Expand your law degree with an mba
Designed for students who want to operate at the intersection of law and business, the JD/MBA dual degree equips you with both legal expertise and strategic business insight. This combination prepares graduates to navigate complex regulatory environments, advise organizations at the highest levels, and lead across industries where legal and business decisions are deeply interconnected.

Program Overview

The JD/MBA dual degree allows students to complete both degrees in an accelerated timeline compared to pursuing each program separately. 

Students divide their time between the Texas Law and McCombs School of Business (Rowling Hall), gaining a comprehensive foundation in both disciplines. 

While the exact sequence may vary, most students: 

  • Begin in the Law School to build a strong legal foundation
  • Complete a dedicated MBA year immersed in the Full-Time MBA experience 
  • Complete two years of blended coursework at both the law school and business school 

        Both degrees are awarded simultaneously by The University of Texas at Austin upon completion of all program requirements.

        Why this matters for your career

        Many of today’s most complex challenges require both legal expertise and business judgment. The JD/MBA dual degree prepares you to approach these challenges with a broader, more strategic perspective.

        Graduate students interacting at an event

        Graduates are well-positioned to: 

        • Advise organizations on legal, financial, and strategic decisions
        • Work in corporate law, consulting, investment banking, or in-house legal roles
        • Navigate areas such as mergers and acquisitions, regulatory strategy, and corporate governance 

            This dual degree expands your ability to move across functions and industries while enhancing your long-term leadership potential. 

            Program Highlights

            Top-Ranked Programs in Law
            and Business

            Learn from leading faculty across two highly regarded schools at UT Austin.

            Interdisciplinary Learning

            Combine legal analysis with business strategy, finance, and operations 

            Flexible Electives

            Tailor your coursework across both schools to support your career goals 

            Immersive Experience

            Spend a dedicated year in the Full-Time MBA program, building strong business foundations

            Two Schools, One Campus

            Study at both McCombs (Rowling Hall) and the Law School, located on the UT Austin campus.

            Powerful Alumni Network

            Connect with graduates across both law and business communities 

            admissions

            Who should apply

            Applicants interested in the JD/MBA must apply and be admitted to both: 

            • The School of Law (JD program)
            • The Full-Time MBA program at McCombs 
              Admissions Requirements
              • Each program evaluates applicants independently
              • Standard application requirements apply for both programs
              • Admission to both programs is required to pursue the dual degree 
                  Application Process

                  Applicants typically: 

                  • Submit separate applications to Texas Law and McCombs
                  • Indicate interest in the dual degree (where applicable) 

                     We encourage applicants to review both programs’ deadlines to ensure alignment across application cycles. 

                    Tuition & Fees

                    Students pay a blended tuition rate once admitted into the dual degree major code. Financial aid and funding opportunities are administered separately by McCombs and the Law School.

                    Application deadlines

                    Applications are accepted in rounds and must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round.

                    Round 1

                    Application Due:
                    October 15, 2026

                    Decision Delivered:
                    December 17, 2026

                    Round 2

                    Application Due:
                    January 15, 2027

                    Decision Delivered:
                    March 25, 2027

                    Round 3

                    Application Due:
                    April 1, 2027

                    Decision Delivered:
                    May 6, 2027

                    STEPS FOR SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

                    The University of Texas at Austin requires graduate school applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.

                    We also highly recommend having at least 2 years of post-undergraduate, professional work experience by the time the program begins.

                     

                    To prepare to apply for your MBA:

                      1. Start your MBA Application.
                      2. Obtain copies of your official transcripts and have official test scores sent to UT Austin.
                      3. Get to know MBA program details and culture by meeting staff, students, and alumni at an MBA event.
                      4. Review the Texas McCombs MBA Insider blog for tips on the application process.
                      5. Connect with current students to gain additional insight from someone who has successfully gone through the process.
                      6. Email us with any questions.

                    Submit your Texas McCombs MBA application by the deadline for the round in which you are applying. This includes all relevant application components - essays, transcripts, self-reported test scores, letter of recommendation, resume, etc.

                     

                    Pay the application fee. Your application fee invoice will be available 1-2 business days after application submission.

                    Complete your file with UT's Office of Graduate Admissions. The Office of Graduate Admissions is responsible for verifying the validity of your test scores, transcripts, and degrees. 1-2 business days after application submission, upload copies of official transcripts and confirm receipt of official test scores.

                     

                    Once you've submitted your application, you can monitor your application status via the Applicant Community page for updates. While we review your application, we encourage you to watch your check your email inbox for any application updates. 

                    Did you receive a promotion, or did you retake the GMAT or GRE exam since you submitted your application? If you have a substantial update to your application, please contact us. Please note that there is no guarantee that your update(s) will be considered for the evaluation of your candidacy. 

                     

                    All applicants are reviewed in rounds. The Admissions Committee will make a decision by the date published during the round in which you submit your application.

                    Once a decision has been released on your application, you will receive an automated email to view your admissions decision. All admissions decisions are final for the application cycle.

                     

                    To safeguard the integrity of the admission process, Texas McCombs partners with Re Vera Services to conduct an employment and recommendation verification. If it is determined that there has been any misrepresentation in an applicant’s MBA application, McCombs reserves the right to rescind the offer of admission. There will be a required fee paid directly to Re Vera Services at a base price of $85 USD. The verification process must be completed by the deadline specified by the MBA program office.

                    Curriculum

                    Students must complete a minimum of 114 credit hours, including: 

                    • 23 hours of MBA core courses
                    • 21 hours of MBA elective courses
                    • 70 hours of required Law School courses 

                        Generally, students in this dual degree program will not be eligible to take the bar exam if they have more than four semester hours of coursework remaining in either part of the program. 

                        • First Year: Focus on law courses.
                        • Second Year: Focus on graduate business courses.
                        • Final Two Years: Combine coursework from both disciplines. 
                        Student walking up stairs

                        STUDENT EXPERIENCE

                        What to Expect During Your MBA Year

                        During your MBA year, you will be fully immersed in the Full-Time MBA experience at McCombs, focusing on the business knowledge and leadership skills that complement your legal training. 

                        You’ll complete core coursework in areas like finance, strategy, operations, and leadership, while also having the flexibility to choose electives that align with your career goals—whether that’s corporate law, consulting, or finance. 

                        Many JD/MBA students also engage in opportunities outside the classroom, such as: 

                        • Joining student organizations focused on consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, or corporate leadership 
                        • Participating in experiential learning opportunities, including consulting projects and case competitions 
                        • Building connections with MBA classmates from a wide range of professional backgrounds

                            The MBA year offers a distinct opportunity to broaden your perspective beyond legal training, helping you better understand how organizations make decisions and how legal considerations shape business strategy. 

                                            Beyond the Classroom

                                            As a dual degree student, you will have access to resources across both programs, including: 

                                            • Career services and recruiting support from both Texas Law and McCombs 
                                            • Student organizations and professional groups across law and business 
                                            • Networking events connecting students, alumni, and employers 
                                            • Speaker series and events focused on corporate law, business strategy, and policy 

                                            Ready to make your move?

                                            Start your application today to be a part of our next class of leaders. 

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                                            Take the Next Step

                                            Engage

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                                            Apply

                                            Start your application and begin your journey to the Hildebrand MBA program at McCombs.

                                            Connect

                                            Reach out to MBA Admissions or connect with a student ambassador.