Dual Degrees

The UW Law School offers dual degree opportunities in conjunction with a number of graduate programs across campus. These agreements allow students to apply credits earned for one degree toward the other degree, reducing the overall time to earn both degrees. Law students are permitted to begin a second degree either before or during their law career, however, Law School Rule 3.05 applies.

Students earning dual degrees must satisfy the same JD and Diploma Privilege requirements as other law students (see, Graduation Requirements for JD Students and Wisconsin Diploma Privilege Requirements). However, no more than 15 credits of dual degree coursework graded B or better may be applied to reach the 90-credit total required to earn the JD.  A dual degree student who does not finish the other degree will only be able to count 6 nonlaw graduate credits toward the JD degree.

In most instances, completing a JD and a master’s degree will add about a year of study to the three years it usually takes to complete law school and saves approximately one year of study compared to attaining both degrees separately. Adding a PhD to the JD will also lengthen the time to earn both degrees.

Application & Admission

Dual degree candidates must apply and be admitted to the Law School and the dual degree program separately but are not necessarily required to do so in the same year. It is essential that applicants familiarize themselves with the admission requirements for both the Law School and the proposed dual degree program.

Once dual degree students begin taking Law courses, they must complete the first-year course sequence of 30 credits within two academic years, starting in a fall semester. Students are strongly advised to complete the first year of Law School as full-time students taking Law courses exclusively.

Program Partnerships

Students considering a dual degree should meet with the Law School Academic Advisor to discuss course sequencing and blending two degrees. Students should also contact the Director of Scholarship Administration to learn how a dual degree may impact tuition rates and Law School scholarships.

Prior to being approved to graduate, a dual degree student must complete and return the "Notification of Dual Degree" form, available online at the Current Student Forms page and can be returned to the Law School Registrar.