University at Albany and Albany Law School Partner to Offer J.D./M.B.A. Degree

Contact(s):  Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150, ([email protected])

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 12, 2008) -- The University at Albany School of Business and Albany Law School today announced a cooperative J.D. and M.B.A. program, allowing students to simultaneously pursue and complete law and graduate-level business degrees. The program allows students to customize their business studies with law and business related course work, and can be completed in four years, as opposed to the more traditional five-year commitment.

"We've seen significant demand for this kind of program, which positions graduates well for careers in commercial and investment banking, government regulation, business policy analysis and management consulting," said Donald Siegel, dean of the University at Albany School of Business. "Companies are increasingly interested in hiring individuals with a robust knowledge of both business and legal issues."

"Having complementary degrees can provide a significant advantage in today's competitive business environment," said Connie Mayer, acting president and dean of Albany Law School. "Students will be able to center their legal courses around their intensive business studies."

Students can apply to the degree program upon application to Albany Law School, or after they have completed some of their legal studies. Once accepted, students take a one-year leave from the law school to complete 36 credits at the University at Albany School of Business, then combine their final business studies with ongoing law training.

The J.D./M.B.A. program is currently accepting applications for the fall 2009 semester.

About the University at Albany School of Business

The UAlbany School of Business has been providing students of all ages and backgrounds with high quality academic programs that build critical business management skills essential for achieving long-term success.

Our undergraduate programs began in 1970, and UAlbany quickly became recognized as one of the most comprehensive and competitive business schools in the Northeast. Our graduate programs followed a couple of years later, and they continue to draw students from all over the world by offering both full-time and part-time opportunities to earn a highly regarded advanced degree.

About Albany Law School

Albany Law School is a small, independent private school in the heart of New York State's capital since 1851. As the oldest law school in New York and the oldest independent law school in the nation, the institution offers students an innovative, rigorous curriculum taught by a committed faculty. Several nationally recognized programs -- including the Government Law Center and the Albany Law Clinic & Justice Center -- provide opportunities for students to apply classroom learning. Students have access to New York's highest court, federal courts and the state legislature, as well as a thriving tech-based economy. With a network of 9,000-plus alumni practicing in every state in the country and several continents, the employment rate for graduates has been well above the national average for law schools for the past 26 years.