Dual Degrees
Dual Degrees
Students in the dual degree program combine their law degree with one in another subject, joining two areas of interest and expanding career opportunities. Boston College Law School partners with other programs such as Tufts University, Vermont Law School, and the Sorbonne Law School of the Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne.
JD/MBA
Purpose:
Offered in conjunction with the Carroll School of Management, this popular program is ideal for future lawyers targeting careers in the corporate sector. The purpose is to provide professionals with a unique knowledge base combining the skills and credentials of management and law practice.
Timeline:
Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. It is preferable for students to begin at the Law School. This provides a solid philosophical foundation for the program and ensures that the student will maintain continuity at the business school by entering and graduating with the same cohort and class.
Contact:
Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MBA program, contact the Carroll School of Management.
Sample Plan of Study
JD/MSW
Purpose:
The MSW/JD Dual degree Program is designed for students who are interested in serving the combined legal and social needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program reflects the University’s mission to educate individuals who are committed to working with the poor, the powerless, and the disadvantaged. It is intended for persons who wish to combine social work knowledge and intervention skills with legal knowledge and practice skills to better serve their clients or constituencies.
Timeline:
Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. Graduating students will be eligible to take the bar and social work licensing exams. It is preferable for students to begin the program at the School of Social Work. This provides a solid philosophical foundation for the program and ensures that the student will maintain continuity at the Law School by entering and graduating with the same class.
Contact:
Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MSW program, contact the Graduate School of Social Work.
Sample Plan of Study - Law Start
Sample Plan of Study - SSW Start
JD/MEd or MA in Education
Purpose:
Interdisciplinary expertise in law and education can be invaluable for students committed to the pursuit of social justice and quality education for all. These programs provide students with access to leading experts and field-based learning experiences, allowing them to acquire vital skills. Students emerge prepared to act as advocates in a variety of careers, including as policymakers, education leaders, policy analysts, and teachers.
Timeline:
Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both degrees in about three years.Students must begin at the Law School. This provides a solid philosophical foundation for the program.
Contact:
Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the Education programs, contact the Lynch School of Education & Human Development website.
Sample Plan of Study
JD/MA or JD/PhD in Philosophy
Purpose:
Law and philosophy have always been inextricably linked, employing similar styles of argument and analysis. These dual degrees provide frameworks for examining issues of globalization, bioethics, modern technology, professional responsibility, and social justice—designed for students looking to leverage interests in legal theory and jurisprudence.
The JD/MA program offers a foundation for examining a range of topics, allowing students to put theory into practice. The JD/PhD program investigates the intersection of law and philosophy, preparing students for academic careers.
Timeline:
The JD/MA program may be completed in as few as three years, but it must be completed within six years of enrollment. The JD/PhD program may be completed in as few as six years, but it must be completed within ten years of enrollment.
Contact:
Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MS or PhD program, contact the Philosophy Department.
Sample Plan of Study
JD/MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (with Tufts University)
Purpose:
This innovative program offers BC Law students the chance to explore an array of professional practice areas. Participants acquire practical skills while studying land law, environmental policy, the limits of private and governmental roles in urban planning, and more. Courses incorporate debates and critical thinking about the environment, human settlements, social and environmental justice, corporate responsibility, and public and private land use management.
Timeline:
Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning (MA) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately.
Contact:
Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MA program, contact Tufts Admissions.
Sample Plan of Study - Law Start
Sample Plan of Study - Tufts Start
JD/MPH (with Tufts University)
Purpose:
This Master of Public Health dual degree puts students in position to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the legal and public health fields. The curriculum lies at the intersection of health law and policy, where interdisciplinary training has become more essential than ever. Among other issues, students examine health care law, global health, environmental regulation, and food safety policy.
Timeline:
Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. Students can either complete their 1L course of study first before beginning MPH coursework, or begin MPH coursework in the pre-1L summer.
Contact:
Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MPH program, contact Tufts Admissions.
Sample Plan of Study - Fall Start at BC Law
Sample Plan of Study - Summer Start at Tufts
JD/MA in Law and Diplomacy (with Tufts University)
Purpose:
Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD), Fletcher's flagship international affairs degree, is highly flexible and can be customized in numerous ways to meet specific academic, personal and professional goals. The program allows for students to explore different aspects of International Relations while benefiting from Fletcher's unique interdisciplinary approach that breaks down walls between disciplines and trains students to look across them for solutions.
Timeline:
Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years to complete the two separately. Students can either complete their 1L course of study first before beginning MALD coursework, or begin one academic year of MALD coursework before beginning the 1L course of study.
Contact:
Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MPH program, contact Tufts Admissions.
Sample Plan of Study - Law Start
Sample Plan of Study - Fletcher Start
JD/Masters Degrees in Environmental, Energy, or Food & Agriculture Law (with Vermont Law School)
Purpose:
Presented in partnership with Vermont Law & Graduate School, this program offers several specialized advanced degree credentials, focused training, and flexibility: Students can choose masters concentrations in environmental protection, energy, or food & agriculture law.
Contact:
Contact the BC Law Admissions Office to learn more about the JD program. For information on the MA programs, contact Vermont Law & Graduate School.
Being admitted into one graduate program does not guarantee admission into the other. A student must apply to both schools and admission decisions are made independently. Please note that enrollment in a dual degree program may have an impact on tuition and financial aid. Students considering enrollment in a dual degree program must meet with Academic & Student Services.