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.

You must begin the Three-Year J.D./M.B.A. Program at Columbia Law School. Learn more about applying below.

Important Links

Apply via the Business School Website Required Supplemental Form: LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report Register for / Watch a Recorded Information Session

Dates and Deadlines (2024–2025 dates)

The dates contained herein pertain to candidates jointly applying prospectively for the Three-Year J.D./M.B.A. Program. For applicants who are presently first-year J.D. students at Columbia Law School, please refer to the requirements and dates in the MBA-only application.

September 1: Early Decision and Regular Decision opens
October 15: Last GRE/GMAT administration date that meets our Early Decision admission deadline
November 1: 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 but generally no later than the third week of December of each admissions cycle. If admitted, your $2,000 non-refundable tuition deposit will be due by December 30.

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

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 two essay questions:

1. “Why are you interested in the J.D./MBA at Columbia University? What are your career goals after completing the program? (500 words).”

2. “A hallmark of the Columbia Business School and Columbia Law School experience is to provide students with the opportunities and skills to learn and develop into inclusive leaders with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about a time you exemplified leadership skills in an educational, professional or personal setting and how those skills will contribute to your Columbia University education and profession. (250 words).”

Standardized Tests

All test scores used for the 2024–2025 admissions cycle must be taken between June 2020 and January 2025. 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, 2020. 

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, 2020, your test score(s) will be forwarded to the Law School for submission to the American Bar Association. All test scores used for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle must be taken between June 2020 and January 2025. 

Early Decision

Deadline: November 1. 

To be considered under the Early Decision Plan, you must sign to the Early Decision Contract, 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 $2,000 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

Jill Casal, Director of Admissions at the Law School

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

Tuition and Financial Aid

Charles DeRubeis, Assistant Dean of Financial Aid at the Law School

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