The Joint Degree Program is unique in the nation and enables students to combine a JD with a PhD, MS, MPH, MHA, MA, or MD in less time, with more academic support, and with potentially more financial support than if the students were to pursue the 2 degrees separately. Students pursuing Graduate School degrees have the option of completing graduate minors in Bioethics, Bioinformatics or Human Genetics. The Joint Degree Program spans 8 collegiate units plus the Center for Bioethics and involves more than 400 faculty members.
Highlights of this unique interdisciplinary program include:
- The ability for students to complete joint degrees, combining a JD with an MS, MHA, MPH, PhD, MA or MD.
- Combining the study of Law with Molecular Biology & Genomics; Environmental Studies; Medicine & Health Policy; Science & Technology Policy; Bioethics; and Drug Research & Development.
- Enjoying the benefit of “cross-counting” courses which shortens the time to degree completion by about one year, typically.
- Scholarships designed specifically to support Joint Degree Program students.
- Becoming part of a community of scholars by attending a one-credit fall semester proseminar each year
- Annual mentee/mentor relationships with an assigned member of our distinguished Advisory Board
- Dedicated program staff who are always available to answer any questions you may have during your time in our program.
- Comprehensive websites of all the programming we have to offer.
Our program offers over 20 degree combinations, plus the option for developing ad hoc degree combinations. The established degree combinations include:
- MS or PhD in Conservation Biology
- MS or PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
- MS or PhD in Environmental Health
- MS or PhD in Health Services Research, Policy & Administration
- MS or PhD in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology & Genetics
- MS or PhD in Natural Resources Science and Management
- MS or PhD in Pharmacology
- MS in Science, Technology & Environmental Policy
- MD in Medicine
- MHA in Healthcare Administration
- MPH in Community Health Education; Epidemiology; Environmental Health; Maternal & Child Health; and Public Health Administration & Policy
- MA in Bioethics
Students who show good cause may also create an ad hoc joint degree with a Graduate School program relating to health, environment, or the life sciences that is not formally part of the Joint Degree Program. The ad hoc option is increasingly attractive to applicants.
Additionally, the Consortium and Joint Degree Program jointly host a number of events each year, bringing leading experts to campus. Our students are provided with access to these national scholars during their campus visits. Students can arrange to have individual or group meetings and are also invited and encouraged to attend an invitational lunch after each event which features an ongoing discussion with the speaker.
Our program is currently 39 students strong with 20 alumni. Our alumni are placed in top firms locally and nationally.
As you can see, our program provides a host of opportunities that provide Joint Degree Program students with a strong sense of community, academic stimulation, and interdisciplinary training. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Carol Rachac
Associate Program Director
Joint Degree Program in Law, Health & the Life Sciences
University of Minnesota
crachac@umn.edu
612-625-3356
For general information:
Joint Degree Program
jointdgr@umn.edu
612-625-0055
www.jointdegree.umn.edu