Why Pursue a Dual Degree Program?
There is, of course, the intellectual opportunity that simultaneous study in two disciplines offers. It broadens the student's understanding of the functions of law in society and integrates different disciplinary perspectives.There are also administrative advantages. By combining the two programs, students may be able to count some courses toward both degree requirements and thereby shorten the total time needed to obtain both degrees. Some students have shortened their study program by six months to a year, compared with students who take the two programs separately.
Finally, there are career advantages. Because of their interdisiplinary training, our dual degree students find rewarding careers in teaching, government, public policy settings, international organizations, public interest work, as well as in law firms that value associates with a broad and flexible intellectual background. Several interesting student success stories can be read here.
How to apply
Visit the Law
School Admissions page to download an application,
apply online or to contact the Law School Admissions Office. Contact
the Graduate Department you are interested in by writing directly
to:
Name of Department
Graduate Admissions
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260
A number of departments at UB are familiar with dual degree students. Two departments, Political Science and Sociology, have specific programs that combine graduate study with Law. Call or visit the department Web sites listed in the right-hand column for information about their graduate degree programs.
Fellowships for JD & PhD Students
Information about the prestigious Gilbert Moore Fellowship and Baldy Dissertation Fellowship is available here
Dual Degrees
JD/PhD Program
The Baldy Center serves as a focal point for the interdisciplinary research and
training in law and related graduate disciplines. It helps to coordinate the
combined JD/PhD and JD/MA programs which are designed to give students an opportunity
to examine social problems and processes from the different perspectives of
two disciplines and to prepare them more adequately for specific occupations,
such as administrator, lawyer, policymaker or professor. The overall objective
of these programs is to provide the theory and tools which will allow for enhanced
understanding of law within its broader social context.
Some dual degree students work simultaneously in the Law School and in fields such as Political Science, Philosophy, History, Sociology, Literature, Geography, American Studies, Anthropology and Economics. With one exception, there is no formal program for such students, but the Law School encourages this interdisciplinary work and offers flexibility for those who undertake dual degrees.
JD/PhD (Pharmacy) Program
The Law School and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences have designed
a six-year course of study that allows students to accelerate their studies to
receive the JD and PharmD degrees. This innovative combination provides
students with the scientific and legal training to excel in careers in biotechnology,
intellectual property, and the pharmaceutical industry. The dual degree program
is currently awaiting approval. Program details may be downloaded here 
Contacts:
Shiela R. Shulman, LLB, MPH
Research Associate Professor
UB Law School and
School of Public Health and Health Professions
State University of New York at Buffalo
O'Brian Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260
Tel: 716.645.3683 e-mail: sshulmanbuffalo.edu
Gayle A. Brazeau
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
State University of New York at Buffalo
126 Cooke Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260
JD/MA (Economics) Program
This collaborative program builds upon the strengths of
both the UB Law School and the UB Department of Economics. The program
responds to a growing need for students trained professionally in
both law and in applied economics. Law and Economics is a thriving
and established school of legal theory. The field also provides a
complement of skills and knowledge that would aid professionals whether
they pursue careers as attorneys, professionals in a government agency,
management consultants, or academics. Program details may be downloaded
here
JD/MBA Program
The School of Management and the Law School jointly offer a four-year program
leading to the JD and the MBA degrees. Interested students must apply to both
schools separately. Upon acceptance to both schools, students gain entrance
into the combined program. Although candidates must meet all the degree requirements
of both schools, participation in the combined program allows a reduction in
the total number of credit hours that would otherwise be required. Program
details may be downloaded here
Contact:
David Frasier, Assistant Dean
School of Management
Administrative Director, MBA Program
206 Jacobs Management Center University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260
Tel: 716.645.3204
JD/MLS Program
The School of Law and the Department of Library and Information Studies, School
of Information Studies, offer a four-year dual degree program leading to a
JD and a MLS degree in Legal Information Management and Analysis. This JD & MLS
program in Legal Information Management and Analysis is an innovative program
offering qualified students the opportunity to combine studies and professional
training in law and library and information studies. The program offers a unique
preparation for students interested in careers as law librarians and legal
information professionals. Program details may be downloaded here
Contact:
Professor James Milles
Associate Dean for Legal Information Services
Director of the Law Library
State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260
Tel: 716.645.2089
JD/MPH Program
The Law School and the School of Public Health and Health Professions offer a
four-year collaborative degree program in Law and Public Health leading to
the JD and MPH (Master of Public Health) degrees. The program fosters the critical
relationship between protection of the public health, delivery of health care
services, the legal system and individual rights. A central focus of the program
is the role of public policy, law, regulation, and the courts as tools in the
formulation of effective public health interventions. Prospective students
must submit separate applications and be admitted to both the Law School and
the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine. Program details may be downloaded
here
Contact:
Sheila R. Shulman, LLB, MPH
Research Associate Professor
Director, JD/MPH Program
School of Law, and School of Public Health & Health Professions
State University of New York at Buffalo
O'Brian Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260
Tel: 716.645.3683
JD/MSW Program
The Law School and the School of Social Work offer a four-year dual degree program
leading to a JD and an MSW degree. The program integrates professional legal
and social work training to prepare students for careers as lawyers, social
workers, or administrators at various levels of government. Students must apply
to both schools separately and must also apply to the dual degree program.
Admission to both schools does not guarantee acceptance into the dual degree
program, which is reserved for only a few highly qualified students. Program
details may be downloaded here
Contacts:
Melinda R. Saran, Vice Dean for Student Affairs
University at Buffalo Law School
Buffalo, NY 14260
Tel: 716.645.6223
Kathleen Kost, Associate Dean
University at Buffalo School of Social Work
Buffalo, NY 14260
Tel: 716.645.3381
JD/MUP Program
The Law School and the School of Architecture and Planning have
designed a four-year dual degree that leads to both a JD and a
Master's degree in Urban Planning (MUP). This dual-degree
program is currently awaiting approval. Students completing
this program are uniquely prepared for administration and public
lawyering.
Contact:
William R. Greiner
University Professor
University at Buffalo Law School
Tel: 716.645.3851
ub13@buffalo.edu