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JD/MA or MS Criminology: Department of Criminology

Students in this program have the opportunity to earn either a combined JD/MA or JD/MS degree, based on which program in Criminology best suits their interests and expectations. The program is a cross-disciplinary dual degree program that is unique in the Ivy League, combining the historical tradition and legal scholarship of Penn Law with the longest continuous program of research and teaching of criminology of any American university. It produces future lawyers who are not only well versed in the law and legal tradition, but who also possess a robust understanding of social science and the use of evidence-based approaches.

Students can earn both degrees in three years. Penn Law gives credit for four approved courses in Criminology toward the JD. The Criminology Department requires the student complete eight courses, including – depending on the program – two or three courses from the Law School curriculum.

Students must apply and gain admission separately to each department. Applications to the Criminology Program are welcomed contemporaneously with the Law School application or during the 1L or 2L year. The LSAT is sufficient for both departments; no additional testing is required.

Here is a typical track for completing the program.

 

  First year Second year Third year
Course Work 1L 2L & Criminology courses 3L & Criminology courses

 

Additional Information: