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Two degrees, one powerful career

Achieve more in less time with Washburn Law’s J.D./MCJ Dual Degree program. Combining a Juris Doctor with a Master of Criminal Justice, this program offers a comprehensive education that prepares you for careers where law and criminal justice intersect. In partnership with the School of Applied Studies, Washburn Law provides an efficient path to dual expertise, blending rigorous legal training with advanced criminal justice studies.

Program overview

Washburn Law’s J.D./MCJ program is designed for students passionate about both law and criminal justice. Typically, earning these degrees separately would take more time, but our integrated approach allows you to complete both in a shorter time span. Students start with the full first-year law curriculum, ensuring a strong legal foundation, before branching out into criminal justice courses. This streamlined program saves you time and tuition while providing a robust, interdisciplinary education.
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Why Choose Washburn for Your J.D. & MCJ?

Opting for the J.D./MCJ program at Washburn means gaining a competitive edge in the job market. Dual degrees enhance your credentials, showcasing your comprehensive understanding of legal and criminal justice systems. Washburn’s strong emphasis on practical, skills-based education ensures you’ll graduate ready to tackle complex issues in diverse professional settings. Our strategic location in Topeka connects you with key state, federal and local agencies, expanding your professional network and opportunities.
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Program structure & requirements The J.D./MCJ program at Washburn is structured to offer flexibility and depth. Here's how it works:
  • Complete the rigorous first-year law curriculum.*
  • After the first year, take law, criminal justice or a mix of both courses each semester.**
  • Finish the program with 108 credit hours, saving you time compared to earning the degrees separately. 
*Students will not take criminal justice courses in the dual degree program until after completion of their first law year.

**If students simultaneously take courses in both programs, the total number of credits enrolled in at one time must stay within the parameters required by the American Bar Association's standards governing accredited law schools.
  • J.D.: 90 credit hours, including foundational courses and skills requirements.
  • MCJ: 36 credit hours of upper-level courses
    • Thesis Option: 30 hours of coursework plus a thesis requiring 6 hours of coursework
    • Capstone Option: 33 hours of coursework plus a capstone project requiring 3 hours of coursework
  • Shared credits: 6 credits from two core criminal justice courses may count toward the JD and 12 credits of law school courses may count toward the MCJ. 
You'll meet with academic advisors in each school to ensure you are track to complete your requirements.

Applying to the JD/MCJ program involves meeting the requirements of both the School of Law and the School of Applied Studies. You must submit applications to both schools, indicating your interest in the dual degree program. 

  • Apply and be accepted to both the School of Law and the Criminal Justice Program. 
  • LSAT or GRE scores are required for J.D. admission. 
  • Pay separate tuition rates for law and applied study courses. 

Learn more about our J.D. and MCJ programs

Apply to Washburn Law's J.D. degree program today and transform your passion for law into a rewarding career.