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Career Services Office Information Guide: Dual Degrees

Last Updated: Dec 19, 2023 12:50 PM

MBA

A combination of your law degree (J.D.) and a masters in business administration (MBA).

The oldest and largest dual-degree program is the J.D./MBA, offered jointly by the School of Management and the Law School for students interested in careers in law and business.

MA

A combination of your law degree (J.D.) and a masters in applied economics (MA).

This program offers advanced skills and expertise to prepare students for leadership roles in the global economy. The Law School and the Department of Economics offer an accelerated program leading to both a J.D. and a master’s degree in applied economics in 3 1/2 years.

MSW

A combination of your law degree (J.D.) and a masters in social work (MSW).

The Law School and the School of Social Work offer a four-year dual-degree program leading to both a J.D. and an MSW degree. The program integrates professional legal and social work training to prepare students for leadership roles as lawyers, social workers or administrators in government or human services agencies.

MLS

A combination of your law degree (J.D.) and a masters in legal information management and analysis, also known as a masters in library science (MLS).

The Law School and the Department of Library and Information Studies offer a collaborative program in legal information management and analysis that leads to both a J.D. and a master of library science degree. Students trained in the dual-degree program learn a practical model of law librarianship.

MUP

A combination of your law degree (J.D.) and a masters in urban planning (MUP).

The Law School and the School of Architecture and Planning have designed a four-year dual degree that leads to both a J.D. and a master’s degree in urban planning. Students completing this program are uniquely prepared for administration and public lawyering.

Pharm. D.

A combination of your law degree (J.D.) and a doctorate in pharmacy (Pharm. D.).

The Law School and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences have designed a six-year course of study that allows students to accelerate their studies to receive the J.D. and Pharm.D. degrees. This combination provides the scientific and legal training to excel in careers in biotechnology, intellectual property, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Why do a dual degree?

Pursuing both a J.D. degree and a Ph.D. or master’s degree gives a law student several advantages. First is the opportunity to acquire a broad understanding of the functions of law in society by integrating different disciplinary perspectives. Second, students can count some courses toward both programs and reduce the total time required to earn both degrees by up to a year.

For more information about available dual degree programs and their requirements.

General Information

After matriculation, the Law School will accept up to nine credit hours of law-related graduate courses in other departments toward the J.D. The participating departments will count law courses for at least 10 percent of their degree requirements to accelerate the course of study.  Students wishing to pursue both a J.D. and a graduate degree should contact the Law School Office of Admissions and any other relevant UB department.

If you wish to pursue both a J.D. and any of these following dual degrees, contact:

Admissions and Student Life
SUNY Buffalo Law School
309 O'Brian Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1100
716-645-2907, law-admissions@buffalo.edu