 the business prerequisites for the MSF degree. Students in the JD / MSF program must complete the equivalent of 90 semester credits for the JD degree and the equivalent of 45 quarter credits plus the prerequisites (unless waived) for the MSF 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 45 quarter credits required for the MSF degree, 9 quarter credits can be satisfied by 6 semester credits chosen from a list of specified JD degree courses. [Please note that law credits may not be used to satisfy the MSF requirement of three finance courses chosen from specified electives.] Students must complete the business prerequisites (unless waived) and all of the required courses for each degree.