Program Overview

Introduction to the JD/MA in Economics Joint Degree Program

The JD/MA in Economics joint degree program at the University of Kansas combines the three-year J.D. program offered by the School of Law and the M.A. in Economics program offered through the Department of Economics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This program is designed to develop a student's understanding and appreciation of the converging disciplines of law and economics.

Program Overview

• The program requires students to complete 81 credits in law and 18 credits in economics.
• The J.D. and M.A. diplomas will be awarded concurrently after completion of the joint-degree program requirements.
• There has been a recent trend toward substantial use of economic analysis in many areas of the law, including regulated industries, environmental law, torts, consumer law, and labor law.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility

• The joint JD/MA program is open to those who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and whose undergraduate record indicates that the applicant has the capacity to complete the law and economics programs.
• Applicants must meet the admissions requirements of the School of Law, the Department of Economics, and the Graduate School.
• Students first apply to the School of Law, and once admitted, they can then apply to the M.A. in Economics program during the first year of law school.
• All students must provide a reportable LSAT or GRE score for admission to the joint degree program.
• All undergraduate prerequisite courses (e.g., ECON 520, ECON 522, MATH 121, MATH 122, and MATH 526) also apply.

Degree Requirements

Total Credit Hours

• Law courses required for all J.D. candidates: 43 credits
• Law courses required for all joint degree candidates: 12 credits
• Economics courses required of joint degree candidates: 9 credits
• Elective law courses: 26 credits
• Elective economics courses: 0 credits
• Minimum credit hours required: 90 for J.D., 30 for M.A.

J.D. Requirements

• First-Year Courses:
  • LAW 804 Civil Procedure (4 credits)
  • LAW 806 Introduction to Constitutional Law (4 credits)
  • LAW 809 Contracts (4 credits)
  • LAW 814 Criminal Law (4 credits)
  • LAW 820 Lawyering Skills I (2 credits)
  • LAW 821 Lawyering Skills II (3 credits)
  • LAW 826 Property (4 credits)
  • LAW 831 Torts I (4 credits)
• Upper-Level Courses:
  • LAW 972 Professional Responsibility (2 credits)
  • 3 courses from among the following:
    • LAW 892 Business Organizations (4 credits)
    • LAW 873 Commercial Law: Secured Transactions (3 credits)
    • LAW 881 Conflict of Laws (3 credits)
    • LAW 878 Criminal Procedure: Investigation (3 credits)
    • LAW 908 Evidence (3 credits)
    • LAW 909 Family Law (3 credits)
    • LAW 845 Jurisdiction (3 credits)
    • LAW 996 Trusts and Estates (4 credits)

JD/MA in Economics Joint Degree Candidate Requirements

• 4 courses from the following list:
  • LAW 863 Antitrust Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 963 Energy Law and Policy (3 credits)
  • LAW 913 Federal Income Taxation (3 credits)
  • LAW 864 Advanced International Trade Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 944 International Trade Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 945 International Commerce & Investment (3 credits)
  • LAW 939 Labor Law (4 credits)
  • LAW 971 Product Liability (3 credits)

Economics Requirements

• At least 9 elective credit hours subject to the approval of the Department of Economics
• Elementary Econometrics (3 credits)
• Survey of Microeconomics (3 credits)
• Survey of Macroeconomics (3 credits)

Typical Program Format

• First Year: 29 law credits
• Second Year: 25 law credits, 6 economics credits
• Third Year: 22 law credits, 6 economics credits
• Summer: 5 law credits, 6 economics credits
• Total Credit Earned: 81 law credits, 18 economics credits

Academic Resources

• KU Academic Catalog
• Academic Calendar
• Areas of Study
• Certificates
• Courses
• Degree Requirements
• Joint Degree Programs
• Hands-On Learning
• Tuition & Scholarships

Conclusion

The JD/MA in Economics joint degree program at the University of Kansas offers students a unique opportunity to combine the study of law and economics, preparing them for careers in fields where these disciplines intersect. With its rigorous academic requirements and interdisciplinary approach, this program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and economic principles that underlie many areas of law and policy.