"Getting a legal education is terribly important. It's a very powerful weapon in helping others. One of the reasons I went to law school was to be an advocate."
- Adelfa Callejo '61
Partner, Callejo and Callejo
Skip Navigation LinksHome > Prospective Students > J.D. Programs > Joint Degrees

Joint Degrees

The law school offers two joint degree programs, a J.D. /M.B.A. and a J.D. /M.A. in Economics.

J.D. /M.B.A. Program

The combined J.D. /M.B.A. program is offered jointly by the Dedman School of Law and the Cox School of Business. The program is designed for law practice with a strong business background and for business careers with a strong legal background. Through this program, the combined degrees may be obtained in four academic years. Separately they would require five academic years.

This program has been established so that an individual may integrate his or her educational experience in law and business. Since management, personnel, and corporate attorneys have their individual considerations and goals, by taking law and business courses simultaneously the student may achieve an understanding of commercial affairs from two different points of view.

J.D. /M.A. in Economics Program

The combined J.D/M.A. in Economics — Law and Economics Track program is offered jointly by the Dedman School of Law and the SMU Department of Economics in Dedman College. The program is designed for law students with some prior background in economics who wish to develop further their abilities to deal with complex economic issues.

Admission to Joint Degree Programs

Joint degree applicants must submit separate applications to the Graduate Division of the Cox School of Business or the SMU Department of Economics in Dedman College. Admission applications should be addressed to both schools, with the statement that they are for the joint J.D. /M.B.A. or J.D. /M.A. program.

To be admitted to a joint program, law students must apply before beginning their law studies or during their first year of law school. Students who wish to pursue the joint program after starting their first year of law school must obtain the permission of the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the Dedman School of Law.

Applications to the M.B.A. program may be obtained by calling 214-768-2630. Applications to the M.A. in Economics program may be obtained by calling 214-768-2714.