Below, find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the J.D./MBA application process and requirements, academics, student life, and more.
When does the application open for the Three-Year J.D./MBA?
The application became available on September 1.
When does the application close?
The Early Decision deadline is November 15 and the Regular Decision deadline is February 15.
What are the application requirements?
Online Application for Admission: Applicants must complete all sections of the application for admission before submission.
Résumé: Applicants must submit a résumé/CV of up to two pages detailing significant full- or part-time employment positions held. This may include internships, summer employment, and community service. In addition, the résumé should include a summary of written scholarship, presentations, and principal extracurricular activities.
Essay Question: Why are you interested in the J.D./MBA at Columbia University? What are your career goals after completing the program? (500 words)
Optional Supplemental Statements: Candidates may add brief supplementary statements they believe will enable the Admissions Committee to make a fully informed decision on the application. The Committee especially welcomes addenda that allow it to understand the contribution the applicant would add to the Columbia community. Should you have multiple addenda, please combine (on separate pages, if necessary) these into one document and upload them with your application
Application Fee: $250
Letters of Recommendation: All J.D./MBA applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation. We strongly encourage applicants to submit one professional letter of recommendation and one academic letter of recommendation. If you are not able to submit one of each type, please briefly explain. Note, you are required to submit two letters of recommendation, regardless of the type.
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with the application itself through the Business School’s application portal. Additionally, all applicants are to register for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) in order for us to access undergraduate and/or prior graduate degree transcripts. For more information about the CAS, please call (215) 968-1001 or visit www.lsac.org.
Standardized Test Requirements: The Business School and the Law School will accept either a valid GMAT test score only or a valid GRE test score only for the 3 Year JD/MBA application. However, if candidates prefer to use the LSAT test score as a basis for the application, you must also submit either the GMAT or GRE for consideration. In addition, candidates who have taken the LSAT must report the LSAT score, irrespective of whether you intend to use it as a basis for your candidacy to the Program. In order for a test score to be valid for purposes of the 3 Year J.D./MBA, it must have been taken between June 1, 2019 and January 2024.
Official LSAT scores must be sent through the LSAC using CAS. Instructions for submitting the CAS Report as candidates for the 3 Year J.D./MBA Program are included in the application. Following admission, applicants who reported a GRE or GMAT test score(s) must arrange to have the official score report sent by ETS and/or GMAC directly to Columbia Business School's Office of Admissions. Columbia Business School’s GMAT is QF8-N6-52, and its GRE code is 6442. Please note that any test score taken after June 1, 2018 must be reported. Discrepancies will be subject to rescission of an applicant’s offer.
Interview by Invitation: Some candidates may receive an invitation to participate in an interview. We understand that many of our applicants will want to interview, and we appreciate your enthusiasm, but interviews are by invitation only.
Where do I apply?
The Three-Year J.D./MBA application for the program is available through the Columbia Business School’s application portal.
I’m interested in the Four-Year J.D./MBA Program. Can I use this same application?
No. Applicants who wish to apply to the Four-Year J.D./MBA Program must apply to each schools’ respective J.D. Application and MBA Application.
I am a current 1L student at Columbia Law School. Can I use this same application?
Current 1L Columbia Law School students who wish to be considered for the Three-Year J.D./MBA Program should complete the Business School’s MBA application.
When will I hear a decision about my application?
For Early Decision candidates, decisions will be released by the end of December. For Regular Decision candidates, decisions will be released by the end of April.
Do I have to take the GMAT or GRE and LSAT?
Candidates may apply to the Three-Year J.D./MBA Program using the GMAT test score only. Similarly, candidates may also opt to use the GRE only. The LSAT test score may not be used as the sole basis for applying to the Program. Candidates opting to use the LSAT as a basis for evaluation must also submit a valid GMAT or GRE test score. Note that regardless of the test score submitted for evaluation, if the candidate has sat for an LSAT test administration since June 1 2018, the test score(s) will be forwarded to the Law School for submission to the American Bar Association. All test scores used for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle must be taken between June 2018 and January 2023.
Can I request an application fee waiver?
Yes, you may request an application fee waiver in the JD/MBA application as long as one of the following criteria is met:
- You are an independent applicant* earning no more than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines
- You are an independent applicant earning 250-300% of the poverty guidelines
- You are a dependent applicant* whose income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, and such income, combined with your parents’ income, does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines
- You are a dependent applicant whose income does not exceed 200% of the poverty guidelines, and such income, combined with your parents’ income, is between 300-350% of the poverty guidelines
*See here for definition of independent and dependent applicant. A written fee waiver request along with a copy of your most recent pay stub should be submitted to [email protected].
US Military Personnel, Veterans, and other eligible persons:
Fee waivers are available to active duty US military personnel, eligible displaced persons (view this website for displaced eligibility criteria), and current service members of the Peace Corps or Teach For All network partners. Proof of current service is required.
Applicants who qualify for a fee waiver should create or log into the JD/MBA application and navigate to the "Review" page. Upon accessing the Fee Waiver Request form, applicants will provide proof of service and explain their need for a fee waiver. Once eligibility has been established and approved by the Admissions personnel at Columbia Law School and Columbia Business School, candidates will automatically receive a fee waiver upon submitting an application for admission. Please allow up to one week for an update to your online status regarding a fee waiver request.
Current Columbia University undergraduate students:
If you are a currently enrolled (alumni are not eligible) undergraduate student in a degree-granting program at any of Columbia University’s schools—Barnard College, Columbia College, Columbia School of General Studies, or The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science—then you may request a fee waiver in writing to [email protected]. Please be sure to include in your request your UNI and the school at which you are currently matriculated as a student. Upon receipt and verification of your request, we will respond with a fee waiver code, which you must enter before you submit your application. Please note that if you pay the application fee, we are unable to award a fee waiver retroactively.
Please allow up to one week for an update to your online status regarding a fee waiver request.
Is it possible to be admitted to one school and not the other?
In cases where an applicant is an outstanding candidate for one of the standalone programs but is not admitted to the dual degree program, please contact Sarah Lamparski ([email protected]) at the Business School or Timur Pakay ([email protected]) at the Law School to inform us of your interest in being considered for admission to the standalone program at that school.
If I am currently enrolled at another Law School/Business School, can I apply as a transfer student to this program?
No. The Three-Year J.D./MBA Program requires students to begin their studies at Columbia Law School.
Are there any course waivers if I have previously completed relevant coursework?
While in residence at the Business School, you can “test out” of certain core requirements by taking exemption exams prior to the start of classes. Exempting out of core classes means that students may take an elective in place of those classes; it does not reduce the total number of Business School credits required for the dual degree.
What are the major options in the JD/MBA program?
Students do not declare a major. Some may choose to focus their studies on specific fields of interest. Other students opt to take a variety of electives tailored to their goals and interests, receiving a broader law and management education.
What is the program structure and curriculum?
- Year One: Spend the first year of the program at the Law School completing the first-year foundation curriculum requirements.
- Year Two: In the second year, enroll at the Business School and complete the core curriculum requirements. You may begin taking electives at both schools.
- Year Three: In the third year of the program, enroll at the Law School but may register for courses at both schools, including classes that are cross-listed by both the Business School and the Law School.
What are the academic requirements? How many credits are required?
Academic Requirements: You must earn a total of 71 law credits and 45 business credits (in addition to separate requirements from each school) and satisfy all degree requirements for both schools. Although this restricts flexibility in course selection, you can choose from a wide range of elective offerings at both schools in disciplinary areas outside of business law.
J.D. Requirements:
· All first-year foundation courses
· A course in professional responsibility
· A course in Legislation and Regulations
· The Major Writing requirement
· The Minor Writing requirement
· A minimum of 40 hours of pro bono service
· At least six points of experiential coursework credit
MBA Requirements: While in residence at the Business School, you can “test out” of certain core requirements by taking exemption exams prior to the start of classes. Exempting out of core classes means that students may take an elective in place of those classes; it does not reduce the total number of Business School credits required for the dual degree.
Because some of the core curriculum requirements at the Business School are cross-listed with the Law School, you must replace any exempted cross-listed core course with another cross-listed course.
What experiential learning opportunities are available to Three-Year JD/MBA students?
Foundation Year Moot Court is required for all students in their first year. Depending on an individual student’s schedule and required coursework, students may also participate in clinics, externships, policy labs, simulations, etc. during the second and third years of the program to complete the six required credits of experiential learning at the Law School.
Are there any related student clubs/groups I can join from both schools?
Yes. Students are able to join any of the student organizations offered at both the Law School and Business School.
What is the Tuition for the Three-Year JD/MBA Program?
All tuition and fees assume full-time attendance. Current tuition rates can be found here. Note that this is a single tuition rate with annual tuition and fee increases for each year of enrollment. For more information on billing and payments, please visit the University's Student Financial Services website.
What other costs should I consider when enrolling in the JD/MBA Program?
You should consider housing and living expenses as well as the cost of books and supplies. Please visit this page for more guidance.
What is the preferred way to pay my deposit and tuition?
The preferred payment method is Online Check. You also have the option to enroll in a Payment Plan which is a monthly payment plan that enables you to pay tuition and fees over several months, rather than in one payment. You can sign up for the fall semester beginning in July.
Is there any source for me to connect with alumni who previously participated in the same dual program?
In addition to having access to careers offices at both the Law School and Business School, alumni may connect with the Richard Paul Richman Center for Business, Law, and Public Policy which hosts a number of events for current students and alumni of the J.D./MBA program.