Joint Degree: Law and Philosophy

The Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Philosophy and Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy are joint degrees which may be conferred by the College of Law and the Syracuse University Department of Philosophy. Students enrolled in these programs may obtain their J.D. and either the M.A. or Ph.D. in Philosophy in substantially less time than would be necessary if the programs were separately pursued.

Candidates for admission to the joint program must first gain admission to the regular program of each participating academic unit. Interested students will then be assigned a College of Law advisor who will assist in the preparation of a petition requesting admission to the joint program and outlining a program of study. The petition must be approved by both the College of Law and the Department of Philosophy, and it must be filed with the College of Law Interidisciplinary Programs Committee.

Typically, students in their first year of study in a joint Law/Philosophy program will enroll mainly in law courses.

The College of Law will allow 15 credit hours in Philosophy courses toward the J.D. if pursuant to an approved joint program. The basis for awarding credit hours is set out in the College of Law Handbook of Academic Rules.

The M.A. in Philosophy requires 24 hours of course work plus a defense of a six credit thesis. Because of the relatively modest credit hour requirements for the M.A. degree, the Philosophy Department does not generally transfer credit hours toward the M.A. in Philosophy for work taken elsewhere. Transfer credits from the School of Law are negotiable, however, depending on specific courses taken.

Credit hour arrangements between the J.D./Ph.D. in Philosophy may be more flexible. Questions and general inquiries should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies in Philosophy.

The application deadline is early March, but earlier application is encouraged. The LSAT score is generally accepted in lieu of the GRE.

Please read the provisions of the Handbook of Academic Rules for the College of Law relating to joint degree programs.