An Overview and FAQs

Dual degrees allow students to differentiate themselves in a competitive legal employment market by demonstrating specialized expertise in a particular area. Texas Tech is the only system in Texas that hosts a university, a law school, and a health science center. As a result, students benefit from this diversity of curricula by being able to pursue one of our ten dual-degree programs:

Business

• J.D./Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• J.D./Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.)
• J.D./Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning (P.F.P.)
• J.D./Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics

Science and Engineering

• J.D. and Master of Science in Biotechnology
• J.D./Master of Engineering (M.ENG.)
• J.D. and Master of Science in Environmental Toxicology
• J.D./Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

Sports Management

• J.D./Master of Science in Sports Management

Government/Public Administration

• J.D./Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

How long does it take to earn both degrees?

With the exception of the J.D./MD, the dual degrees offered in association with the Texas Tech University Graduate School enable students to earn both degrees in three to four years.

Will I have to retake an entrance exam like the GRE? I already took the LSAT?

The Graduate School accepts an LSAT score in lieu of a GRE or GMAT score.

Are there any other requirements that I should be aware of?

Yes. Some programs have pre-requisite requirements. For example, students who intend on pursuing a J.D./M.S. in Environmental Toxicology should have a strong background in the natural, physical, or health sciences. Each department has its own preferences, so it is important to check the department website and talk with the faculty representative for that department.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Yes, each department or school has specific application deadlines. Typically, you must apply to the law school and the graduate school by the end of the third semester of law school for certain programs. Students who plan to enroll in the J.D./M.B.A. program must be accepted to the Graduate School portion of the program no later than the end of the spring semester of the first year of law school. Please check with your particular program of interest for details.

Do I have to fill out any additional applications?

Yes. You must:

1. Complete application with the TTU Graduate School at www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/Admissions/apply-now.php;
2. Check with the designated Graduate Program Coordinator in the non-law department regarding any department-specific applications;
3. Complete the TTU Law Checklist at the end of this packet and submit a copies to: the TTU Law Registrar, the designated law faculty advisor to the program, and the Director of Career Services by the end of the third semester.
4. Apply to the graduate program.
• Fill out the online application at ApplyTexas.
• Pay your application fee: $60 initial application fee, $50 for each subsequent application (including changes of entry date, add/change program, or readmission). Application fees may be paid via ApplyTexas at the time of application submission or by credit card on our website.

Do I need to meet with anyone regarding my entrance into the program?

Yes. You must schedule an appointment with the designated law-school faculty advisor and the Graduate Program Coordinator for the associated department. Many departments have separate application requirements and deadlines, and the Graduate Program coordinator will be able to assist you in your application process.

You are required to meet with both representatives and submit the necessary applications before you will be officially accepted into the program.

When do I start dual-degree classes with the other department?

You must be accepted into each program before you can participate in the dual degree.

As a first-year law student, you will begin at the law school just as any other law student would, where you will spend your first year taking law classes. During the following years, additional required law courses will be completed together with selected law electives and an appropriate number of master's core courses. Students pursuing the J.D./M.B.A. have the option of beginning their M.B.A. coursework in the summer before they begin law school. Additionally, those students interested in J.D./M.D. should contact both schools for the specific schedule proposed by the departments as soon as possible.

What if I am unsure about my schedule or the classes that I am taking?

Before registration, students who plan to take some courses for their graduate program should check with the law school registrar for procedures for such courses.

What is considered a "normal course load" for dual-degree students?

A "normal course load" for dual-degree students is between 13-17 credit hours per semester, which includes law courses and non-law courses from the other side of the degree program. A dual-degree student may take more than 17 credits in a regular semester but may not take more than 20 percent of the total coursework required for the dual-degree program in a semester.

Will I be prohibited from participating in other programs if I pursue a dual degree?

It is possible that your participation in a dual degree could prohibit your participation in other programs such as the Regional Externship Program in other cities due to the class scheduling process and a limit on external non-J.D. course hours that you can attain during your three years. It is up to you to plan ahead and visit with both the law school registrar and the designated law faculty advisor should you have any questions.

Are the graduate school classes and grades treated as part of my law-school GPA and class rank?

No. Grades earned in graduate courses that are part of a dual-degree program are not calculated as part of the cumulative law school GPA, nor do they factor into class ranking. Similarly, law-school grades will not be calculated into the GPA in the associated graduate school.

Up to 12 credit hours from approved graduate courses in the program will be allowed as credit toward the 90-credit requirement for the J.D. degree. A dual-degree student must complete 78 law credit hours, the approved 12 hours of graduate course credit, and all other J.D. requirements to satisfy the degree requirements for the J.D. side of the dual degree.

Can I graduate from law school before I complete both of my degrees?

No. A student receiving a dual degree will not have either degree conferred until the requirements for both programs have been fulfilled. Students in dual-degree programs should also check with the Dean's Office in the Graduate School for requirements on filing for graduation.

Will it affect when can I sit for the Bar Exam?

A student who is in a dual-degree program may sit for the bar examination once that student is within 4 credit hours of completing the J.D. requirements. However, the student cannot be licensed to practice law until the dual degrees have been conferred.

What about taking summer courses? What do I need to know for financial-aid purposes?

Dual-degree students taking summer courses must be enrolled in at least 6 total credit hours to be considered a full-time student for financial aid purposes.

Can I take advantage of the Career Services offered by other departments?

Yes, but it is important to coordinate your efforts with the Director of Career Services at the law school.

What can I do to ensure my success in the dual-degree program?

Be organized, keep records, and communicate with both schools associated with the program. You are expected to meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator and the designated law faculty advisor on an annual basis to review your progress in the program. It is your responsibility to seek out answers from either the registrar or Graduate Program Coordinator regarding course offerings and class scheduling. At the law school, we expect our students to exhibit the utmost professionalism at all times when communicating with all law school and graduate school representatives. If you have any questions or concerns, you should first communicate them to both the designated law faculty advisor and the Graduate Program Coordinator.