JD/MBA Harvard Law School
A joint degree with Harvard Law School
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 roles requiring leadership, legal expertise, and a general management perspective in private enterprise, government, and the nonprofit sector.
Prospective students interested in the JD/MBA joint degree program apply to HLS and HBS separately and must be admitted independently by each. Joint degree students will apply for financial aid at HLS for the first year there and for the fourth year of the joint 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.
-
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 and must also participate in a Joint Degree Program Seminar taught by HLS and HBS faculty during one of these years.
-
The application process is summarized on the MBA Admissions and JD Admissions pages.