“As a kid, I would always hear my father tell me that everything is a business. I understood much later how right he was and realized that law is no exception. I realized that being an attorney is more than learning how to do legal research and writing. It involves knowing how to market yourself, analyzing costs and benefits, and managing people to accomplish desired goals. The JD/MBA program at Santa Clara University was truly an invaluable experience which really gave me the big picture of what it takes to succeed in the legal profession.”
James Kim ’13
Undergraduate – UC Berkeley
Major – Legal Studies
Hometown – Cerritos, CA
“Santa Clara’s JD/MBA program offers students the unique experience of two disciplines which complement each other well academically and socially. While in the program I have interned with both law firms and corporations, using the skills I learned in both programs to better view problems with both a legal and business view. The program has provided me with the ability to apply legal concepts to a business setting, and to effectively communicate with both attorneys and business people. The connections I have made in the program are invaluable, and will help me to practice corporate law once I graduate.
Brittni Neu ’14
Undergraduate – UCLA
Major – Economics and American Literature & Culture
Hometown – San Jose, CA
JD/MBA Admissions Process
Candidates for the combined program must make separate application to both the School of Law and the M.B.A. Program. It is unnecessary to apply to both programs simultaneously. Because the first year of the program is entirely in the law school, candidates typically apply to the M.B.A. Program after they have completed the first semester of law school.
J.D. Program
The School of Law seeks applicants with strong academic backgrounds who have earned a baccalaureate degree in any discipline. Factors considered in the admission decision include the following: academic history, including trends in undergraduate grades, selection of academic courses, graduate study, results of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), work experience, life experience, and community and school service. Letters of recommendation are not required but are usually helpful. Approximately 285 students enroll each year after being selected from more than 2,800 applicants. The School of Law uses a rolling admission process with the first decisions being made in early January preceding the August of desired enrollment. Applications should be filed before February.
Applicants to the School of Law must complete the following steps:
- Return the application for admissions to the Admissions Office with the required application fee.
- Take the Law School Admission Test. The test is offered four times a year and must be taken by February in the desired year of enrollment. Tests scores are generally considered current for four years. If the test is taken more than once, the highest score will be considered.
- Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and have official transcripts sent to Law Services from every North American college or university attended.
- Upon acceptance, make the tuition deposits required to hold a seat in the entering class.
M.B.A. Program
The M.B.A. Program, accredited by AACSB (American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business), seeks students who show aptitude, interest, and ability for leadership.
Students are admitted in any of three quarters fall, winter, and spring. Application requirements are:
- Completed application with the required application fee.
- Essay question responses (two required, one optional).
- Two confidential letters of recommendation (letters used for Law School Admission are not admissible).
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Waivers are available for qualified candidates, please contact the MBA Admissions Office at gradbusiness@scu.edu.
- Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (if not on file at the law school).
Applications will not be considered until all materials are received. Admission will only be granted to students who are in good standing in the law school and are full-time students.
Course of Study
Students enrolled in the combined degree program plan a specific course of study with the program advisors. No undergraduate business course work is required. Students who have taken business courses may have some courses waived.
Students will be permitted to count certain courses for credit toward both degrees. A maximum of 12 quarter units taken in the School of Business and eight semester units taken in the School of Law may be counted toward both degrees. In addition, a concentration may be completed through the scheduling of electives. Please refer to the MBA viewbook for more detailed information.
Employment Outlook
Recent graduates report that their joint degrees are beneficial in a wide variety of career areas including private business, law practice, business management, entrepreneurship, and government administration. The School of Law Career Services Office assists students with their career planning through individual counseling, workshops on topics such as resume writing, interviewing and job search strategies. Many law firms, government agencies, and corporations participate in the on-campus interviewing program in the fall, and hundreds of other employers from around the country request law students’ resumes.
J.D./M.B.A. degree holders who seek employment outside the legal profession also benefit from the resources and facilities of the University Career Services.
For More Information Contact:
Law School Admissions Office
Santa Clara University School of Law
Santa Clara, CA 95053
408-554-5048
lawadmissions@scu.edu
M.B.A. Program
Leavey School of Business
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA 95053
408-554-4539
gradbusiness@scu.edu
