Through a joint law-degree program, a student can earn her JD as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). If a student were to pursue a JD and MBA separately at different points in her educational career, she would spend three years in law school and two years in business school. JD/MBA programs, however, only require a total of four years. Prospective students often choose JD/MBA degree programs when they aspire to careers in the field of business law. Possible employment options include corporate law firms, general counsel offices in-house at businesses and corporations, and federal agencies regulating business law or corporate transactions.
Aspiring lawyers who would like to work with children or families may consider joint-degree programs in law and social work. Students can earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) in addition to the JD. Possible career options include work with legal aid offices, public interest organizations, child welfare or social services agencies, mental health service providers, juvenile or family law courts and elder care organizations.
Law school applicants who have significant interests in the health care or public health fields may wish to concurrently pursue the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree over a total of four years in full-time studies. Enrolled students can study ethics, medical technologies and public policy while also completing a standard JD. While some graduates go on to traditional law firms, others work at health-related companies or government agencies.
When interested students wish to study both law and medicine, they may decide to pursue medical degrees in addition to their JD degrees. Traditionally, the two professions have operated separately, with doctors warily facing medical malpractice and tort lawsuits filed by attorneys. JD/MD programs aim to bring the two professions closer together. Graduates who successfully meet the licensing requirements may be able to choose between practicing law and working as medical doctors. Additionally, JD/MD holders may pursue employment in health care, hospital administration, biomedical ethics or public policy.
JD students can also apply to joint-degree law programs through which they can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. While graduates with law degrees and master's degrees often work as lawyers or engage with another industries, Ph.D. graduates often wish to obtain teaching or research positions at universities and law schools. While JD/Ph.D. options vary depending on the specific institution, students may be able to pursue the Ph.D. in any academic field of their choosing.