Academics
HLS-HBS Joint Degree Program: FAQs
What are the benefits of the JD/MBA program?
The JD/MBA program is designed to provide valuable training and knowledge for careers where expertise in both law and business is essential. For example, business lawyers benefit greatly from an in-depth understanding of the management and financial challenges faced by corporations, start-ups and nonprofits. Business executives find that an understanding of the law enhances their ability to evaluate risk, make strategic decisions, and conduct day-to-day operations.
How is the program structured?
During Years 1 and 2, students complete the core first-year curricula at both HLS and HBS, either may come first. During Years 3 and 4, students take elective courses at both schools may choose to participate in a Joint Degree Program Seminar taught by HLS and HBS faculty during one of these years.
How do I apply for the joint degree program?
The application process is summarized on the JD/MBA Admission page.
Are there advantages to starting the JD/MBA program at one school or the other?
For the most part, your experience in the JD/MBA program will not be greatly affected by your choice of school for the first year. However, if you start at HBS, you will graduate with your HLS class at the end of the four-year program.
What are the core course requirements at both schools during the first two years?
Harvard Law School:
The first year at HLS consists of (1) courses in Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Property, Torts, Contracts, Legislation and Regulation, and International or Comparative Law; (2) First-year Legal Research and Writing; and (3) a spring elective course of a minimum of two and a maximum of four HLS classroom credits.
Harvard Business School:
The first year at HBS consists of the Required Curriculum with the year divided into two terms. Term 1 courses: Finance 1; Financial Reporting and Control; Leadership and Organizational Behavior; Marketing; and Technology and Operations Management. Term 2 courses: Business, Government and International Economy; Strategy; The Entrepreneurial Manager; Finance II; and Leadership and Corporate Accountability.
How do JD/MBA students typically spend their summers?
One of the benefits of the JD/MBA program is that students have an extra summer to spend exploring career options. JD/MBA students, after their first year at HLS, will typically work either at a law firm or at a law-related public interest employer. After their first year at HBS, students often spend the summer in a business-related job, either in a for-profit or nonprofit company. After the third year in the program, students choose from a variety of legal and business summer internship opportunities.
What career advising resources are available to JD/MBA students?
During the first two years of the program, JD/MBA students typically make use of the MBA Career & Professional Development at the school they are attending. At HLS, that includes access to printed and online resources, information sessions and workshops, as well as advising by both the Office of Career Services (OCS) and the HLS Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA). At HBS, students have access to career resources such as the HBS Job Bank, a variety of workshops and recruiting events, and individual career coaching by MBA Career & Professional Development. In the third summer, students choose whether they want to take advantage of the HLS on-campus interviewing process (OCI), OPIA job search resources, or HBS resources.
What types of careers have Harvard JD/MBAs pursued after graduation?
Harvard JD/MBA alumni have chosen careers in politics, academia, international development, domestic and international business, and in-house corporate practice.
