Ad Hoc Dual Degrees

A dual degree is one in which two separate degrees are earned, with two separte institutions awarding each degree. Dual degree students are conferred with both degrees in May of their graduation year. Students who wish to create an ad hoc dual degree with another institution may petition to do so by contacting the Vice Dean. Such an arrangement must be approved by both schools before the student matriculates at the second institution.

A student wishing to complete an ad hoc dual degree must be independently admitted to each program. If approved to pursue the dual degrees, the student must complete both degrees in four years and must complete 86 law credits in five semesters in residence at the Law School (65 graded), all Law School required courses, and all requirements of the other program. Five semesters must be spent in residence at the Law School and three semesters will be spent in residence at the other institution. Credit from the other instutution will not transfer toward the JD. 

Approved students pay tuition and fees to the Law School typically during the five semesters in which they are in residence. Any Law School scholarship funds or aid awarded will be available only during the five semesters in which a student is in residence at the Law School.

Petitions will be reviewed by the Academic Advisory Committee, which may grant or deny petitions in its sole discretion. Although each petition is considered on its own merits, the Committee shall be guided by (1) an assessment of the applicant’s ability to successfully complete both degrees, (2) the intellectual and academic rigor of the other program, (3) the relevance of the other program to advancement of the applicant’s legal/professional training, and (4) the proposed plan for completing both degrees’ requirements in four years.

Students whose petitions to create an ad hoc dual degree are approved prior to matriculation at both schools must declare by May 1 their intent to begin the first year of study in either the Law School or the other program. Students who are already enrolled at one school when their petitions are approved must confirm their intention to pursue a dual degree by March 1.

All approved ad hoc dual degree students must confirm with the Vice Dean a proposed plan of completion to include number of classes and credits for each semester for both degrees. Both degrees must be completed within four years, including fulfillment of all Law School requirements. Students must provide a copy of an official academic transcript from the other program’s institution to the Law Registrar following each semester in residence at the other school. Progress toward degree will be reviewed and a degree audit conducted following the conclusion of each semester.