JD/MBA

Many students choose to pursue a joint Juris Doctorate (law) and Masters of Business Administration (JD/MBA) degree.

Admissions

Students must apply to the business school and law school separately. If a student is accepted to both programs, they can enroll in the JD/MBA program. We look at the GMAT score, GPA, work experience, essays, recommendations and interview when evaluating candidates.

Work Experience

Most students interested in a JD/MBA degree do not possess the average five years of work experience of our typical MBA candidate. Many students proceed to law school directly from their undergraduate program. However, this does not mean that work experience should not be addressed in your application. The Admissions Committee is most interested in hearing how your life and work experiences will add to MBA class discussions and an eventual business career. A college internship, part-time job, or family business experience can provide relevant work experience to strengthen your file. MBA classes are highly participatory and lively class discussions are a key part of the learning process. Our recommendation is that you prepare your application in a way that highlights the skills you have gained from your work and organizational experiences.

GMAT

A second important area is the quantitative section of the GMAT. Candidates should prepare vigorously for the math portion of the GMAT because, at a minimum, candidates need to score at the 50th percentile on the quantitative section of the GMAT. Our average of 75-80th percentile is significantly higher. Ideally, you will be able to prepare and take the GMAT before you start law school.

Law School Academics

If you are a current law school student, please remember that the Admissions Committee will most likely want to review your law school grades thus far before making a decision on your application. We do not suggest that you rush the application process to make the early decision deadline. Your time will be better spent preparing for your law school finals and achieving the best grades possible. Students should have performed well in their first semester, and we prefer students to be ranked in the top 1/3 of their law school class. The semester break can be used for GMAT and application preparation.

Of course, satisfying the qualifications we have discussed does not guarantee your admission to the program. There are many factors that are considered by the Admissions Committee, but those we have addressed can help you present yourself in the most advantageous way.

We would also be happy to arrange for you to meet a current JD/MBA student. Please contact us by email at admissions@bus.emory.edu and we can assist you in scheduling a visit or providing further information about the program.

Career Info

There is a variety of careers that our JD/MBA students typically choose. In the past, we have had a large majority of graduates pursue careers in Law, Investment Banking, General Management Rotation Programs, Investment Management, and Consulting. Many of our graduates also pursue careers that are entrepreneurial in nature.

JD/MBA Society

JD/MBA Society is a club for JD/MBA students, focused on personal and professional development opportunities, and social interaction with both schools. Events include a speaker series, career panel, golf tournaments, charity events, and an information consortium for candidates.

Financial Aid

Every applicant who submits a completed application by the February 1st deadline and is admitted to Goizueta is automatically reviewed for merit-based, school-funded scholarships. No separate application is required; merit-based awards typically range from 20% to full tuition. If a student receives a scholarship, it only applies to the semesters that they are enrolled in the Business School.

In addition, the law school awards The Rothfeder Scholarship, made possible by Alan E. and Myrna Rothfeder. It is awarded to an enrolled JD/MBA student based on academic achievement, character, and leadership ability.

For information on the Law School, visit www.law.emory.edu