Through a curriculum spanning two world-leading institutions and faculties, students expand their views and approaches to research and memoranda, study the reciprocal relationship between the legal system and business, and gain skills and savvy to serve as key leaders and advisers.
The dual degree in law and business prepares graduates for successful careers in business, in law, or in the increasingly complex global environments that straddle both fields. The joint JD/MBA Program is an offering of the University of Chicago Law School and Chicago Booth.
Current undergraduate students in their final year of study can apply to the JD/MBA Program through UChicago’s JD/MBA Scholars Program. Upon acceptance, students defer admission for two to four years, in order to gain substantive work experience prior to matriculating in the program.
For more information, you can review the FAQ section below or watch this brief information session from an admissions director.
Brice Lipman: 00:004
Hi, I'm Brice Lipman, I work at Kirkland & Ellis in Houston as an associate attorney. In addition to going to Booth, I also went to the law school and did the joint JD/MBA Program at the University of Chicago. When I was at the investment firm before attending graduate school, I saw that so many issues have business and legal components intertwined. And so I thought if I could get that education at a school like the University of Chicago, I would take it 100 percent. My job currently is we advise energy, oil, and gas companies on transactions. There's a lot of data that needs to be analyzed, so from a legal perspective, you have to analyze how the numbers flow through their contracts and whether that makes sense for our client to buy that company based on that data. From a business perspective, you have to understand whether the transaction makes sense in the marketplace.
Brice Lipman: 00:48
We're a critical component of that here at Kirkland, and I definitely use that part of my Booth education every day. Houston is really the energy capital of the world. It's constantly changing. It's fast-moving, so I think the ability to adapt quickly and adapt to an understanding of data quickly is critical. For Booth alumni here, it's great because we are all participating in that in different facets. We all interact and are able to kind of trade understanding of the industry based on where we're seeing things in our different perspectives, and that's why you see so many Booth alumni who are so successful in Houston and in the energy industry worldwide.
The first step in joining our JD/MBA Program is to apply for admission.
The accelerated JD/MBA program is intended to take three years to complete. During that time, students can leverage the vast resources of both programs to attain a course balance to meet their needs and goals. Students navigate the program by taking 1400 units of required Booth coursework (+LEAD) and 105 credit hours of required coursework at UChicago Law. Included within the 1400 units of Booth coursework are 500 required units of specific Law courses, taught by Booth faculty, covering essential business topics.
In the traditional joint JD/MBA program, students complete the same required Booth and UChicago Law coursework over a four-year period. However, students are not required to take the 500 units of specific Law courses taught by Booth faculty. Students complete their first year of residency at the Law School, followed by another year at UChicago Law, a year of residency at Booth, and a final year with one quarter at Booth and two quarters at the Law School.
Sample schedules are below, showing how students can pursue the each structure.
Three-year Structure
| Year |
Academic Year | Summer Term |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Three quarters of Law Courses (+ Leadership Module) |
Law or Business Internship | Two Booth Courses |
| Year 2 | Three quarters of Booth and Law Courses (+ Leadership Module) |
Law or Business Internship |
| Year 3 | Three quarters of Law Courses | Graduate - Begin Full-Time Position |
Four-year Structure
| Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Law | Law | Law | Law Internship |
| Year 2 | Law* | Law* | Law* | Law Internship |
| Year 3 | Booth* | Booth* | Booth* | Business-related Internship |
| Year 4 | Booth** | Law | Law | Graduate: Full-time position |
* Students can choose to be in residency at Booth during the second or third year.
** Students select which final quarter to be in residence at Booth.
“Through my MBA courses, I’m learning how my future clients approach problems, how they implement solutions, and how I can fill the gaps with a legal toolkit. I've always seen law and business as closely intertwined. Well-crafted contracts give parties the trust they need to transact. Without the law, business can’t move forward.”
—Dane Christensen, Current JD/MBA Student
Leadership is a core aspect of the joint JD/MBA experience. The integration of program resources and experiential learning helps students create personalized plans to guide their continued development while in the program and beyond.
All first-year UChicago Law students participate in the Kapnick Leadership Development Initiative, which builds on leadership styles and effectiveness within team dynamics and gives students the tools to respond to the legal profession's unique challenges and environments. Students' increased self-awareness improves their abilities to motivate teams and organizations, build relationships, and influence outcomes.
Then, at Booth, students continue building their skill sets through our LEAD course. The course is designed to further enhance students’ interpersonal effectiveness by providing them with an opportunity to benchmark themselves with respect to critical aspects of leadership—working in teams, influencing others, conflict management, interpersonal communication, presentation skills, etc.
UChicago Law offers an unparalleled curriculum that starts with a legal foundation in the concepts of statutory interpretation, judicial decision-making, and legal research and expands into an interdisciplinary exploration of how law intersects with business, economics, political science, philosophy, and beyond. UChicago Law students also represent real clients in legal proceedings in 14 different legal clinics, including the Corporate Lab and Innovation Clinic. Learn more about UChicago Law's curriculum.
Chicago Booth's curriculum provides a firm grounding in core principles and a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and the study of business. Our curriculum ensures that you’ll learn to evaluate problems and opportunities through the fundamentals and analytical frameworks that underlie business—accounting, economics, psychology, sociology, and statistics. Understanding these core academic principles will enable you to transcend business trends and thrive in any situation. Learn more about Booth’s curriculum.
The JD/MBA dual program immerses you into a global community of influential leaders, faculty, and industry experts. The alumni networks of Booth and UChicago Law span more than 66,000 alumni in industries, firms, and countries around the world.
As a dual degree student of business and law, you tap into the diverse backgrounds and experiences of 590+ Chicago Booth peers and 180+ UChicago Law students. Competitions, student groups, and organizations play a vital role in shaping the University of Chicago experience and fostering these connections. In addition to the JD/MBA Association, students can participate in more than 80 student groups at Chicago Booth and more than 60 organizations at UChicago Law. Groups span a wide variety of topics, including professional, social, regional and special interests.
UChicago Law and Chicago Booth are two of the leading graduate programs in terms of career support and overall graduating student employment outcomes. Both programs take a highly personalized approach and offer dedicated resources like career coaching, career development and recruitment programming, comprehensive job market insights, and annual job postings.
The UChicago campus and broader city of Chicago are interconnected in a way that not only serves as an unparalleled training ground, but also provides an amazing backdrop to your joint JD/MBA program experience.
| Course Title | Location | Date |
|---|
There is a single tuition for the JD/MBA three-year program. The following annual costs are for three quarters (nine months). The tuition and fee components are owed directly to the University. The remaining components are estimates of costs students will face but are not owed to the school.
| Tuition | $122,823 |
| Graduate Student Services Fee | $1,452 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $1,788 |
| Housing and Food | $19,593 |
| Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses* | $8,436 |
| Transportation | $2,671 |
| Transcript Fee | $78 (first year only) |
| Total | $156,841 |
*Includes University rates for health insurance, which are to be determined. This number is estimated. All Booth and law students are required to have acceptable medical insurance coverage. Students do not have to join the University's plan if they provide evidence of comparable coverage under their own plan. You can find more information about the University's health insurance plan on the USHIP website.
Each school determines the annual tuition charges for the four-year JD/MBA.
Applicants interested in the three-year or four-year JD/MBA are encouraged to apply through our centralized, joint-application process. Applicants must apply in either Round One or Round Two*. Decisions will be released by the notification dates listed below.
*Current undergraduate students in their final year of study must apply in the UChicago JD/MBA Scholars application round. Additionally, any graduate degree student is eligible to apply to the JD/MBA Scholars Program, provided they transitioned directly from their undergraduate studies to a Master's degree program.
If you have previously been admitted to the Booth Scholars Program, you must apply in either Round One or Round Two using the JD/MBA application and you will receive a decision based on the round notification date. Previously admitted Booth Scholars should apply in the cycle immediately prior to when you intend to matriculate (no earlier than the second year and no later than the fourth year of your deferral).
For questions regarding the admissions process, please view our frequently asked questions or contact jdmba@uchicago.edu.
| Round | Submission Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| One | September 19, 2024 11:59 p.m. CT | December 5, 2024 |
| Two | January 7, 2025 11:59 p.m. CT | March 27, 2025 |
| UChicago JD/MBA Scholars | April 29, 2025 11:59 p.m. CT | July 1, 2025 |
Applicants interested in the three-year or four-year JD/MBA dual program must complete the joint application. Applicants must also create an account with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), submit the JD/MBA Form through LSAC, and submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Current UChicago Law students applying to the joint JD/MBA program do not need to submit the JD/MBA Form through LSAC nor submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Applicants must submit a valid GRE, GMAT or LSAT score. We do not require an LSAT score, but if one exists you are required to provide it. All LSAT scores will be automatically submitted through the CAS Report. Please submit all scores earned within the last five years.
We are accepting the LSAT-Flex, GRE General Test at Home, and GMAT Online Exam to satisfy the standardized test requirement. Through our holistic review process, we will consider these remote, online exam scores in the same way we consider in-person exam scores. Your application will not be disadvantaged if you submit valid scores for the LSAT-Flex, GRE General Test at Home, or GMAT Online Exam. We also accept the new Focus Edition GMAT and shortened GRE exam.
For applicants who choose to submit an LSAT score rather than a GMAT or GRE, you may apply to the JD/MBA Program prior to having an LSAT score if needed due to exam scheduling. However, a standardized test score is required for admission and must be received as close to the application deadline as possible. Failure to submit your LSAT score in a timely manner will results in delays in your file being reviewed.
Unofficial transcripts must be submitted through the submission requirement within the online application. In addition, official transcripts must be sent by your institution through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Yes. Applicants must create an LSAC account, register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), purchase a Law School Report, and complete the University of Chicago Law School JD/MBA Form. Applicants must submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts through the CAS.
Each jurisdiction has its own Character and Fitness requirements for applicants seeking a license to practice law in its jurisdiction. To determine the requirements for the jurisdiction in which you intend to seek admission, contact the jurisdiction. The National Conference of Bar Examiners has contact information for each jurisdiction.
The JD/MBA Admissions Committee will review the files using the same holistic review processes used at UChicago Law and Chicago Booth. A joint admissions decision will be made and communicated via email.
Yes. Applicants invited to interview will interview with both UChicago Law and Booth after the application deadline. All interviews will be conducted remotely. Interviews will be by invitation only.
Once the application becomes available, and up until the application deadline, applicants that fit the criteria below can request a JD/MBA application fee waiver.
Yes. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may apply through the UChicago JD/MBA Scholars Program application and corresponding round. Upon acceptance, UChicago JD/MBA Scholars defer admission to the program for two to four years, allowing candidates to gain substantive work experience. While most candidates applying to Booth have around five years of full-time, post-undergraduate work experience and the majority of candidates applying to UChicago Law have one to two years of full-time, post-undergraduate work experience, we welcome your interest at an earlier stage in your career.
UChicago JD/MBA Scholars apply for joint admission during their final year of undergraduate study. Additionally, any graduate degree student is eligible to apply to the JD/MBA Scholars Program, provided they transitioned directly from their undergraduate studies to a Master's degree program. After graduation, students defer and work for two to four years before starting the JD/MBA Program. During the deferment period, scholars have access to UChicago Law and Chicago Booth resources and events, specialized deferred scholar programming, and our vast network of business professionals. Upon matriculation into the three-year JD/MBA Program, students will spend their first year at UChicago Law, the second year at Booth, and the third year at UChicago Law.
No, students applying through the UChicago JD/MBA Scholars Program must be in their final year of undergraduate study to apply.
Yes. While in the deferment period, current Booth Scholars must apply in either Round One or Round Two using the JD/MBA application and will receive a decision based on the round notification date. Previously admitted Booth Scholars should apply in the cycle immediately prior to when you intend to matriculate (no earlier than the second year and no later than the fourth year of your deferral period).
No, UChicago undergraduates cannot accelerate the three-year JD/MBA. All candidates are required to complete 1400 units of required Booth coursework (+ LEAD) during their time in the program.
Yes, first year students at UChicago Law may apply to the three-year or four-year JD/MBA program.
No. Based on the structure of the three-year program, applicants cannot apply for the joint JD/MBA program during their second year at UChicago Law.
Based on the structure of the accelerated JD/MBA program, students in their first year at Booth cannot apply to the three-year JD/MBA program. They are only eligible to apply to the traditional four-year JD/MBA program. Interested applicants should complete the joint JD/MBA application here.
Booth students considering the four-year JD/MBA should take careful note of the number of elective units allowed for JD/MBA students, as to not exceed the limit in the first year of their MBA. There are important tuition implications for exceeding your elective limit. Please consult with your Academic advisor before applying for the four-year JD/MBA Program.
If I'm accepted during my first year at UChicago Law, will there be an impact to my current tuition?
Students who are admitted to the JD/MBA program during their first year at UChicago Law are charged the first-year JD-MBA Program tuition rate. The difference between the first-year JD-MBA Program tuition rate and the JD Program tuition rate is assessed during the Spring quarter of the 1L year.
Yes. Applicants interested in the four-year program apply through the JD/MBA application Current UChicago Law students applying to the JD/MBA program do not need to submit the JD/MBA Form through LSAC nor submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Applicants must apply in either Round 1 or Round 2. See specific dates on this page under Admissions Process.
If you have previously been admitted to the Chicago Booth Scholars program, you must apply in either Round 1 or Round 2 using the combined application and you will receive a decision based on that round’s notification date. Previously admitted Booth Scholars should apply in the second year of their deferral period or the cycle immediately prior to when they plan to matriculate.
If you are applying to the Chicago Booth Scholars JD/MBA program for the first time, you must apply in the Chicago Booth Scholars Round using the combined application and will receive a decision at the Chicago Booth Scholars Round notification date.
No. Applicants to the three-year JD/MBA program cannot apply Early Decision.
No. Three-year JD/MBA applications will only be considered during Round One and Round Two of the JD/MBA admissions cycle with the exception of the Booth Scholars program. Undergraduate students in their final year of study who have not previously been admitted to the Booth Scholars program, will only be considered in the UChicago JD/MBA Scholars Round. Applicants already admitted to the Booth Scholars program must apply in Round One or Round Two through the JD/MBA application.
Yes. Applicants who are not admitted to the JD/MBA Program may elect to be considered for admission to either UChicago Law or Chicago Booth by answering “yes” to the question in the Acknowledgements section of the JD/MBA application.
Yes. Although admission is granted for the upcoming school year, the Admissions Committees will consider deferring admission when necessary and in very limited circumstances.
UChicago JD/MBA Scholars are able to defer enrollment for two to four years post-graduation.
All admissions decisions are communicated via email.
Round One decisions will be released on December 3, 2020. Round Two decisions will be released on March 18, 2021.
Applicants can review their application status in the online application.
Yes. Three-year and four-year JD/MBA students are eligible to be considered for all relevant merit-based scholarships and fellowships from Chicago Booth and UChicago Law.
No. Applicants to the JD/MBA program do not qualify for the Chicago Law Scholars program.
No, three-year JD/MBAs cannot apply prior Booth coursework towards their MBA.
Three-year JD/MBA applicants begin at UChicago Law and complete their entire first year of study exclusively in UChicago Law.
Throughout all three years, students will benefit from collaborative program management, leveraging the resources of both schools to provide students with comprehensive academic advising, access to student organizations and activities, top-tier career services support, and extensive alumni networks.
| Year |
Academic Year |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Entering students start with the Kapnick Leadership Development Initiative and spend three quarters of the first academic year at UChicago Law, completing the standard first-year law curriculum. |
| Summer Term | Students must complete a total of two Booth courses during the two summer terms. This can be accomplished by taking two courses in a single summer term, or taking one course each summer term.
Students take summer courses through Chicago Booth’s Evening or Weekend MBA Program at the downtown Gleacher Center campus. Additionally, students participate in a summer internship in law or business following their first year in the program. |
| Year 2 | Students register in the Full-Time Program at Booth and begin with the LEAD course, before completing 12 courses over three quarters. JD/MBA students have a fully immersive Booth experience in this year: labs, student clubs, career treks, social events, etc. |
| Summer Term | Depending on the number of courses completed during the first summer term, students take zero to two Booth courses during the second summer term through Booth’s Evening or Weekend MBA Program at the downtown Gleacher Center campus. Students participate in a summer internship in law or business following their second year in the program. |
| Year 3 | Students will complete their remaining Law courses and Law requirements. |
Yes. JD/MBA students may still participate in the clinical programs available at UChicago Law in their third year. Read more about the UChicago Law Clinics.
Yes. JD/MBA students will participate in the Kapnick Leadership Program at UChicago Law prior to starting their first year of law school and complete LEAD prior to their second year of study.
Yes, JD/MBA students can participate in the three student-edited journals at UChicago Law.
JD/MBA students will typically complete internships during both the first and second summers. Students will also typically complete two Booth courses over the first summer.
Yes. JD/MBA students have access to the unparalleled expertise of the career services departments at UChicago Law and Booth. Students in the 3-year JD/MBA program can access Booth Career Services from the start of the three years. Students in the 4-year JD/MBA program gain access to Booth Career Services upon matriculation to Booth, which is typically at the start of the third year.
The joint JD/MBA Program is an offering of the University of Chicago Law School and Chicago Booth that allows you to earn both a Juris Doctor and an Master's of Business Administration through a three-year or four-year dual degree program.
