Law and Philosophy Dual Degree (JD/MA or JD/PhD)
Enrolling in a dual degree program can be a great way to combine two areas of interest and expand your career opportunities. Most programs also shorten the overall timeline to obtain your degrees. The Philosophy Department at Boston College offers two dual degree options with the Boston College Law School: a JD in Law and MA in Philosophy, and a JD in Law and PhD in Philosophy.
Why Our Dual Degree?
Law and philosophy are inextricably linked, and these dual degrees provide frameworks for examining issues of globalization, bioethics, modern technology, professional responsibility, and social justice鈥攄esigned for students looking to leverage interests in legal theory and jurisprudence.
The JD/PhD program investigates the intersection of law and philosophy, preparing students for academic careers.聽
Among the 香蕉秀 Law faculty, many conduct advanced research in jurisprudence, and others have dual degrees in law and philosophy. Philosophy Department faculty includes experts in ethics, natural law, philosophy of law, social-political philosophy, and continental philosophy.
Application Information
Deadlines
香蕉秀 Law: April 1
Philosophy: December 20 (PhD) and February 1 (Master's)
Admission Requirements
Students must separately be admitted to each program.
The Philosophy Department requires:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- GRE General Test
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Writing sample
- TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants
The Law School requires:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- LSAT (taken within the past five years)
- Registration with the LSAC鈥檚 Credential Assembly Service
Degree Requirements
Students must meet both degrees鈥� individual requirements, but the following provisions can reduce students鈥� course load and time to degree:
- Students can apply up to 12 credit hours of 香蕉秀 Law classes toward the requirements for the MA or PhD.
- Students can apply up to 12 credit hours of philosophy classes toward the JD.
- Students can apply one semester of study in the Graduate School of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences toward the JD.
- Dual degree students must take a one-semester, three-credit integrative seminar offered jointly by both schools.
- The JD/MA program may be completed in as few as three years, but it must be completed within six years of enrollment. The JD/PhD program may be completed in as few as six years, but it must be completed within ten years of enrollment.