Explore the Top 20 JD MBA Programs 2025 featuring renowned schools like Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, and UPenn. Discover tuition fees, GMAT/LSAT scores, and career benefits with expert guidance from Rostrum Education.
What is a JD-MBA Program?
A JD-MBA dual-degree program is designed for students who want to gain expertise from both business and law schools. As the name implies, enrolling in a JD-MBA program allows students to concurrently pursue a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration. Because of the overlap, JD-MBA programs typically take four years to complete instead of the five or six years it would take to complete both degrees separately. Students also often benefit from the interdisciplinary curriculum that includes courses from both law and business disciplines.
Contract law, corporate finance, negotiating tactics, and business ethics are just a few of the many topics and concentrations that students often have the chance to study during the degree. This kind of deliberate course overlap between a university’s business and law schools guarantees that graduates will have a really distinctive education that equips them for careers in both fields.
The Benefits of Pursuing a JD-MBA
Graduates with this specific combination of degrees have a broad skill set that makes them extremely valued across a variety of industries. In addition to having a thorough awareness of the laws governing business dealings, a JD-MBA graduate will be able to tackle challenging business issues from both a legal and strategic standpoint.
Additionally, the JD-MBA curriculum offers students special networking opportunities. Students get the opportunity to engage with professionals from the business and legal worlds during the course of the program. Students can develop a strong professional network through this exposure, which can be very helpful when looking for mentorship, internships, or jobs.
The Downsides of Pursuing a JD-MBA
Pursuing a JD-MBA can be challenging due to its demanding workload and significant financial burden. The dual degree program requires at least four years of intense study, leaving little time for other commitments. Additionally, the combined tuition and associated costs can lead to substantial student debt. Graduates may also face difficulties in finding roles that fully leverage a JD and MBA, potentially leading to underemployment in one field. It’s important to consider whether it’s truly advantageous to have both degrees for your chosen career path.
The Top 20 JD-MBA Programs
All right, now that we’ve covered what JD-MBA programs are and what types of career opportunities they can create for you let’s take a look at the top 25 programs that offer this dual degree. We’ll dive into each program so that you can get a good idea of what is out there and make an informed decision about where you’d like to apply.
1. Harvard University
The oldest MBA joint degree program at Harvard is the JD-MBA program, which is provided by Harvard Law School (HLS) and Harvard Business School (HBS). The four-year curriculum equips graduates with the skills required for leadership roles in a variety of industries, including nonprofits, government agencies, and private industry. Harvard’s JD-MBA program admits only about 10 students per year, making it a very prestigious school.
Median GMAT: 730
50th percentile LSAT: 174
2. Columbia
Applying to both the business school and the law school is a requirement for those wanting to pursue a JD/MBA from Columbia.
There is less opportunity for exploration than with a traditional MBA degree, which is perhaps not surprising given the Columbia Business School JD MBA’s expedited format, which devotes one full year to each discipline, and the final year combines the two.
Taking on two degrees at the same time might not be for everyone because the law program might be difficult. For law school, Columbia then requires a CAS report via LSAC. If you have not received a response to your application, be aware that Columbia will not accept your application for a JD or MBA until both have been approved.
Average GMAT: 729
Median LSAT: 174
3. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania‘s JD/MBA track is a distinct group of students who draw on resources from business and law schools. To become eligible, “applicants to the [JD/MBA] program should submit the Carey JD/MBA Program application through Wharton’s application system, which includes the elements of the full-time MBA application plus a Law School supplement.” After that, you need to receive an answer from UPenn’s business and law schools in order to begin the three-year JD/MBA program.
Average GMAT:
4. Stanford Graduate School of Business
You must submit separate applications to Stanford‘s business and law schools in order to be considered for a JD/MBA. According to Stanford’s policy, “[students] already enrolled in the law school or another Stanford program, you may apply to earn a joint degree at virtually any time.
Therefore, you can apply for the other program as soon as you arrive if the applicant is only accepted into one. It’s crucial that you mention in both applications that you are attempting, or at the very least, interested in, obtaining this combined degree.
There are two ways for Stanford JD MBA students to finish their coursework.
The first is to teach business and law equally, with the latter concentrating on management and the first two years mostly on legal study.
The second is to mix their courses for the last two years after focusing on business and law for the first two years, respectively.
Although any student could benefit from Stanford’s top-notch academic and extracurricular programs, career changers and entrepreneurs may find the JD MBA program to be most appropriate. Students who have graduated within the last five years have raised $1.4 billion in startup financing, and up to 65% of Stanford MBA graduates change careers after receiving their degree.
Average GMAT: 738
75th percentile LSAT: 175
5. UC Berkeley Haas School of Business
A five-year track consisting of two distinct degree programs is shortened to four years by Berkeley‘s JD/MBA program. You can apply before or after enrollment, but you must do so independently for each school. If an LSAT score is required for the law school application, it may be substituted by a GRE or GMAT.
The Berkeley Center for Law and Business, which hosts regular events and programs to enhance learning about entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions, is available to JD-MBA students throughout the program.
Average GMAT: 726
Median LSAT: 166-9
6. Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business
Applying to Cornell’s JD-MBA program is a difficult process that involves submitting two applications at the same time to the business school and the law school. This implies that in addition to studying for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), you will also need to prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is a standardized test that most law schools require.
Both three-year and four-year programs are offered by Cornell’s JD/MBA program. First-year students who wish to enrol in the program must submit an application separately to both schools. The normal test for admission to law and business schools is required for the applications.
Students in Cornell’s three-year program enrolled in a variety of business and law courses during that time.
In the more conventional four-year degree, students initially concentrate on law, then business, and finally combine the two in their last two years.
Median GMAT: 710
Median LSAT: 171
7. Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management
There is only one three-year program available at Northwestern under the JD/MBA track. There is only one admissions evaluation and selection procedure from the single application process. Northwestern just requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree and does not require an LSAT score. Applying does not require any specific work experience.
JD MBA students at Kellogg plunge into a variety of electives with the law school as their home base after a year of law study and a year of business teaching with summer internships.
In addition to earning a law degree, students enrolled in the MBA program have the option of majoring in any of seven subjects: accounting, economics, finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and managing organisations.
Average GMAT: 727
8. Yale School of Management
Yale‘s JD/MBA program offers a three-year accelerated option in addition to a four-year degree. You have to apply to each school separately and be accepted into both in order to join them. Both before and after enrollment, this is feasible.
You can only enrol in the accelerated track during your first year of law school; you cannot do so if you are currently in your first semester of business school.
Median GMAT: 730
Median LSAT: 174
9. Duke Fuqua School of Business
The oldest dual degree program offered at Duke is the JD/MBA program, which gives students the chance to pursue cross-disciplinary coursework in order to better assist business clients in a legal context or to use their legal expertise in a business context.
The first two years of study can be spent at Fuqua, followed by the first year of law school, or the students can spend their first year at the law school, their second year at Fuqua, and their third and fourth years taking classes from both.
In order to pursue careers in law, consulting, venture capital, and investment banking, Duke boasts that its students will develop skills in contract law, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and corporate litigation.
Median GMAT: 680-760
Median LSAT: 170
10. University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Chicago Booth gives students the opportunity to gain substantial work experience while expediting their JD MBA program.
During the first year of the three-year program, students concentrate on law. In the summer, they take two business courses and a legal or business internship. Before concentrating entirely on law in their third year, they take a combination of business and law courses in their second year, followed by another internship.
Median GMAT: 740
Median LSAT: 172
11. UCLA
The degree at UCLA gives students the chance to get ready for employment in business, law, and entrepreneurship, where knowledge of both management and law is valued.
Students with a four-year degree can specialise in corporate law and finance, international trade, industrial relations, public service, and specific management consulting fields.
Median GMAT: 710
50th percentile LSAT: 172
12. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia‘s JD/MBA program accepts two distinct applicants to its law and business schools. The candidate must receive high scores on their application and pass the standard entrance tests for business and law schools. To enrol in the JD/MBA program, a student who is currently enrolled in one school may apply to the other.
Median GMAT: 708
50th percentile LSAT: 170
13. University of Michigan
The law and business schools must accept two applicants for admission to the University of Michigan‘s JD/MBA program. Applications for joint enrollment with another college are accepted at the law school.
The LSAT can be used in place of other tests, but law schools need the right credentials. You will attend the other school in your second year, although you can begin either program in your first year. For the remaining four years of the JD/MBA program, the road then opens up to both schools.
Median GMAT: 706
50th percentile LSAT: 170
14. New York University
The dual JD-MBA program offered by NYU‘s Stern School of Business and School of Law can be completed in four years. Students in the program are frequently hired by legal firms, corporate counsel offices, accounting and investment firms, general commercial or entrepreneurial enterprises, nonprofit organisations, and governmental institutions.
Median GMAT: 708
75th percentile LSAT score is 171
15. Carnegie Mellon University
Prospective students must apply to business and law schools in order to be accepted into the Carnegie Mellon JD/MBA program. The candidate needs to pass the standardised entrance exam in order to be admitted to any law or business school. A dual-degree application is also required by Carnegie Mellon and must be submitted and evaluated independently by a committee. The resulting four-year approach leads students through an unnecessary list of credits.
Median GMAT: 708
75th percentile LSAT score is 171
16. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers a four-year JD-MBA dual degree program that includes courses from the Marshall School of Business and Gould School of Law.
Candidates must apply and be admitted to both the Marshall School of Business and the USC Gould School of Law; current Gould students in their first year may also apply, and GMAT/GRE and LSAT scores are needed.
Median GMAT: 706
75th percentile LSAT score is 170
17. University of South Dakota
Between the Beacom School of Business and the Knudson School of Law, the University of South Dakota provides a dual JD-MBA degree program. Students at USD are well-prepared to pursue positions in corporate law, finance, health care management, and business law.
Median GMAT: 720 – 730
75th percentile LSAT score is 170
18. Texas Southern University
The JD-MBA program at Texas Southern University blends advanced management studies with legal knowledge, and its graduates frequently go on to work in corporate law, accounting, international trade, investment banking, management consulting, and other fields. Graduates of the program earn a JD from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in addition to an MBA from the Jesse H. Jones School of Business.
Median GMAT: 700 – 710
75th percentile LSAT score is 164
19. Texas Tech University
Students can complete their law degree and MBA in three to four years thanks to Texas Tech University’s collaborative program between the Rawls College of Business and TTU School of Law. The dual program can be started by law students either the summer before or the summer following their first year of law school.
Median GMAT: 700 – 710
75th percentile LSAT score is 164
20. Georgia State Universit
Georgia State University provides a JD-MBA dual degree program through its College of Law and the J. Mack Robinson College of Business. With an innovative legal curriculum and a top-ranked business program, GSU’s combined degree program prepares students for successful careers in risk management, in-house counsel for large and small firms, compliance, and commercial and corporate law practice.
Median GMAT: 690 – 700
75th percentile LSAT score is 162
JD/MBA Career-Outlook and Salary
Job Position | National Average Salary |
|---|---|
Auditor | $91,866/year |
Financial Analyst | $73,812/year |
Business Development Manager | $75,645/year |
Business Intelligence Analyst | $87,886/year |
Attorney | $97,777/year |
Controller | $106,123/year |
Director of Finance | $103,995/year |
Risk Manager | $105,930/year |
Actuary | $120,164/year |
Director of Compliance | $114,619/year |
General Counsel | $148,465/year |
Getting a dual degree can open up a lot of job options for you. Graduates who hold both a J.D. and an MBA degree have the opportunity to enter a variety of high-paying roles that call for a sophisticated understanding of a combined legal and business education. Finding out about possible career paths for recent J.D. or MBA grads might assist you in determining how to best apply your training to a rewarding position.
1. Auditor
Principal responsibilities: To make sure a business is operating effectively, auditors keep an eye on and look into its financial records and procedures. Additionally, auditors ensure that a business accurately discloses all financial data to state and federal tax authorities as well as other regulatory bodies. An auditor searches for methods to cut expenses related to company operations. Job seekers benefit from knowing the legal requirements of a company’s financial reporting when they hold a J.D. or MBA degree.
2. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts examine assets, stocks, and bonds to assess their performance and forecast potential future events. A financial analyst could also suggest particular investments based on their track record and expected future performance. Executive management and financial experts collaborate to report trends and provide guidance on investment choices. A J.D. or MBA degree can prepare you to operate in this role because MBA coursework usually involves financial investments and resources for commercial purposes.
3. Business development manager
The business development manager is in charge of establishing connections with potential prospects in order to boost sales, expand company influence, and enhance market share. In order to acquire new clients and maintain good relations with existing ones, a business development manager must work with the company’s current marketing tactics. Business development managers represent the company’s operations and goods to customers by having a thorough understanding of them. To keep the company ahead of its rivals, a business development manager keeps a careful eye on market developments.
4. Business intelligence analyst
A business intelligence analyst examines data to see how an organization may enhance its procedures in different divisions or sectors. They also strive to create fresh approaches to data collection and analysis. A business intelligence analyst organizes data using software tools and systems, provides solutions to guarantee successful business operations, and advises company leadership based on their analysis. In order to enhance corporate plans, they could also examine the tactics of rivals.
5. Attorney
Clients’ legal interests are represented by attorneys in both criminal and civil court proceedings. Lawyers draft court filings and counsel clients on their legal rights. On behalf of a client, they also draft arguments to be presented in court. Although some establish their own private practices, most attorneys work for a law firm. A J.D. or MBA can assist in equipping lawyers with the business acumen required to launch their own legal practices.
6. Controller
A controller offers plans and insights for a company’s financial growth. Through an analysis of a firm’s financial situation, they develop comprehensive strategies for investments and company resources. A controller might be in charge of handling the business’s payroll and creating budgets.
7. Director of Finance
A director of finance is in charge of a company’s day-to-day financial operations. They are in charge of managing and training the financial staff. They offer financial activity reports and forecast how a company’s financial goals will develop in the future. They also collaborate with other leaders to set up capital project funding. A director of finance examines the financial advantages and hazards associated with business operations. Finance directors strive to guarantee that budgets and financial expenditures are followed by every department.
8. Risk manager
By examining the risks involved in running a business, a risk manager helps safeguard the interests and resources of the organization. To make sure a firm is shielded from dangers or accidents that could result in legal and financial problems, risk managers examine the domains of operational, financial, and reputational risk. As counsellors to senior leadership, risk managers examine external and internal liabilities to offer insight and risk-reduction tactics.
9. Actuary
The financial cost of insurance risk is examined by actuaries. They assist in drafting policies and figuring out what the insured is covered by. They produce intricate documentation and illustrations that depict situations involving insurance risk. Actuaries contribute to determining the average cost of any events that an insurance company pays for, as well as in setting insurance coverage rates. Candidates with a J.D. or MBA are more equipped to comprehend the risks involved in taking on clients as well as the fundamental financial structure of insurance. As they pursue claims, they are also aware of the insured’s legal rights.
10. Director of Compliance
Directors of compliance translate complex regulatory requirements into effective business practices. In the company’s specific industry, a director of compliance interprets new regulations. They are responsible for informing employees of any modifications to the company’s policies and practices. The compliance director is in charge of making sure that every department in an organization complies with these rules. Common industries that need a director of compliance include human resources, commercial corporations, employment law, and healthcare.
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FAQ on JD MBA Programs 2025
1. What can you do with a JD/MBA degree?
A Juris Doctor (JD) in law and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) are combined to form the JD/MBA dual degree.
This combination gives graduates a distinct skill set that makes a variety of job options possible.
2. Does Harvard have a JD MBA?
Yes, a JD/MBA program is available at Harvard University. Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School together provide this degree program. The curriculum is intended to give students a thorough understanding of business and law, preparing them for leadership positions in a variety of industries.
3. JD MBA programs that only require gmat
While most JD/MBA programs accept both GMAT and GRE scores, some may have a preference for the GMAT or may have specific requirements. It’s essential to check with each program individually. However, generally, both GMAT and GRE are widely accepted.
4. Is GMAT sufficient for MBA?
The GMAT is adequate for admission to MBA programs, yes. Many business schools utilise this widely recognized standardized test to evaluate applicants’ preparedness for MBA programs. The GRE is accepted by some universities as well, though, so it’s important to confirm the particular requirements of the programs you’re considering.
5. What are some JD MBA programs that only require Gmat?
It’s more accurate to say that most JD/MBA programs accept both GMAT and GRE along with LSAT. It’s uncommon for programs to only require the GMAT. Always confirm directly with the program.
