​Concurrent Degrees

Concurrent degree programs allow students to pursue both a J.D. and a master’s degree simultaneously while remaining enrolled in two distinct academic programs at the University of San Diego, and for the MPA, at San Diego State University. Students experience both the JD student journey and that of a master’s degree student within their respective graduate school, with each program maintaining its own curriculum, requirements, and academic community.

A limited number of units may be applied to both degrees, enabling students to complete the programs in less time and with reduced overall tuition. Each degree is conferred separately by its respective school.

Students who are interested in pursuing concurrent degrees must separately apply to and be accepted by each school. Each school has its own entrance exam, admission application, and admission requirements.

During your 1L year, and the two hybrid years (taking classes at both the School of Law and the graduate school), you will be billed the School of Law tuition rate, with School of Law scholarships applied. Your financial aid will be processed by the School of Law Financial Aid Office.

During the graduate school-only year, you will be billed the graduate school’s tuition rate with their scholarships applied, and your financial aid will be processed by the University’s Office for Financial Aid, NOT the School of Law Financial Aid Office.

As a 1L and during the two hybrid years, you are only permitted to take a maximum of 16 units per semester. In the event that you take more than those maximums, you must pay the School of Law’s per unit rate for the additional unit.

Generally speaking, no. When you are full-time at the graduate school, you are in residence at the graduate school and not in residence at the law school. The idea is to fully immerse yourself in the curriculum and life of your graduate program, and develop your professional identity in that discipline, just as you do during your 1L year at law. Please speak with your advisor at the graduate program or read the info sheet for your graduate program for more information.

No. The University’s Financial Aid Office will process and disburse financial aid during the year of enrollment with the master’s program. The Cost of Attendance (COA) during this period of enrollment may differ, so please contact the University’s Financial Aid Office and Torero Hub, located in Hahn University Center 126, if you have any questions. They can also be reached at torerohub@sandiego.edu or (619) 260-4700.

In order to maximize your unit crossover options, it is strongly recommended to start at the law school. For the MSRE and MAIR program, the student must start at the School of Law. Regardless of which school you start at, concurrent degree students complete their first year of law study (1L) taking courses exclusively at the School of Law. Students will also complete one year enrolled exclusively in their graduate program.

This structure reflects the fact that students are participating in two distinct academic programs, each with its own curriculum and requirements. For detailed information regarding academic options, please contact your academic advisor.

For all of the concurrent degree programs, six (6) master’s units apply toward the JD. For the MBA, MSRE, and MAIR programs, six (6) JD units apply toward the master’s. For the MAPJ, nine (9) JD units apply toward the master’s. For the MPA at SDSU, 12 JD units count toward the master’s. For all programs at USD, you must receive a letter grade of B or higher to transfer the units.

It will take approximately four years to finish both the JD and master’s degrees. For detailed information, please see the info sheet for the relevant degree program or contact your academic advisor.

It is not possible to hold a position as an RA, TA, or Academic Success Fellow at the law school during the year you are in full-time residence at your graduate school. It is often possible to defer your RA, TA, or fellow appointment to the year you return to the law school. There are many similar opportunities for you to get involved with at the graduate school, and we encourage you to engage fully in the life of your graduate school.

Each journal determines their own write-on policies. Concurrent degree students must participate in the writing competition at the end of their first year of their JD studies. Concurrent degree students who are successful in the write-on competition will then defer their placement on the journal until they return to residence at the law school. Concurrent degree students may be permitted to complete their citechecking during their year in residence at the graduate school. The journal Comment may only be completed while in residence at the law school.

At the School of Law, and during your hybrid law and graduate years, you may take a maximum of 16 units a semester. A one-time exception to take a 17th unit may be petitioned for, and that is charged at the law school’s prevailing per unit rate.