The joint JD/MBA program from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business offers students the opportunity to explore the intersection of business and law and prepare for a leadership role in either field. Students accepted into the program can earn both the JD and Global MBA degrees in less time, just four years, and at less expense than it would take to earn each separately.

“I don’t see any reason why a student shouldn’t at least look into the JD/MBA program,” says Sam Kava, currently in his third year of the joint degree program, “It adds an extra year to the standard three years of law school, but it opens up so many doors.”

Obtaining the joint degree sets graduates apart from their colleagues with only the JD or MBA degree in a competitive job market. Graduates also have the advantage of a more extensive professional network composed of classmates, instructors, and other professionals in both the legal and business circles.

Kava credits his success in obtaining legal employment after graduation at White and Case, one of the world’s leading law firms, to his enrollment in the joint JD/MBA program. He explains: “I believe being part of the joint JD/MBA program was a major reason I was offered this position. I have a diverse set of skills that helps me stand out in a very competitive pool of applicants. Overall, I feel the things I learned at both Maryland Carey Law and the Carey School of Business complement each other to make me a more qualified job applicant in the legal market.”

Applicants interested in the joint JD/MBA program must first apply and enroll in the Maryland Carey Law JD program. After their first year of the JD program, students in good standing who wish to pursue the dual degree will be automatically admitted to the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business and will receive a 20% discount on tuition at JHU. Participants in the dual degree program are eligible for scholarship consideration from both institutions.

“They understand that it's very expensive to go to law school and then also go to business school,” Kava says, “but they're very supportive, especially if you perform at a high level.”