J.D. Admissions: Dual Degrees

Richmond Law partners with the University of Richmond Robins School of Business and Virginia Commonwealth University to provide students the opportunity to receive a dual degree in one of five disciplines. 

Admission & Enrollment Requirements

Applicants for dual degree programs are required to meet the admissions standards of both the law school and the alternative graduate program. After a student has matriculated to Richmond Law, a total of 12 credits from any approved dual degree program will count towards the requirements of the JD program. The total number of JD credits applied towards the alternative graduate program vary by degree program. 

Enrollment requirements differ between graduate programs; please read the requirements of each dual degree program carefully before proceeding with enrollment. 

 

Dual Degree Programs

Robins School of Business - JD/MBA

The only dual degree offered exclusively at the University of Richmond is the JD/MBA in partnership with the Robins School of Business. This program reflects the interrelationships between law and business management. Graduates will be better able to function as managers because of their familiarity with the legal framework within which business must operate. Alternatively, as attorneys, they can better serve the needs of business clients because of their appreciation of the business milieu.

Students in the JD/MBA program complete one year of law school classes before beginning the MBA program. The two-year work experience requirement is waived for JD/MBA students.

For information on the MBA program and admissions requirements., contact:

Program Manager, MBA Program
University of Richmond Robins School of Business
mba@richmond.edu

 

Virginia Commonwealth University 

Virginia Commonwealth University offers four graduate degree programs for Richmond Law students to complete through the dual degree agreement. 

Students entering into an approved dual degree program may begin their studies at either instutiton and must spend the entire subsequent first year at either VCU or Richmond Law. The Richmond Law first-year curriculum must be completed in its entirety during a single academic year; enrollment to Richmond Law is on a fall entry cycle only. It is important to note that any graduate credit received through VCU prior to a student matriculating to Richmond Law will not be counted towards meeting the degree requirements of the JD. 

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  • Richmond Law Application Timeline & Requirements

    Application Timeline 

    September 1, 2025 - Applicants may apply for the 2026-2027 academic year.
    We will begin accepting applications for Fall 2026 by September 1. All applicants must apply through LSAC.org. Richmond Law does not charge an application fee.

    December 1, 2025 - Early Decision Applications due
    Early Decision Applications must be received and completed by December 1, 2025. Early Decision admissions are binding.  Additional information on the terms and requirements for this program can be found on our JD Admissions webpage.  Applications not complete by this date will be moved to the regular decision process.

    February 15, 2025 - Priority Scholarship deadline
    The priority deadline for scholarship consideration is February 15. We will continue to award scholarships after that date as long as funds remain, but there may be a delay.

    March 1, 2025 - Priority Application deadline
    Richmond Law recommends having a completed application submitted by March 1 for best admissions outcomes. We will continue to accept applications thereafter until the class is filled.

     

    Application Requirements 

    Richmond Law requires the completion of the application directly through the Law School Admission Council. Either an LSAT or a GRE exam is required for admission; however, the GRE is only accepted if the candidate does not have a valid LSAT score. Additional admission requirements may be found through the JD Admissions webpage. We encourage prospective applicants to join us for an on campus tour or our virtual strategy series to best prepare for the admissions cycle. 

     

  • Which program should I start with?

    For those interested in pursuing the JD/MBA program through the University of Richmond, students must begin their degree program at Richmond Law entering in the fall semester. 

    It is recommended that students interested in enrolling in a dual degree program through Virginia Commonwealth University begin their degree program at Richmond Law. The first-year curriculum at Richmond Law flows sequentially from fall to spring and is unable to be split between academic years. Additionally, any graduate credit received through VCU prior to matriculation at Richmond Law is unable to be transferred to the JD program. 

  • How many credits can be transferred between programs?

    Transferrable credits vary by degree program. Richmond Law will apply up to 12 credits from any approved dual degree program to be counted towards the completion of the JD. 

    • JD/MBA
      Students accepted into this program will be permitted to count 12 credit hours from the JD program towards the requirements of the MBA program and 12 credit hours from the MBA program towards the requirements of the JD program, which amounts to a total savings of 24 credit hours.

    • JD/Masters of Health Administration 
      Students accepted into this program will be permitted to count 11 credit hours from the JD program towards the requirements of the MHA program and 12 credit hours in the MHA program towards the requirements of the JD program, for a total savings of 23 credit hours.

    • JD/Masters of Public Administration
      Students accepted into this program will be permitted to apply 12 credit hours from the JD program toward the MPA program and 12 credit hours in the MPA program towards the requirements of the JD program, for a total savings of 24 credit hours. 

    • JD/Masters of Social Work 
      Students accepted into this program will be permitted to apply 12 credit hours from the JD program toward the MSW program and 12 credit hours in the MSW program towards the requirements of the JD program, for a total savings of 24 credit hours. 

    • JD/Masters of Urban Studies & Planning 
      Students accepted into this program will be permitted to apply 12 credit hours from the JD program toward the MURP program and 12 credit hours in the MURP program towards the requirements of the JD program, for a total savings of 24 credit hours. 

  • I’ve already started a graduate degree. How can I complete the dual degree program?

    If you have already enrolled with the Robins School of Business or an approved graduate program at Virginia Commonwealth University, you are welcome to apply to Richmond Law to complete a JD degree. Depending upon which degree program you are enrolled in and the total number of credits completed outside of the law school, you may be able to complete both degrees in the specified timeframe outlined in the dual degree agreements. It is recommended that you contact the Richmond Law Admissions Office to discuss your particular situation before beginning your application so that you are aware of the potential timeframe in which you may complete both degrees.

  • How long will it take to complete my degrees?

    The JD/MBA program can be completed in as little as 3 years. 

    Degrees through Virginia Commonwealth University can be completed in as little as 4 years. 

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