Joint MBA Degrees

A joint degree enables you to specialize in two different subjects at the same time. While you do double the work you would in a traditional single degree program, you can earn a joint degree faster than if you pursued the two degrees separately. Joint degrees can be earned at the undergraduate level, though they're most common in master's degree programs. Joint Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degrees, in particular, are a rising trend. The subjects you can combine vary greatly, but there are a few that are common.

JD/MBA

Juris Doctor degrees are required to practice law. JD/MBA programs offer an education in law as well as business. JD/MBA students typically complete this degree in four, as opposed to five, years. Legal subjects typically covered include criminal law, civil procedure and legislation. Business course work includes financial reporting, negotiation and marketing. Those intending to work in corporate law environments are ideal candidates for this joint degree. Some of the graduate schools that offer JD/MBAs are Harvard, Georgetown and University of Miami.

Health Care Joint Degrees

Combined Doctor of Medicine and MBA programs give in-depth preparation for careers in health care organizations. Baruch College's MBA in Health Care Administration is of interest to those intending to manage hospitals and other health services facilities. Columbia University offers a program that combines the Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) degree with a master's in business administration. The MSN/MBA conferred by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in conjunction with their Carey School of Business offers an education in health care management as it relates to nursing.

Arts Joint Degrees

A student who combines a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree with an MBA receives a creative as well as business education. The MFA/MBA conferred by the University of Michigan's Stephen Ross School of business is especially relevant to individuals planning to manage art organizations. The MBA/MFA offered by NYU, however, is a joint degree program particularly for those who want to study the business side of film. The MBA/MFA awarded by the Yale School of Management in partnership with the Yale School of Drama is of primary interest to those pursuing careers in theater.

Science Joint Degrees

There are a number of interdisciplinary degrees that offer both business and life sciences course work. An MBA/Biotechnology combined program prepares its graduates for high-level careers in fields such as pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology. The combined Master of Science in Chemistry and Master of Business Administration degree offered by Montclair State University is of special interest to those with a prior degree in chemistry. The University of Denver confers a Bachelor of Arts in Physics/Master of Business Administration (BS/MBA) degree that combines courses provided by the Department of Physics with those from their Daniels College of Business. The University of Florida College of Pharmacy and Stetson University School of Business Administration offer a joint MBA/Master of Science in Pharmacy (MSP).

References

• Harvard Law School: JD/Master in Business Administration
• Yale University School of Management: MD-MBA Admissions
• University of Michigan School of Art & Design: MFA/MBA
• University of Pennsylvania: Professional Master's in Biotechnology
• University of Florida College of Pharmacy: UF & Stetson Announce New Pharmaceutical Business Online Part-Time Degree Programs; 2006