JD/MBA Joint Degree

The JD/MBA joint degree program with Stanford Law School is designed for individuals considering:

  • A career in law or public service, who wish to acquire the skills of a general manager
  • A career in management, who wish to acquire the skills and competencies of a lawyer

Degree Requirements

You must fulfill the degree requirements for the joint degree program as outlined in the academic policies from each school for the year in which you began the required curriculum.

MBA Units 84
JD Units 80
Total Units 164
Time to Complete 11 to 12 quarters (4 years)

Stanford GSB Residency

In addition to satisfying the SLS residency requirement, you must complete five quarters (excluding summer) of residency, i.e., full-tuition study, at Stanford GSB. Residency starts accruing when you begin the core coursework in the autumn quarter.

Paths to Completing the Program

Option 1 — Complete your first two years of law school, then your first year of business school, followed by courses primarily at the business school in your final year.

Option 2 — Complete your first year of law school, then your first year of business school, followed by a variety of courses at both schools in your remaining two years.

Option 3 - Complete your first year of business school, then your first year of law school, followed by a variety of courses at both schools in your remaining two years.

If you intend to take the February bar exam, you may elect to go on leave during the winter quarter of your fourth year to prepare for and take the bar exam, return to classes in spring quarter, and complete the JD/MBA program in 11 quarters.

How to Apply

You may apply in any round for this joint degree program. If you wish to pursue a joint or dual degree, you must specify your interest in the “Application Information” section of the application by selecting the desired joint or dual degree program from a drop-down menu.

You must apply separately, and be admitted, to both the Stanford Law School (SLS) and Stanford GSB. For your Stanford GSB application, use Essay B to support your rationale for pursuing this joint degree.

If you are currently a JD student, you only need to submit your application to Stanford GSB for the MBA program. Conversely, if you are currently an MBA student, you only need to submit your application to SLS for the JD program.

If you are admitted to both programs, you may start your studies at either the SLS or Stanford GSB. Most JD/MBA students start at the SLS.