Three-Year J.D./MBA Program

  1. Academics
  2. Dual and Joint Degrees
  3. Three-Year J.D./MBA Program

Prepare to be a leader at the intersection of business and law.

Rapidly increasing technological innovation and globalization have shattered traditional barriers between fields of study. Columbia University’s Three-Year J.D./MBA Program gives you the cross-disciplinary tools to solve today’s most pressing challenges in the business world. 

Our program is designed for highly motivated students seeking a rigorous education in both law and business. The accelerated course of study gives you the opportunity to earn degrees from both Columbia Law School and Columbia Business School in just three years—and enter the job market a full year earlier than typical joint degree programs allow. 

As a student in the program, you will:

  • Build a strong foundation in law and business theory, policy, and practice and gain tools to solve pressing challenges in the business world.
  • Gain expertise in specific fields of interest through electives.
  • Study with renowned faculty who shape policy through their groundbreaking research.
  • Receive guidance and resources tailored to every sector of the law and business.
  • Access to trailblazers across industries through Columbia’s global alumni networks in both disciplines.
  • Learn more about applying below.

Important Links

Apply via the Business School Website Supplemental form: Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report Register for an info session: October 3, 2023 at 12:00 ET

The following applies to those who are not currently first-year J.D. students at Columbia Law School. For applicants who are currently first-year J.D. students at Columbia Law School, please refer to requirements and dates for the MBA-only application here.

Dates and Deadlines (2023–2024 dates)

September 1: Early Decision and Regular Decision opens
November 1: Last GRE/GMAT administration date that meets our Early Decision admission deadline
November 15: Early Decision deadline
February 1: Last GRE/GMAT administration date that meets our Regular Decision admission deadline
February 15: Regular Decision deadline
February 15: Financial Aid application suggested deadline

Early Decision admissions decisions are released on a rolling basis no later than December 31 of each admissions cycle. If admitted, your $2,000 non-refundable tuition deposit will be due by January 15, 2024.

Regular admissions decisions are released on a rolling basis no later than April 30 of each admissions cycle. If admitted, your $2,000 non-refundable tuition deposit will be due by May 1, 2024.

While Columbia Business School generally makes decisions within six to eight weeks following the completion of an application for MBA-only applicants, this timeline does not necessarily pertain to those applying for the Three-Year J.D./MBA Program.

How to Apply

The joint Three-Year J.D./MBA application is available via the Business School.

You must also submit a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report via a supplemental form, available through LSAC.

As part of the application, you will be asked to respond to this 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).”

Standardized Tests

All test scores used for the 2023–2024 admissions cycle must be taken between June 2019 and January 2024. You may opt to use either your GMAT test or  GRE scores.  You must report all scores for your chosen standardized test for all administrations taken after June 1, 2019. 

If you opt to use the LSAT as a basis for evaluation, you must also submit a valid GMAT or GRE test score. (The LSAT test score may not be used as the sole basis for applying to the program.)  

If you sat for an LSAT test administration at any time since June 1, 2019, your test score(s) will be forwarded to the Law School for submission to the American Bar Association. All test scores used for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle must be taken between June 2019 and January 2024. 

Early Decision

Deadline: November 15. 

To be considered under the Early Decision Plan, you must agree to the Early Decision Statement of Commitment, which is part of the application. 

Deposits

If you are offered admission to the Columbia Three-Year J.D./MBA program, you must submit the required deposit by the deadline indicated on your letter of admission. 

Failure to submit a required deposit will result in the loss of matriculant status and withdrawal from the Columbia Three-Year J.D./MBA Program.

Deferrals

Deferrals of matriculation are not permitted.

Contact Us

Admissions: [email protected]

Academic Guidelines

Timur Pakay, Director, Reuben Mark Initiative and J.D./MBA Programs at the Law School

Kristen Casano, Assistant Director, Advising & Academic Success at the Business School

Tuition and Financial Aid

Charles DeRubeis, Executive Director of Financial Aid at the Law School

Cecilia Granda, Assistant Dean of Financial Aid at the Business School