MBA/JD Joint Degree

Overview

Are you trying decide whether Law School or Business School is right for you? Here at the University of Alabama, you can have the best of both worlds! Manderson Graduate School of Business offers a combined program with The University of Alabama School of Law. The JD/MBA program offers students the opportunity to pursue a law degree (J.D.) and a master's degree in business administration (M.B.A.) at the same time-earning both degrees in four years rather than the five they would require if pursued separately.

The program is intended for those who wish to acquire the specialized skills or some body of knowledge related to both business and law. The skills and knowledge acquired in the joint JD/MBA program provide students with a dynamic background, giving graduates greater opportunities to move between the two entities in their careers. Combining educational experiences in both the nationally recognized University of Alabama School of Law and the Manderson Graduate School of Business provides JD/MBA graduates with a strong foundation for success in virtually any area of business. The joint program requires 114 semester hours. Pursued separately, the JD degree requires 75 semester hours, and the MBA program requires 39 semester hours.

Students in the dual JD/MBA program spend the first year in the Law School and the second year in the MBA program. The third and fourth years consist of taking classes in both programs. Exceptions to this pattern of study are not normally permitted. For more information on the curriculum requirements, please contact Blake Bedsole (bbedsole@cba.ua.edu or 205/348-9122) or click on the following link: 2007 Program Requirements for JD/MBA program.

Testimonials

"From the fall of 1995 to the spring of 1999 I simultaneously obtained a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor. While in the JD/MBA program, I worked for the Small Business Administration's Small Business Development Center (SBDC). My employment at the SBDC provided real-world application for my business and legal courses. This background and experience in drafting business plans, marketing plans, and making income projections equipped me with the fundamental analytical skills necessary for crafting and implementing business strategy. Upon graduating, I accepted employment at one of Alabama's largest law firms. It quickly became apparent to me that my experiences and relationships in the JD/MBA program would be the foundation of my career. As a business associate, I was exposed to diverse business deals including: buying and selling businesses, forming and financing start-up companies, drafting licensing, marketing and user agreements, and structuring online promotions and advertisements. My notable transactions included participation in a $20 million Internet start-up, a $300 million business divestiture, the successful proxy of a $1 billion company, and multiple mergers and acquisitions of varying sizes. To satisfy an inherent entrepreneurial itch, I left the practice of law in April of 2001 to form Oikon, LLC with a long-time friend. Equipped with substantive legal knowledge and fundamental business skills, I now assist businesses in increasing profits by providing results-based cost analysis and eliminating substantial non-strategic expenses and management inefficiencies."

Tye R. Warren
MBA Class of 1999
MBA / JD
Oikon Corporation (Partner / Owner)

"The JD/MBA degree has done great things for me. When my wife and I arrived at Cleary in '98 I immediately received a one-class salary bump that persisted through my years on Wall Street. I thought it was an error, but learned from the firm that lawyers with MBA’s were treated to an extra year of seniority - whereas those with other vaulted grad degrees were not. Seriously, there is a real difference between lawyers with a background in production management, marketing and finance and those without. I see it globally; it is something non-MBAs should and can overcome, but the advantage is obvious. I was blessed with a strong background that pushed my career upwards."

Will Morrow
MBA Class of 1994
MBA / JD
Waller, Landsen, Dortch and Davis, LLP

Contacts

Blake Bedsole
Manager of Admissions & Student Services
101 Bidgood Hall
(205)348-9122
E-mail: bbedsole@cba.ua.edu

Jenelle Marsh
Senior Assistant Dean for Students/Academic Services
260 Law Center
(205)348-5751
Email: jmarsh@law.ua.edu