Concurrent Degree Program
The University of Washington encourages students to take full advantage of the University's unique position as a leading research institution and to consider one of the many dual-degree programs available. Enrollment in either a formal dual-degree program or an informal concurrent degree program at the University permits a student to proceed in a coordinated way toward sequential completion of both degrees in a shortened period of time. The breadth of programs available through the Graduate School and professional schools will satisfy almost every academic interest.
The practice of law has become increasingly complex, requiring
lawyers to think broadly as problem-solvers. Concurrent or
joint degree programs permit students to personalize their
study of law by adding knowledge, skills, and analytical tools
from other disciplines:
- Students interested in administrative, legislative, or
governmental service may want to consider concurrent
enrollment in the Master of Public Administration program at
the Evans School of Public Affairs.
-
Concurrent enrollment in
the Master in Public Health in Public Health Genetics program
prepares law school graduates to deal with complex ethical,
policy, and legal issues related to health care.
- Concurrent enrollment in the Master in Health Administration
allows law students to master theoretical knowledge and analytical skills applicable to management roles in "real world" health care settings.
- Concurrent enrollment in the Master in Public Health in Health Services allows law students to gain
analytical and practical skills to improve the public's health and the quality of health care services.
- Concurrent
enrollment in the Master of Social Work program allows law
students to explore issues related to child and family services,
anti-poverty programs, and the prevention and resolution of
complex societal problems.
- Students interested in international
and comparative law may want to consider a Master of Arts in
International Studies from the Jackson School of International
StudiesThe interdisciplinary approach of the Jackson School
supports expertise in regional, cross-cultural, and transnational
studies.
- Students can combine professional education in
business and law through concurrent enrollment in the Master
of Business Administration program. The M.B.A. program
provides a solid foundation in accounting, finance, operations,
management, and information systems, and permits students to
develop expertise in global trade and entrepreneurship.
Law students may also want to consider a concurrent
enrollment in one of the School of Law's LL.M. programs.
Interested students should contact the directors of the Asian
and Comparative Law Program, the Health Law,
the Intellectual Property
and Policy Program, the Law of Sustainable International
Development Program, or the Graduate Program in Taxation.
Application Process
A student must apply for admission separately to both the
Graduate School and the School of Law. The applications
to both schools should state that the student will seek both
degrees. First-year law students are eligible to apply for
admission to the Graduate School and for joint-program status.
Some candidates who are accepted to concurrent programs
may choose to begin the master's program first. This allows
them to go straight through the JD program in three years with
their JD class.
Curriculum Planning
The Law J.D. Program begins in the Autumn Quarter only,
and students must take the required first-year courses all
at the same time; in the second and third years of the law
program, the student may combine law courses and courses
in the graduate discipline. The actual planning of the course
sequence for a concurrent degree program generally takes
place during the student's first year in law school. Students
wishing to pursue a concurrent degree program should pay
careful attention to the limits on non-law course credit set out
in the General Bulletin.