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Are you thinking about pursuing both a law degree and an MBA? Specifically, JD MBA programs offer a powerful combination of legal and business training. Therefore, the dual degree is ideal for careers in corporate law, entrepreneurship, finance, and beyond.
But which programs stand out?
Quick Answer: Top-ranked JD MBA programs include the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton & Carey Law), Northwestern (Kellogg & Pritzker), University of Chicago (Booth & Law), Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and Yale. These programs are known for their academic rigor, strong career placement, and opportunities to complete both degrees in as little as three years.
Let’s look at what makes these JD MBA programs the best and how to choose the right one for your goals.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- What is a JD MBA?
- Why Consider a JD MBA?
- Top-Ranked JD MBA Programs
- How to Choose the Best JD MBA Programs for You
- JD MBA Careers: What Can You Do?
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is a JD MBA?
- What’s Next?
What is a JD MBA?
A JD MBA is a dual-degree program awarding both a Juris Doctorate (JD) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Often, JD MBA programs require less time to complete than they would separately.
The top JD MBA programs combine comprehensive legal education with foundational business training. As a result, graduates are versatile and competitive in the job market.
What do you learn in law school?
Coursework in the JD program (law school) includes fundamental legal instruction. Specifically, this includes classes in constitutional law, civil procedure, contract law, and more.
From there, JD candidates may choose to specialize. At that point, advanced coursework may focus on specific areas of law, such as international law, intellectual property, or family law.
What do you learn in business school?
Coursework in the MBA program (business school) includes fundamental business concepts. Specifically, this includes coursework in finance, accounting, marketing, economics, and more.
Subsequently, MBA candidates may elect to specialize. Therefore, advanced coursework may include corporate strategy, advanced financial analysis, market research, and more.
KEY FACT:
JD MBA programs require less time to complete than pursuing the degrees individually.
Why Consider a JD MBA?
Candidates pursue a JD MBA for all types of reasons. For instance:
- Career options: From corporate law to investment banking, JD MBA graduates can pursue a variety of career paths.
- Leadership roles: A JD MBA is a strong option for future CEOs, GCs, policy leaders, and entrepreneurs.
- Time efficiency: Accelerated JD MBA programs can be completed in just 3 years.
We recommend that candidates discuss their career goals with admissions officers at their target JD MBA programs or with an admissions consultant.
Some candidates believe they must have a JD MBA to pursue their goals. However, this is not always the case. Conversations with admissions officers and consultants can ensure you’re on the right track.
KEY FACT:
JD MBA candidates can pursue a variety of career paths and have flexibility in their future careers.
Top-Ranked JD MBA Programs
There are many programs across the U.S. and the globe that offer dual JD MBA degrees. Here is a list of some of the best JD MBA programs in the United States:
- University of Pennsylvania (Wharton & Carey Law)
- Duration: 3 years
- Strengths: finance, corporate law, entrepreneurship
- Career paths: JD MBA investment banking, consulting, startups
- Northwestern University (Kellogg & Pritzker)
- Duration: 3 years
- Strengths: M&A, consulting
- Career paths: top-tier law firms and Fortune 500s
- University of Chicago (Booth & Law School)
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Strengths: quantitative rigor, legal theory
- Career paths: hedge funds, law firms, tec
- Harvard University (HBS & HLS)
- Duration: 4 years
- Strengths: prestige, selectivity, case method
- Career paths: government, big law, global business
- Stanford University (GSB & SLS)
- Duration: 4 years
- Strengths: prestige, selectivity, innovation
- Career paths: tech law, venture capital, startups
- Columbia University (CBS & CLS)
- Duration: 3 years
- Strengths: New York City location, access to Wall Street
- Career paths: investment banking, private equity, corporate law
- Yale University (SOM & YLS)
- Duration: 4 years
- Strengths: Policy, ethics, innovation
- Career paths: policy and government, corporate strategy, nonprofits
While it’s useful to use rankings as a starting point, we recommend that you don’t stop there. Specifically, do some research beyond the lists of top programs and determine which JD MBA programs are best for you and your goals.
In the next section, we’ll discuss how to choose the best JD MBA programs for you.
KEY FACT:
Most JD MBA programs can be completed in 3–4 years.
How to Choose the Best JD MBA Programs for You
Every candidate has criteria for selecting the best programs. Therefore, when evaluating the top JD MBA program for you, consider the following criteria:
- Duration: Do you want 3-year JD/MBA programs or a traditional 4-year program? If you want an accelerated path, research the top 3-year JD MBA programs.
- Career goals: Are you pursuing JD MBA consulting jobs or in-house roles? Determine how each of the degrees will facilitate your future career path.
- Location: Is proximity to big law firms, financial hubs, or tech communities important to you? Articulate how geography plays a role in selecting your target JD MBA programs.
- Cost and scholarships: Is the JD MBA cost an important factor? If so, research JD MBA scholarships at your target programs.
After evaluating the above criteria, it’s likely that several JD MBA programs will help you reach your goals. Then, determine your likelihood of gaining admission to each of these programs.
It’s helpful to attend info sessions to understand what each program offers and learn more about career opportunities. Additionally, the information you learn will likely be useful in your application essays.
If you’re unsure about your target list of JD MBA programs, chat with one of TTP’s experienced admissions consultants.
TTP PRO TIP:
If you seek an accelerated degree, narrow your choices to 3-year JD MBA programs.
JD MBA Careers: What Can You Do?
You may be wondering: What can you do with a JD MBA? As we’ve discussed, JD MBA degrees can help you pursue a variety of career paths in numerous industries.
Specifically, jobs for JD MBA graduates include the following functions and industries:
- Corporate Law
- Government
- Policy and Non-profit leadership
- Private Equity
- Investment Banking
- Management Consulting
- Tech Startups
- Entrepreneurship
If you’re not sure which is best for you, research JD MBA career paths. Additionally, look into MBA and law degree salary expectations by industry.
Finally, compare your areas of interest with the offerings and strengths of your target JD MBA programs.
KEY FACT:
JD MBA degrees open diverse career paths across law, business, government, finance, consulting, tech, and entrepreneurship sectors.
Key Takeaways
Top-ranked JD MBA programs offer candidates a variety of career options. However, it’s important to develop your career goals before applying.
Additionally, consider the following best practices:
- Start early. Many programs have separate processes and requirements for JD MBA applications. Therefore, an early start will ensure that you have enough time to complete both applications.
- Prepare for the curriculum. Many JD MBA programs have a rigorous course load. As a result, you may want to allocate time to coursework to prepare for the first-year curriculum.
- Network. Leverage networking opportunities to shape your career goals. Specifically, talk with people in your desired career paths to understand how a JD MBA will facilitate your goals.
The more prepared you are at the beginning of the process, the better your career prospects will be. As we’ve mentioned in this article, the JD MBA degrees can open a world of opportunities for your career.
Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a JD MBA?
A JD MBA degree program includes a law degree (Juris Doctor) and a business degree (Master of Business Administration). Specifically, the dual degree program enables candidates to finish the degrees on an accelerated timeline.
How long does a JD MBA take?
Most JD MBA programs take 3 to 4 years, depending on the university. Therefore, you must research your target JD MBA programs to ensure the timeline works for you and your goals.
Is a JD MBA worth it?
It depends. Specifically, if you are seeking high-level legal, business, or policy roles, the dual degree program may be worth it.
Therefore, we recommend that you spend time researching your target career goals and determining if it’s the right fit for you.
What’s Next?
Unsure if a JD MBA is the best next step for your career? We can help!
