So, you’re staring at the law school or business school application page, right? Maybe you’re torn between diving into the world of corporate law or stepping into the C-suite, and now you’re wondering: Why not both?
Enter the JD/MBA degree—the ultimate hybrid of law and business education. It sounds impressive (because it is), but is it the right move for you? Let’s break it down with a dash of playful honesty and a side of real talk.
What’s a JD/MBA, Anyway?
A JD/MBA is a joint degree that combines a Juris Doctor (JD) with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). You’ll study law and business over three or four years—most programs will have you do your 1L one year, your first year of the MBA another year, then some combination of classes for the remaining one or two years. It’s like getting two degrees for… well, not the price of one, but somewhat less than two degrees. So, should you?
Pros of a JD/MBA Degree
Ultimate Career Flexibility
With both degrees, you’re like a Swiss Army knife in the job market. Want to practice law at a prestigious firm? Go for it. Want to become a CEO or dive into entrepreneurship? You’ve got the business acumen. The dual degree opens doors in both industries—corporate law, consulting, finance, even nonprofit work—so you can pivot depending on where your interests (and the economy) take you.
Pro Tip: Law firms love candidates with an MBA if they deal with corporate clients, and companies love JD holders because you can navigate the legal intricacies of business. You’re basically their secret weapon.
Networking on Overdrive
Both law school and business school are massive networking hubs. Now, imagine combining those networks. You’ll not only have connections in the legal world but also in the business sphere—think future partners, clients, or even co-founders for that start-up idea you’ve been nurturing. You’ll be at the intersection of two powerful professional networks, which can pay off big time down the road.
Two for One-ish
Sure, it’s still a big commitment, but the JD/MBA joint degree generally shaves a year off your education. Rather than spending five years getting both degrees separately, most programs let you complete four years. Some even have an accelerated program that allows you to graduate with both degrees in three years. Time is money, after all!
Employers Will Be Impressed (Really Impressed)
Let’s face it: JD/MBA sounds impressive. It is impressive! The joint degree signals to employers that you’re not just smart and ambitious—you’re capable of balancing the demands of two rigorous fields at once. That’s a big deal, especially if you’re gunning for high-powered roles where leadership and critical thinking are key—not to mention prioritization and time management.
Cons of a JD/MBA Degree
Time (Still, A Lot of It)
Even though a joint degree program shortens the path a bit, it’s still 3-4 years of intense study. You’ll have to be okay with spending more time in school than your single-degree friends. While they’re already starting their careers, you’ll still be hitting the books. If you’re itching to jump into the workforce quickly—or if you can’t wait that long to start earning a salary—this might feel like too long of a long detour.
High Cost
Spoiler alert: A JD/MBA isn’t cheap. You’re looking at two professional graduate degree programs, and while you may finish faster and thus pay less total tuition than if you were to do the degrees separately, the price tag is very steep. Tuition alone for one year at top JD or MBA programs can be up to $80k—and that’s not accounting for the cost of living or the opportunity cost of being out of the workforce longer. Financial aid can help, but if you’re not planning on a (very) lucrative career to recoup the costs, it’s worth putting some serious thought into whether the dual degree makes sense for you financially.
Pro Tip: Some schools offer scholarships specifically for JD/MBA students. Also, keep in mind that if you’re entering a very high-paying field, you may get a great return on this big investment.
Double the Stress
Law school is hard. Business school isn’t a cinch either. Together? That’s a lot of deadlines, exams, case studies, and late nights. You have to be ready for some serious multitasking, juggling law and business classes, and balancing competing demands. If you’re someone who thrives under pressure, this might be right up your alley. If not, it could burn you out, and make it tough to dive right into that very lucrative career you were banking on.
Risk of Perceived Overqualification
This is a weird one, but some employers might see you as overqualified—especially for entry-level roles. A JD/MBA can make you seem like you’re gunning for the corner office (which you are, let’s be honest), but smaller companies or less competitive industries might feel they can’t offer you the salary or responsibilities you deserve right off the bat.
Overqualification isn’t always bad, but it’s something to consider if you plan on working somewhere that might not see immediate value in both degrees.
So, What’s the Verdict?
The JD/MBA is undeniably impressive, but it’s not for everyone. If you have clear ambitions that involve both law and business—say you want to advise companies as an in-house counsel or run your own firm—this combo can be a game-changer. If you’re undecided about whether you even need both degrees, or if the financial and time commitment feels too intense, it’s worth considering whether a single degree with focused career planning might be a better fit. Talking to people who pursued JD/MBAs might be helpful—as might talking to those who considered the joint degree and went with only one.
Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your long-term goals. A JD/MBA is an investment—in both time and money—but for the right person, it can pay off in spades. Just be sure you’re diving in for the right reasons, not just because it sounds cool (which it totally does).
If you want to explore this degree path for yourself, you can reach out to our team of expert consultants for guidance on applying to one or both of these graduate programs!
