The J.D./M.S. joint degree program in Biological Science allows participants to obtain expertise in both fields, and in doing so eliminates 16 to 19 hours of course work (J.D. and M.S.) that would be required if the programs in Law and Biological Science were taken separately (depending upon whether the thesis M.S. or non-thesis M.S. is pursued).
The curriculum consists of course work taken through the College of Law and through the Graduate School. The joint degree program requires 78 credit hours of law courses including all required courses as established by the College of Law for a J.D. In addition, this joint degree requires 24 hours of course work in the biological science program for the thesis M.S. degree, or 27 hours of course work in the biological science program for the non-thesis M.S. degree. Depending upon the student’s undergraduate education, there may be prerequisite course work in biology that must be complete before beginning the joint degree program. Please consult with the Graduate Advisor for Biology about possible deficiencies in undergraduate biology course work.
Those wishing to pursue the J.D./M.S. in Biology must be admitted to the Law School and to the Graduate School. Graduate School requirements include a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered for this program. In addition, applicants should have some science background. Admittance to the M.S. program requires a formal application to the Graduate School, which includes taking the GRE and three letters of recommendation. Obtain application through the Graduate School.
