Eastern Michigan University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School are establishing four joint degree programs that will blend key skills and training leading to highly successful careers.
The joint program agreements were signed Oct. 4 at Eastern Michigan by Susan Martin, University president, and Don LeDuc, president of the law school.
The programs being launched in 2013 are:
• J.D./master’s degree in human resource and organizational development (MSHROD).
• J.D./master’s degree in educational leadership (MA EdLd).
• J.D./master’s degree in health administration (MHA).
• J.D./master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
“This partnership with Cooley Law School opens up a variety of distinct and highly relevant career paths for our students,” said Martin. “In addition to obtaining the analytical, technical and verbal skills associated with earning a law degree, students will learn specific job skills in one of four fields that need accomplished professionals. This partnership reflects Eastern’s commitment to aligning its academic programs with student needs and today’s evolving workplace.”
The dual programs bring the critical thinking and analytical skills provided by rigorous legal training into environments where they are increasingly needed and in demand from employers.
Both schools will offer their degrees independently, but eligible students will be able to incorporate course work from the other institution’s program. The programs are designed to provide students with a legal framework, which will enrich their portfolios on professional and academic levels.
Students can transfer six master’s degree credits to Cooley’s Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. They also can transfer six credits from the J.D. degree into the master’s program at Eastern Michigan University.
“This is an excellent program that will help our students advance in the legal workplace,” said Don LeDuc, president of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. “Eastern Michigan has an outstanding reputation in these programs, and we feel this will be a great partnership.”
Students who are interested in participating in these joint degree programs must be admitted into Cooley’s J.D. program and be admitted separately into Eastern’s master’s program. Students will then complete each program within six years of the start date, and graduate from each institution. Students do not have to graduate at the same time for both programs.
