MBA/JD Dual Degree Program
Oakland University & Cooley Law School

What is the MBA/JD?

The MBA/JD program enables students to earn both the MBA and the JD simultaneously or sequentially. This partnership between OU and Cooley recognizes the close association between law and business and thus the value of education in both fields.

What's the payoff?

Time and money. Each program will allow students to transfer six hours of coursework from the other program. The combined savings is thus 12 credits of class time and tuition.

Can I do the whole thing at OU?

Yes. Cooley now offers its entire three-year law school curriculum on campus.

Do I have to complete two applications (and pay the fees!) up front?

No. Students should secure admission to the program they deem primary to their career goals and begin taking classes. Enrollment in the second program occurs thereafter, through a "Declaration of Intent."

If admitted to one program am I guaranteed admission to the other?

No. OU and Cooley maintain independent admission processes; it is possible that a student might be accepted to one program but not the other. As a result, students are advised to apply to the program that most interests them first.  The MBA admission's webpage is at http://www2.oakland.edu/grad/grad2/prog_detail.cfm?ID=MB3900&pth=PD

Which tuition rates apply?

Oakland University tuition rates apply to all graduate courses and Cooley Law School tuition rates apply to all law courses.

How about financial aid?

Financial aid is available; however, students can receive financial aid from only one institution during any given semester. A student may apply for aid through OU during those semesters in which s/he is taking mostly MBA courses, and vice versa at Cooley.

Are there deadlines for completing both degrees?

Both institutions have deadlines for degree completion. Oakland requires that all master's-level work be completed within six years of enrolling in the first graduate course.  The Cooley requirement is identical: completion must occur within six years of the first law course.  Oakland University students, however, are able to file a Petition of Exception for a two year extension.

What if I begin the second program but later decide to pursue only one degree?

A student deciding to pursue only one of the degrees would be required to meet the regular catalog requirements in effect for any MBA or JD student, i.e., transfer credits would no longer count toward graduation.

I already have the MBA. Can I use it to pursue the JD at Cooley?

No, however, OU alumni certainly are welcome to apply to the Cooley JD program.

How can I obtain additional information?

You may contact the MBA Program Coordinator, Paul M. Trumbull at trumbull@oakland.edu or the Cooley admissions staff through their website, http://www.cooley.edu.