Dual Degree Programs

One way students can distinguish themselves academically and professionally is by earning both a law degree and another graduate degree in an area of interest. MSU College of Law’s affiliation with Michigan State University make it possible for law students to pursue both a J.D. and another advanced degree at the same time.

You can choose from a variety of dual degree programs that allow a predetermined number of credits from each program to count toward elective credits in the other program. It’s possible to earn both your law degree and a master’s degree in just four years.

If you are considering a dual degree program, you need to apply and be accepted into each program separately. Admission to the law program is required prior to accumulation of credits in either program.

  1. Dual Professional Degrees with MSU Graduate Programs

    JD-MBA
    JD-MS in Fisheries & Wildlife
    JD-MA in Labor Relations & Human Resources

  2. Dual Degree Student Policies
    1. Dual Degree Student Permission Form

      After admission into a dual degree program a student must complete a “Dual Degree Student Permission Form” from the Registrar’s Office to receive credit for courses taken towards the dual degree outside of the Law College. The form requires the signature of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

    2. Grading of Dual Degree Courses

      Upon completion of the requirements for the Dual Degree, MSU College of Law will award transfer credit for the courses taken from the partnering institution (example: Michigan State University), provided a grade of “C” or above is earned. However, only credits earned will be transferred.

    3. Dual Degree Tuition and MSU Law Scholarship

      Tuition for any courses taken outside of the Law College is not covered by any MSU Law scholarship. The student is fully responsible for tuition costs related to these courses.

    4. Degree Conferral

      To receive a dual degree, the student must complete the requirements of the Dual Degree program. Any student who fails to complete the Dual Degree requirements will be awarded a maximum of only six (6) credits. Upon receipt of an official transcript showing that requirements for the Dual Degree have been met, the Law College will award transfer credit for courses provided the grade at the partnering institution is 2.0 (C) or better.

      Credits earned at other graduate schools as approved on the permission form will be counted towards fulfillment of the student’s graduation requirement only after an official transcript is received by the Law College Registrar.

      Since the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 does not permit MSU College of Law to request student transcripts from other institutions, it is the responsibility of the student to assure that an official transcript from the partnering institution is sent to the MSU College of Law Registrar’s Office at the completion of each course.

Updated: December 5, 2018

Student Handbook