Emory Law and Goizueta Business School cooperate in a program that enables you to receive the juris doctor and master of business administration (JD/MBA) degrees in four years rather than the usual five. There is a variety of careers that our JD/MBA students typically choose. In the past, we have had a large majority of graduates pursue careers in law, investment banking, general management rotation programs, investment management, and consulting. Many of our graduates also pursue careers that are entrepreneurial in nature.
Dual Degree JD/MBA
JD/MBA Dual Degree
Law and Business
JD/MBA: Two Formats
You may begin the dual program in either the business school or the law school. In either case, the first year of study in the law school is taken solely in the law school and the first year of study in the business school is taken solely in the business school. The remaining two years of the program are taken jointly in the law and business schools. Students pay five semesters of law school tuition and three semesters of business school tuition. It is possible to start at Goizueta Business School after your second year at the School of Law, but this may limit some of your elective choices. In this option, the dual degree will take four years and allow for three summer internship opportunities.
It is also possible to start our One-Year MBA immediately following your first or second year of law school. Beginning in the summer, you complete three sequential semesters before returning to the law school. In this option, you may complete the dual degree in three and a half years and graduate in December; however, the structure only allows for two summer internships instead of three.
It is also possible to start our One-Year MBA immediately following your first or second year of law school. Beginning in the summer, you complete three sequential semesters before returning to the law school. In this option, you may complete the dual degree in three and a half years and graduate in December; however, the structure only allows for two summer internships instead of three.
Admissions Details
Students must apply to the business school and law school separately. If a student is accepted to both programs, they can enroll in the JD/MBA. We look at test scores, GPA, work experience, essays, recommendations and interview when evaluating candidates.
Most students interested in a JD/MBA degree do not possess the average five years of work experience of our typical MBA candidate. Many students proceed to law school directly from their undergraduate program. However, this does not mean that work experience should not be addressed in your application. The Admissions Committee is most interested in hearing how your life and work experiences will add to MBA class discussions and an eventual business career. A college internship, part-time job, or family business experience can provide relevant work experience to strengthen your file. MBA classes are highly participatory and lively class discussions are a key part of the learning process. Our recommendation is that you prepare your application in a way that highlights the skills you have gained from your work and organizational experiences.
Applicants to Goizueta Business School are required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). LSAT scores are also accepted. Candidates should prepare vigorously for the quantitative portion of these tests, as candidates are expected to exceed the 50th percentile on the quantitative section of the exam. Most of our students score at the 75-80th percentile. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions regarding test scores if you have additional questions.
Every applicant who submits a completed application by the Round 3 deadline and is admitted to Goizueta is automatically reviewed for merit-based, school-funded scholarships. No separate application is required; merit-based awards typically range from 20% to full tuition. If a student receives a scholarship, it only applies to the semesters that they are enrolled in the Business School.
In addition, the law school awards The Rothfeder Scholarship, made possible by Alan E. and Myrna Rothfeder. It is awarded to an enrolled JD/MBA student based on academic achievement, character, and leadership ability.
If you are a current law school student, please remember that the Admissions Committee will most likely want to review your law school grades thus far before making a decision on your application. We do not suggest that you rush the application process to make the early decision deadline. Your time will be better spent preparing for your law school finals and achieving the best grades possible. Students should have performed well in their first semester, and we prefer students to be ranked in the top 1/3 of their law school class. The semester break can be used for completing your application.
Of course, satisfying the qualifications we have discussed does not guarantee your admission to the program. There are many factors that are considered by the Admissions Committee, but those we have addressed can help you present yourself in the most advantageous way.
We would also be happy to arrange for you to meet a current JD/MBA student. Please email us and we can assist you in scheduling a visit or providing further information about the program. View School of Law JD program information.
JD/MBA Society
JD/MBA Society is a club for JD/MBA students, focused on personal and professional development opportunities, and social interaction with both schools. Events include a speaker series, career panel, golf tournaments, charity events, and an information consortium for candidates.