Academics
HLS-HBS Joint Degree Program: Mission and Curriculum
Combining Expertise and Leadership: JD/MBA Program
N ow celebrating its 40th year, the JD/MBA offered by Harvard Law School (HLS) and Harvard Business School (HBS) is the oldest MBA joint degree program at Harvard. Structured to be completed in four years, the joint degree program integrates two complementary disciplines that prepare graduates for professional challenges requiring leadership, legal expertise, and a general management perspective in private enterprise, government, or the nonprofit sector.
Curriculum Overview
The JD/MBA is a four-year program that offers the core curricula of the HBS MBA and HLS JD with a wide range of elective options at both schools. In the first two years of the program, students complete the first-year core curricula at HLS and at HBS in the order they choose. In the third and fourth years, students complete elective courses at both schools and may choose to participate in a year-long Joint Degree Program Seminar taught by HLS and HBS faculty in either Year 3 or Year 4.
The typical candidate is expected to follow the sample schedule outlined below. Joint degree students must also complete the Professional Responsibility Requirement, the HLS Pro Bono Requirement of 40 hours of public service and the J.D. Written Work Requirement.
Year 1 at HLS OR HBS
Harvard Law School / Harvard Business School
Fall, Winter (if at HLS), & Spring Semesters
HBS Required Curriculum courses or HLS First Year Curriculum
Year 2 at HBS OR HLS
Harvard Law School / Harvard Business School
Fall, Winter (if at HLS), & Spring Semesters
HBS Required Curriculum courses or HLS First Year Curriculum (opposite of previous year)
Year 3 at both HLS and HBS
Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School
Year 4 at both HLS and HBS
