CONCENTRATIONS

Interdisciplinary Study

Thurgood Marshall School of Law students who desire a greater degree of specialization may select from a number interdisciplinary opportunities. In a dual degree program, a student can pursue concurrently a Juris Doctor and a graduate level degree from one of the sister schools or colleges here at Texas Southern University. Presently, formal dual degree programs exist in Business Administration and Public Affairs. The Thurgood Marshall School of Law will also assist students in tailoring other dual degree programs to fit particular career objectives. Dual degree programs are structured so students can earn both degrees in substantially less time than would be required to earn each degree separately.

Students enrolled in a dual degree program ust complete their first year of study in the School of Law. Students may apply to both programs before enrolling in law school, but most students are likely to elect to apply during their second semester of law school. Regardless, students must apply and be admitted to both programs separately. Admissions requirements, including submission of standardized test scores, will vary by program. Therefore, applicants must check with individual schools or colleges about that school or college's admissions requirements. Because a dual degree program involves the reciprocal application of electives, students are not awarded either degree until the requirements for both degrees are completed.

J.D./MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Today more than ever, business and industry must consider not only complex business problems, but must also take private and difficult legal issues into account in all business decisions. Recognizing the need to be competitive in today's business community, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the Jess H. Jones School of Business have responded by creating a dual degree program in Business Admission. The dual J.D./M.B.A. program prepares students to address those complex and diffcult business and/or legal problems that will arise in the world markets of today and the future. Students may obtain J.D. and an M.B.A. in four (4) years instead of the five (5) years necessary when both programs are pursued separately. This program is particularly appropriate for students wiht career objectives in corporate law, labor law, corporate management, or tax.

J.D./MASTER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

A partnership of Law and Public Affairs/Administration is essential to effective government operations. The Public Affairs/Administration program educates individuals to work in government agencies and in organizations that conduct substantial business with government agencies. The J.D./Public Affairs/ Administration dual degree will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the dynamics related to the Texas, national and international political and legal systems and the various governmental agencies relationship to these systems.

Students may obtain a J.D. and an M.P.A. in three (3) to four (4) years instead of the four (4) to five (5) years necessary when both programs are pursued separately.