JD Law/MA in Economics
Combine the power of law and economics
The JD/MA in Economics offered by the School of Law and the Department of Economics blends legal and economic expertise to prepare students for today’s regulation-focused world. It’s ideal for those interested in making meaningful changes in areas like economic justice, policy reform and corporate law.
Students must apply and be admitted to both programs.
Learn about:
Fast track
Earn both a JD and an MA in Economics in just 3 to 3.5 years
Dual expertise
Build legal and economic skills through integrated coursework
Career flexibility
Unlock opportunities in law, policy, business and government
Total credit hours: 108 credit hours
Course sharing: Up to 12 shared credits shared between both degrees
Program length: 3 to 3.5 years
Pass the Comprehensive Exams: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
Course breakdown
Visit the JD Law webpage for more information
- Microeconomic Theory I (3 credits)
- Microeconomic Theory II (3 credits)
- Macroeconomic Theory (3 credits)
- Econometrics I (3 credits)
- Econometrics II (3 credits)
MA required courses cannot be used again to fulfill JD requirements.
- 3–5 graduate economics electives (based on course-sharing track chosen)
Students must complete one full year in the School of Law before beginning economics coursework.
UB's Graduate School allows students in the JD/MA in Economics program to share up to 12 credit hours between the two degrees. You have flexibility in how you balance your law and economics coursework. Choose the option that best matches your schedule and goals:
Option 1: 30 credits (all in Economics)
Option 2: 27 Economics + 3 shared Law credits + 9 economics credits applied to JD program
Option 3: 24 Economics + 6 Law shared Law credits + 6 economics credits applied to JD program
You must still complete 30 total credits for the MA degree, whether they come entirely from Economics courses or partially through approved law courses.
Sample program sequence
Full-time in Law School
(32 credits)
One semester in Economics
(15 credits)
Remaining law and economics courses, split across semesters and/or summer sessions
Three-year path: Slightly more than 15 credits/semester + two summers
3.5-year path: 15 credits/semester for seven semesters
JD/MA graduates are uniquely qualified for careers in:
- Corporate and financial law
- Antitrust and competition regulation
- Public policy and government
- Law and economics research
- Legal consulting and compliance
Students must apply and be admitted to both programs. Applications may be submitted simultaneously or sequentially (e.g., apply to Economics after beginning Law).