The University of Texas Schools of Information (iSchool) and Law offer a dual degree program leading to two graduate degrees, the Master of Science in Information Studies (MSIS) degree and the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The dual degree program responds to an increased need for specialists trained in both of these fields who are thus positioned to help address issues arising from the increasingly complex and changing world of legal information use, retrieval, and storage. The program enables students to earn both degrees simultaneously in three academic years, including one summer.
While the length of the degree program is streamlined, students will still satisfy all of the existing requirements of both programs.
Program Structure
The program is structured so that students can earn both degrees simultaneously in approximately four academic years. Degrees are awarded when the required course work in both areas is completed. In general, students will progress through the dual degree curriculum by taking either degree’s first-year sequence in their first year, taking the other degree’s first-year sequence in their second year, and then taking electives and specialization requirements in subsequent years. Students in the dual degree program take a total 107 credit hours of work including 70 hours for the JD and 37 hours for the MGPS.
How to Apply
Students must apply to both programs separately and be accepted independently by both. While applicants are encouraged to apply to both programs simultaneously, applicants may also apply for the other program during the student’s first year at whichever program they begin.
School of Law
To complete the MSIS/JD dual degree program, students must meet all of the requirements of the dual degree program. The degrees will be awarded simultaneously when the student has completed all of the dual degree program requirements. These requirements include 34 of iSchool courses (25 hours required including the capstone + 9 of electives) and 68-70 hours of School of Law courses. The Professional Experience and Project required in the MSIS degree can be completed by JDs doing the equivalent work in one of the law school’s clinical education programs. Two of the iSchool courses are already cross-listed with the Law School.
The required 68-70 law credit hours must include all courses listed as ‘Required First-Year Courses’ and ‘Required Advanced Courses’ on the Degree Requirements page.
Advisor
Matt Steinke
Interim Director, Tarlton Law Library & Jamail Center for Legal Research
msteinke@law.utexas.edu