The combined curriculum leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Environmental Studies is designed to permit the student to complete both degrees over four years instead of the five years that would typically be required to complete the two degrees separately.
Entry into the Dual Degree Program can occur in one of two ways. Applicants who are not currently enrolled in either the JD or the MA in Environmental Studies degree program must apply for admission to both the College of Graduate Studies and the College of Law concurrently and follow the normal procedures of the respective colleges. Application for admission must be specifically for the Dual Degree Program. Students who enroll in this manner spend their first year taking courses exclusively in the JD program and their second year taking courses exclusively in the MA in Environmental Studies program. In the third and fourth years, students take courses in both degree programs. Applicants who are currently enrolled in either the JD or the MA in Environmental Studies degree program must apply and be admitted to the other degree program prior to the completion of sixty credit hours in the JD program or twenty-four credit hours in the MA in Environmental Studies program. Students who enroll in this manner are advised as to how to schedule the remainder of their courses in the Dual Degree Program. Any student who has completed at least one semester of graduate coursework is strongly encouraged to consult with a law advisor prior to registering for additional graduate coursework. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to take more than eight years to complete the combined programs.
The Dual Degree Program requires a total of four academic years. The Juris Doctor requirements are fulfilled by the completion of eighty credit hours of work in the College of Law, including all required courses, and the transfer of ten credit hours from courses taken in the Master of Arts in Environmental Studies program. The Master of Arts in Environmental Studies requirements are fulfilled by the completion of 29-31 credit hours of courses in the School of Urban Affairs, including all required courses, and the transfer of the equivalent of eight credit hours from courses taken in the College of Law. In order to ensure that the degree requirements of both programs are fully maintained, while at the same time permitting the saving of a full academic year, students who pursue the Dual Degree Program are not permitted to take courses outside either the College of Law or the Master of Arts in Environmental Studies program for credit toward either degree.
When a student graduates from both degrees together they are allowed to transfer as many as ten credit hours toward their law degree. If they elect to receive the law degree first, only eight credits can be dual counted. Dual degree students should consult with their law advisor to determine how to transfer the maximum credit hours toward their law degree.
Submit College of Graduate Studies application materials to Campus 411, All-in-1. Contact the College of Law regarding law application procedures.