Joint Degree Programs

• Seattle University offers options to earn both a Juris Doctor and a master’s degree.
• You must apply to each program separately
• Students normally begin their master’s program after their 1L year, and students must apply to each program separately.
• On average, students take four years to complete both degrees, which is less time than earning the degrees separately.

Policies

Credit limits

• As you plan your schedule, keep in mind that business classes count towards ABA and program limits on the total credits a student may take, which is 18 in a fall or spring semesterand 9 in the summer.
• Students employed for more than 20 hours a week are limited to 12 credits in a fall or spring semester and 7 in the summer.
• Quarter credits count as 2/3 of a semester credit, so 6 quarter credits = 4 semester credits.

Financial Aid

Enrolling in a joint degree program may impact your scholarship or financial aid.

• Scholarships awarded by Seattle U Law are limited to three years and only apply to law school courses.
• Additionally, consider how taking both quarter and semester courses may affect financial aid. 
• Contact Student Financial Services to discuss your situation.

Grading

Students must earn a "B" or better in any graduate course in order for it to count as crossover course.

Graduation

You must have completed both degrees in order to receive either one. You may not sit for the Washington State Bar until your law degree is posted. 

Tracking Sheets

• Use the tracking sheets below to determine crossover courses for each degree program (non-Business programs).
• If a specific course is not on the approved list, you may petition the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for approval by providing course description and syllabus (if available). 
• Students who complete all required courses for their Business joint degree will be awarded 12 Seattle U Law elective credits. 

Complete list of all approved crossover courses for all programs.

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Master in Public Administration

Joint Degree Students in the Bottom Third

Joint Degree students in the bottom third of their class are still held to the same standard as all students in the bottom third. Please see the requirements below.

Full-time students:

During their 2L YEAR, identified full-time students must take:

• Trusts, Estates, and Enhanced Analytic Skills (4 credits) This course is offered in the Fall Semester only. Joint degree students taking law classes in the fall semester after their 1L year are required to take this course but may petition to defer.

• Evidence (4 credits) This course must be taken in any semester before the start of the student's final year.

• Professional Responsibility (3 credits) This course must be taken in any semester before the start of the student's final year.

During their FINAL YEAR, identified full-time students must take:

• Bar Exam Skills and Strategies (2 credits)

• Remedies (3 credits)

At any time PRIOR TO GRADUATION identified full-time students must take:

• Business Entities (3-4 credits)

• TWO additional courses from a list of foundational/bar-tested courses designated by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in consultation with the ARC Team. 2018-19 courses include: Civil Procedure II, Constitutional Law II, Criminal Procedure (Investigative or Adjudicative), Real Estate Transactions, UCC Sales, and UCC Secured Transactions.

Part-time students

Prior to completing 60 LAW CREDITS, identified part-time students must take:

• Trusts, Estates, and Enhanced Analytic Skills (4 credits) This course is offered in the Fall Semester only.

• Evidence (4 credits) This course must be taken in any semester before the start of the student's final year.

• Professional Responsibility (3 credits) Same rule as Evidence - must be taken before final year. Evening sections planned for each semester.

Prior to completing 78 LAW CREDITS, identified part-time students must take:

• Bar Exam Skills and Strategies (2 credits)

• Remedies 3 credits);

At any time PRIOR TO GRADUATION identified part-time students must take:

• Business Entities (3 or 4 credits)

• TWO additional courses from a list of foundational/bar-tested courses designated by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in consultation with the ARC Team. 2018-19 courses include: Civil Procedure II, Constitutional Law II, Criminal Procedure (Investigative or Adjudicative), Real Estate Transactions, UCC Sales, and UCC Secured Transactions.