Overview
An MBA-JD program is a dual graduate degree that allows participants to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Juris Doctor (JD) program in a coordinated and accelerated way.
Candidates best suited for this type of graduate program typically have strengths in both areas of study, including excellent writing abilities and sound analytical skills. Students can expect to develop a strong understanding of the business environment and the practice of law and a strong foundation in creating policy.
The program is a dual degree NOT a joint degree, meaning participants enroll in both programs and complete one discipline fully before starting the next, generally the MBA prior to the JD.
Degree Fit
During the MBA portion of the program, you’ll dive into relationship courses like leadership, HR and employment law, and business ethics, as well as quantitative subjects like financial statement analysis, data science, managerial economics, and corporate finance. A big part of graduate business school is focused on making strategic, data-informed decisions, developing your leadership style, and learning from a cohort of professional peers.
During the JD portion of the program, you’ll prepare to become a practicing attorney with courses ranging from torts, criminal law, and contracts to constitutional law, property, and family law to prepare you for Bar exam success. Elective courses in subjects such as American Indian Tribal Law and Tribal Court Practice will prepare you to serve the diverse communities in Alaska.
Career Outcomes
An MBA-JD bridges gaps between business and law schools. Potential career paths mirror this, including in-house legal counsels or risk-management directors. Common positions for someone with an MBA-JD are CEO, attorney, public policy director, financial manager, and the variety of careers available in both business and legal industries.
Degree Roadmap
Join a learning community that welcomes you fully with small class sizes, engaging peers, passionate and professional faculty, and immerse yourself in the professions of commerce and the law.
Seattle U School of Law provides J.D. instruction through flexible part-time hybrid-online delivery. While some travel to Seattle is required, candidates will not need to relocate.
Expect rigorous and Alaska-focused experiences designed to prepare you for success.
Beyond the classroom, APU-Seattle U fosters a vibrant community where you’ll forge meaningful connections that will shape your future.
Time in APU’s MBA can be extended beyond one year. Courses are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a “light” MBA or JD?
No. Credits are shared between the two programs and the delivery is provided in a flexible, hybrid format with synchronous online sessions and face-to-face intensive weekends, which is ideal for working professionals.
Typically, students who enter the APU MBA and complete 27 core credits in the APU MBA program may then start the Seattle U Flex JD. The student’s APU MBA will then be awarded in passing when they have successfully completed 12 credits in the Seattle U Flex JD. Nine of the 27 core credits from the APU MBA program will be transferable by the student to the Seattle U Flex JD program. Students may also start with the Seattle U program and then transfer credits to the APU MBA.
How often do I need to travel to Anchorage or Seattle?
The APU MBA is delivered in a hybrid format with 6 online synchronous meetings and one 3-day face-to-face intensive for each core class. Plan on traveling to Anchorage 1 time for each class.
For the Seattle U Flex JD plan on on-campus weekends 4 to 5 times to the Seattle U campus each year.
What is the cost?
The APU MBA requires 27 credits of core classes with 9 credits of electives transferred in from the Seattle U JD. Tuition costs at APU can be viewed here.
For the Seattle U Flex JD 3.5 years of study is required. Tuition costs at Seattle U can be viewed here.
Also plan on the costs of travel, textbooks and fees. Many scholarships are available.
For APU scholarship, grant and loan questions, contact Financial Aid at financialaid@alaskapacific.edu or 907-564-8341
For answers to any questions you have about Seattle U financial aid, please contact Student Financial Services at lawfa@seattleu.edu
How do I apply?
The MBA-JD is a dual degree with separate admissions processes, what that means is candidates must apply to each institution AND yes, they have different requirements and timelines to do such.
APU REQUIREMENTS
Apply directly to APU:
- A current resume
- Two letters of recommendation dated within the past year
- Completion of an admissions interview with program area faculty
- 500-800 word essay addressing personal and professional goals related to the MBA
- Transcripts - looking for accounting, economics, math through algebra and stats, and management (this can be achieved in other ways)
APU ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
APU has rolling admissions and there is no set deadline. Applications accepted in Fall, Spring and Summer.
SEATTLE U REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must submit the following through the Law School Admission Council:
- Completed online application
- LSAT or GRE General Test score
- Two-page personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Character and fitness disclosures, if any
- Official undergraduate transcripts - looking for the ability to complete a rigorous academic program
SEATTLE U ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
- September 1 - We begin accepting applications for the following year’s entering class
- January 1 - Deadline for Access Admission Program consideration
- March 1 - Priority application deadline
- July 1 - Final application deadline
Click here for the MBA-JD Program Guide PDF
Institute & Program Area
APU’s Institute of Business & Public Policy promotes the advancement of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning in Business Administration, Management, and Public Policy. Honoring Alaska’s complex and distinctive organizational and business enterprises, the Institute prepares students to address and engage in stewardship of our peoples and communities, with relevance to the world.
Move on to the next challenge with purpose. Develop your career – or chart a new path – with the APU business degree that’s right for you. We maintain small class size and focus on relevant studies. Our faculty double as mentors throughout your program and beyond graduation. You’ll be among close-knit peers who value cooperation as much as competition. Flexible course schedules include your choice of degree programs delivered online and at night– without sacrificing network building. And our advising makes the most of your time as well as the transfer credits you’ve already earned.
