Questions?

Questions and answers

We get questions. We have answers to to them, by category.

Questions and answers

What is the difference between the three- and four-year JD/MBA programs?: The three-year JD/MBA program permits a student with significant workplace experience to complete both degrees in three years-academic years plus summers-while the traditional four-year program requires four academic years. To be able to complete both degrees in three years, the curriculum is more structured and requires a relatively heavy credit-hour load in the later semesters of the program. At the end of both programs, graduates will be able to return to the workforce with two full degrees: a JD and an MBA.
Who should pursue the three-year joint program?: The three-year JD/MBA program is primarily geared toward individuals with significant work experience who are seeking careers in business where an understanding of legal issues would be beneficial, or in law where an understanding of business clients would be valuable. The four-year program is for other qualified students, including those with minimal to no post-college work experience, and allows students the opportunity to explore careers in business and/or law. The shorter length of the three-year program works well for those who are leaving full-time employment to complete the JD/MBA, as absence from the workforce is shortened by one year and income loss is minimized.
Who should pursue the four-year joint program?: If you're interested in practicing law that involves business clients, working in a corporate law department, or have future entrepreneurial interests, the four-year program may be a good option for you. The four-year program is better suited to those with minimal to no post-college work experience and prepares students for careers in either business or law. The four-year program gives more time and opportunities to explore and consider careers in both law and business, while the three-year program is intended for students with a clearer understanding/focus of their career goals.
Can I switch between the three- and four-year programs at any time?: The four-year JD/MBA will remain available to participants in the three-year program as an alternative for students who find, for any reason, that the three-year program no longer meets their needs. While students can move from the three- to the four-year program, they cannot move from the four- to the three-year program once their curriculum has commenced.
What are the prerequisites for admission to the program?: Neither the Law School nor the Kelley School requires specific undergraduate majors or undergraduate coursework as prerequisites for admission. Read the admission criteria for the Kelley School of Business and the Maurer School of Law JD degree.
Do I need to apply to each school separately?: YES. On each application, or through an application addendum, you must indicate that you wish to be considered for the JD/MBA program. It is possible for applicants to be admitted to one school and not the other. Applicants admitted to both schools could potentially be considered for the four-year JD/MBA program rather than the three-year program, even with significant work experience.
If I have already applied to one of the schools, what should I do?: You should simply apply to the other school, and inform both schools that you wish to be considered for the JD/MBA program. To be eligible for the three-year program, you must be accepted to both programs and attend the law school's summer start program.
Must I pay the application fee to both? Are the fees able to be waived?: You must pay each school's application fee. The Law School will waive the application fee in certain circumstances, including financial need. Students seeking a fee waiver should call the Law School Admissions Office at 812-855-4765 and ask for a Fee Waiver Application.
Do I have to take the LSAT and GMAT? When are the tests available and how do I register for them?: You must take the GMAT, even if you have already taken the LSAT. Dates of administration and registration information for each are available at their respective websites: www.mba.com and www.lsac.org.

Is an interview required as part of the admissions process?

The Kelley School encourages you to schedule an interview as part of the MBA admission process. We offer interviews on the Bloomington campus and in the fall at MBA fairs held in a variety of locations in the United States and abroad. You should plan to complete an interview before you submit your application for the deadline you've chosen, as once you submit your application, interviews will be available by invitation only. Those invited to interview may be offered the opportunity to interview by phone. Phone interviews will not be available to candidates who have not yet applied. All interviews are conducted by members of the admissions committee.

What is the application deadline? Does it matter which deadline I choose?

The Law School offers admission on a rolling basis; therefore, earlier application submission is preferred. The MBA Program offers multiple deadlines, approximately January 15, March 1, and April 15 of each year. If you are interested in the three-year program, we recommend submitting your application to each school by March 1. Generally, applications received after April 15 can only be considered for admission to either program individually or for participation in the four-year JD/MBA program.

Do the two schools consider factors of diversity in their admissions decisions? If so what factors are considered?

Both schools consider diversity factors when making admission decisions. This is the policy both of the schools and of Indiana University. The factors include but are not limited to economic, educational, racial, and cultural factors. Please click here for more information about the Law School's and the Kelley School's policies on affirmative action and diversity.

How can I arrange a visit to the two schools? Can I attend a class? Can I correspond with current students of the two schools? What other activities can be arranged during my visit?

To arrange for a visit to the schools, please contact the respective admissions offices:

MBA Admissions: schedule visit; 812-855-8006 or 1-800-994-8622
Law Admissions: 812-855-4765 or lawadmis@indiana.edu

You will be able to visit classes, speak to students, tour our facilities, and interview. To speak with current students, contact the respective admissions offices or Professor Mark Need at needm@indiana.edu.

Are law and business classes held in the same building or, if not, are the buildings in close proximity?

The law and business buildings are within a short walking distance of each other on the IU-Bloomington campus.

Will I be able to take the courses that are typically covered on bar exams?

YES. The exact courses you are able to take, however, will depend on each semester's schedule of classes.

Will I be able to have the same choices of MBA majors?

YES. JD/MBA students in the four-year program are required to pursue one of the standard MBA majors and can choose from all offered majors and minors in the program. Three-year JD/MBA students have the option of pursuing a standard MBA major, or they may pursue the design major, which provides greater flexibility given the highly structured curriculum. Within the design major, JD/MBA students can choose to concentrate on coursework in multiple tracks, including entrepreneurship, corporate governance, and investment banking.

Will I be able to participate in the MBA Academies?

YES. Academies blend advanced coursework, sector-focused experiences, special projects, and direct involvement with industry experts in a student's primary area of interest to bolster their academic work in the program. MBA Academies are a required part of the MBA curriculum. For JD/MBA students with limited work experience or those changing careers, Academy participation provides invaluable specialized business experience and knowledge. Read more about MBA Academies.

What is the Elmore Entrepreneurship Law Clinic? Are JD/MBA students required to participate in a clinic?

The Elmore Entrepreneurship Law Clinic gives students the opportunity to work on actual business formation, including planning and strategy issues, in a multidisciplinary setting. JD/MBA students are not required to participate, but often take part in this unique clinical opportunity.

Can I still participate in a law journal and/or moot court program within the law school?

YES. Participation in the three-year program, however, may limit the positions you will be able to hold in school organizations.

Will I be able to participate in summer abroad programs of either school?

YES. In fact, the curricular requirements of the three-year JD/MBA program are facilitated by participation in a summer abroad program with the Law School (See Curriculum).

Will I be able to apply for a summer law clerkship or other practical law experience? Will I be able to get business experience during the summer?

YES. JD/MBA students will have the same access to summer opportunities as other students in the JD and MBA programs (See Curriculum). While many opportunities exist at both schools for professional networking, students are, ultimately, responsible for securing their own internships.

Can I work during the academic year?

The four-year program offers some flexibility, but may be more challenging to complete successfully if you have other major time commitments. The three-year program is an intensive, full-time program, and it cannot be successfully completed if you have other major time commitments.

Are positions as teaching assistants or research assistants available to students in the program?

YES. Four-year JD/MBA students are considered for teaching assistantships and research assistantships along with all other degree-seeking students in the MBA and law programs.

Given the demands of the program, three-year JD/MBA students will not be eligible for graduate assistantships at the Kelley School. It may be possible to obtain part-time work as a research assistant at the Law School, but even part-time employment is not recommended, given the intensive academic rigor of the three-year JD/MBA program.

As I near completion of the program, can I pursue jobs in both business and law?

YES. You will have both a law and a business degree. However, to practice law you will also need to take and pass the bar examination of the jurisdiction in which you plan to practice law.

What assistance will I receive in finding a job? A job in the legal profession? A job in the business sector?

The career services offices of each school offer a full range of job search services. (Business School http://kelley.iu.edu/mba/careers/; Law School www.law.indiana.edu/careers/) Furthermore, student groups actively network with alumni and potential employers, academies plan visits to industry-specific regions of the country, and both schools host multiple on-campus recruiting events.

In what geographical areas are graduates of the schools employed?

The Kelley School and the School of Law place their graduates all over the United States. Stats are available from the Kelley School of Business Career Services Office and the Maurer School of Law Career Services Office.

Are there preparatory courses or self-study recommendations for those without a business background?

The Kelley School does offer on-line diagnostics and preparatory courses to students. Jump Start courses (offered the week before business school orientation) are designed to provide incoming students with a foundation of knowledge and to prepare them for the rigors of the Kelley MBA Program. Jump Start courses cover business analytics, finance, accounting, and quantitative methods using Excel. If unable to attend Kelley's Jump Start courses, or as a supplement to Jump Start, incoming students may want to take an accounting course, business statistics course, and/or become comfortable with Excel's advanced functions.

What kind of computer will I be required to have? Is wireless Internet available throughout the two schools?

Both schools require students to obtain a laptop computer. The Kelley School requirements are much more specific, and they meet the requirements of the Law School; therefore, three-year JD/MBA students should follow the Kelley School specifications, which are provided to incoming students. The Bloomington campus has wireless coverage at all campus locations.

Questions?

Questions and answers

Comparing programs

Application and admission

While I'm in school

Experience and work during school

Career planning

Preparation

Questions and answers

Maurer School of Law social media channels