JD/MHA

The JD/MHA joint degree program combines the three-year law curriculum with the flexible, online curriculum of the MHA program. To complete the program, students will take 9 courses (for 27 credits) in the online MHA program, which is 3 fewer MHA courses (or 9 fewer credits) than normal. That can be done part time over the space of 5 semesters beginning after the first year of law school, and can include summer terms or one or more additional semesters after the third year of law school. At the same time, students will receive Law School credit for 3 of these MHA courses, so they will need to take only 78 (rather than 87) hours of law course work. 

As part of their law school credits, students will be required to take three designated courses in the law school curriculum (for 9 of their law school credits) that address particular aspects of health care, leadership, and professionalism.

Students will be provided a faculty advisor from each school to help guide them through the program and its curriculum. To make the most of the degree program, students will meet with both advisors at least once during each semester.

Candidates for the JD/MHA joint degree must apply both to the School of Law and the School of Professional Studies, following the admissions requirements of the respective programs, and be accepted to each program in order to pursue a dual degree. Law students typically will apply to the MHA program during their first year, but may apply in time to begin the program as late as their third year.

Once a student is accepted, they must notify the law school of their intention to pursue a dual degree before undertaking the program by completing the Notice of Intention to Pursue a Dual Degree Form.