Over the past few decades the walls separating law from other disciplines have slowly eroded. This evolving interdisciplinary practice often translates into a need for lawyers to be familiar with a variety of areas. This trend is most clearly evident in the practice of environmental law. Students in this area are finding it increasingly necessary to be familiar with such varied disciplines as business administration, international affairs, economics, environmental policy and social justice.
To support and encourage those students, who may desire or require additional training in a companion discipline outside the law, the Washington College of Law established several dual degree programs. Each of these programs allows a student to concurrently pursue studies leading to the awarding of the Juris Doctor and Masters degree. In addition, students are encouraged to develop their own joint degree proposals.
The business community is becoming increasingly aware of the need to factor environmental considerations into their planning process. Regulations are growing in breath and complexity while civil environmental actions are multiplying both in number and damages.
The J.D./M.B.A. program provides an excellent opportunity for students who desire to develop expertise in both business and environmental law both domestically and around the world. The degree is completed in four years plus a summer term of full-time study (121 credit hours).
a) Required MBA Courses (36 credit hours)
- Accounting Concepts and Applications (3)
- Managerial Economics (3)
- Financial Management (3)
- Management in the Int'l Economics (3)
- Organizational Behavior & HRM (3)
- Applied Managerial Statistics (3)
- Management Information Systems (3)
- Applied Strategic Management in Global Environment (3)
- Field Practicum (3)
- Marketing Management (3)
b) Business Concentration (9 credit hours)
- Students can tailor their own concentration in environmental issues in business.
c) JD Courses (86 credit hours total)
- First-Year Requirements (29 credit hours)
- Recommend U.S. or International environmental law Curriculum (15 credit hours)
- Electives (42 credit hours)
For more information visit the Law School's JD/MBA Program.
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The joint JD/MS offers an enriching cross-disciplinary study of law and social science. Many of the fundamental concepts of environmental law can be expanded through the MS program providing a broader perspective. Students can examine the philosophical and empirical assumptions that underpin environmental law and policy. Because the JD/MS courses in SPA offer a comprehensive understanding of these important concepts, the joint program is ideally suited for those who desire a thorough understanding of how law intersects with theories of justice and justice systems in our society. Students may compare the value of regulation verses incentives. They may also tackle difficult social issues such as environmental discrimination. The program enables students to complete the J.D. and M.S. degrees in approximately four years.
a) MS Requirements (33 credit hours)
- Two research courses in lieu of a thesis (6 credit hours)
- Electives (27 credit hours)
- Comprehensive examination
b) Juris Doctor (86 credit hours)
- First-Year Requirements (29 credit hours)
- Recommended US or International Environmental Policy Curriculum (15 credit hours)
- Electives (42 credit)
For more information visit the Law School's JD/MS Program.
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American University's JD/MA program allows you to earn an MA in international affairs from the School of International Service (SIS) and a JD from the Washington College of Law (WCL). The program provides students interested in international service with a political, historical, and economic background germane to the practice of international environmental law. It is particularly suitable for students who are firmly committed to legal practice and who want to specialize in environmental matters with a transnational focus.
a) MA Requirements (21 credit hours):
- Law and international relations (3)
- International relations theory (3)
- Economics (3)
- Research methods (3)
- Electives (9)
b) JD Requirements (80 credit hours):
Click here for the School of International Service at American University.
