M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
Masters in Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (Dual Degree)
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The JD/MBA program at Mississippi College combines the rigorous legal education of its School of Law with the strategic business training of its AACSB-accredited School of Business. It targets students aspiring to careers in heavily regulated industries such as high technology, finance, healthcare, energy, and pharmaceuticals, where a deep understanding of both business operations and the legal and regulatory environment is paramount. Students typically apply to both programs simultaneously, spending their first year exclusively in the JD program and then integrating business and law coursework in subsequent years.
AACSB Accredited: Yes, the MBA component of the JD/MBA dual degree program at Mississippi College is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This is a significant distinction, as AACSB accreditation is considered the gold standard for business education worldwide, ensuring that the MBA curriculum meets rigorous standards for quality, relevance, and excellence in teaching, research, and student learning. This accreditation enhances the value and recognition of the business degree portion of the dual program.
Curriculum: The JD/MBA curriculum is designed to maximize synergy between the two disciplines. While specific course requirements can vary, students typically complete a total of approximately 117 credit hours, usually comprising a combination of law courses (around 81 hours), MBA classes (around 27 hours), and a set number of hours (e.g., 9 hours) that count toward both degrees. The law curriculum covers foundational legal subjects like Civil Procedures, Contracts, Torts, Constitutional Law, and Legal Writing. The MBA portion includes core business disciplines such as Financial Management, Accounting Issues, Law and Ethics in Business, Leadership in a Global Environment, Strategic Management, and Market Administration. The dual degree streamlines the process by allowing certain credits to fulfill requirements for both degrees, making it more time and cost-effective.
Research Focus: The JD/MBA program integrates research methodologies from both the legal and business disciplines. In the JD portion, students engage in comprehensive legal research, honing skills in statutory analysis, case law interpretation, and legal writing, often culminating in an in-depth writing project. The MBA component emphasizes analytical and quantitative skills, requiring students to research market trends, analyze financial data, and develop evidence-based business strategies. While a single comprehensive thesis for both degrees might not be a standard requirement, the program cultivates advanced research and analytical capabilities crucial for tackling complex legal and business problems.
Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's JD/MBA program actively prepares graduates for real-world application in the legal and business sectors. The School of Law provides opportunities through legal clinics, externships, and advocacy programs, allowing students to gain hands-on legal experience. The School of Business integrates industry insights through an executive speaker series and a forward-thinking curriculum. The very nature of the dual degree fosters direct engagement with the intersection of law and business, which is highly valued by employers in corporate law, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and various leadership roles where legal implications and business strategy are intertwined.
Global Perspective: The JD/MBA program at Mississippi College incorporates a global perspective through its curriculum, notably within the MBA's "Leadership in a Global Environment" course and the School of Law's offerings that may touch on international and comparative law. This is crucial for preparing graduates to navigate complex cross-border transactions and understand the legal and business implications of global trade and international relations. Furthermore, Mississippi College as an institution hosts a diverse international student body, enriching the classroom environment with varied cultural and professional backgrounds. This exposure naturally broadens students' understanding of global legal frameworks and business practices, preparing them for careers in an interconnected world.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) dual degree from Mississippi College offers a powerful combination of legal expertise and business acumen, preparing graduates for a wide array of high-level positions where these two fields intersect. This comprehensive program provides a distinct competitive advantage, enabling graduates to navigate complex legal and corporate landscapes with confidence.
Corporate Counsel/In-House Attorney: A primary path for JD/MBA graduates, these professionals provide legal advice to corporations on a wide range of issues, including contracts, intellectual property, employment law, compliance, and mergers and acquisitions. Their business understanding allows them to offer more strategic and commercially viable legal solutions.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Specialist: Whether as attorneys in law firms or as professionals in investment banks or corporations, JD/MBA graduates are uniquely suited for M&A. They can navigate the legal complexities of deals while also understanding the financial and strategic implications for both acquiring and target companies.
Management Consultant (Legal/Regulatory Focus): Consultants with a JD/MBA advise businesses on strategic issues that have significant legal or regulatory components. They might help companies comply with complex regulations, assess legal risks in new markets, or develop strategies for corporate governance.
Investment Banker (Deal Structuring/Compliance): In investment banking, a JD/MBA is highly valuable for roles involved in structuring complex financial deals, private equity, or venture capital. Their legal knowledge is crucial for due diligence, understanding financial regulations, and ensuring legal compliance in transactions.
Compliance Officer/Manager: In highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, JD/MBA graduates can ensure that organizations adhere to all relevant laws and regulations. They develop and implement compliance programs, conduct audits, and advise on legal risks.
Real Estate Attorney/Developer: Combining legal knowledge of property law, zoning, and contracts with business insights into finance and development, JD/MBA graduates can excel in real estate, either as legal counsel for development firms or by leading their own real estate ventures.
Entrepreneur/Startup Advisor: For those looking to launch their own businesses, the JD/MBA provides a strong foundation in both legal formation and business strategy. They can navigate intellectual property issues, contract negotiations, fundraising, and corporate governance from the outset.
Government Relations/Lobbyist: JD/MBA holders can work for corporations, trade associations, or lobbying firms, advocating for business interests with government bodies. Their understanding of both lawmaking processes and business impacts makes them effective liaisons.
General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer: As they gain experience, JD/MBA graduates are strong candidates for the highest legal positions within corporations, overseeing all legal matters and serving as key strategic advisors to the executive team and board of directors.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: In industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or environmental services, these professionals ensure that products and processes comply with government regulations. Their legal background allows them to interpret complex laws, while their business knowledge helps them understand the commercial impact of regulatory decisions.
