Students interested in studying law in an interdisciplinary context can pursue a J.D. degree at Berkeley Law alongside another degree program. This can be done within UC Berkeley through a Concurrent Degree Program or at another institution through a Combined Degree Program. Please review the Admissions information and policies for details on these programs.
Impact on Tuition and Fees Assessment
Tuition and fees at UC Berkeley include various campus, UC systemwide, and departmental charges. For current rates, visit the Registrar’s fee schedule. The primary cost difference between professional degree programs is determined by the Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST). Students enrolled in a Concurrent Degree Program (CDP) may be assessed the higher of the two PDST rates for the duration of their program.
However, Berkeley Law has established agreements with select CDPs to reduce the total PDST cost compared to pursuing both degrees separately. Under these agreements, students are charged J.D. PDST for any term in which they take J.D. coursework. Typically, this results in five (5) terms of J.D. PDST plus three (3) terms of PDST for the second professional program. If a student takes coursework for both programs in the same semester, they will be charged both PDST rates for that term. To ensure cost savings, students should consult the Dean of Students at Berkeley Law to review available enrollment tracks.
CDP Agreements (Subject to Change)
- School of Public Policy – Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- School of Business – Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- School of Social Welfare – Master of Social Welfare (MSW)
- College of Environmental Design – Master of City Planning (MCP)
Students interested in pursuing a J.D. alongside a J.S.P. degree should consult the Dean of Students. Since six (6) terms of J.D. coursework are required to complete J.D. requirements, these students will be assessed six (6) terms of J.D. PDST.
Impact on Berkeley Law Gift Aid Eligibility
Berkeley Law gift aid is intended for students pursuing a J.D. degree and taking J.D. coursework. Students enrolled in a concurrent or combined degree program who take J.D. coursework for five semesters are eligible for a maximum of five semesters of Berkeley Law gift aid.
Important Clarification: This does not mean that the standard six-semester gift aid award is redistributed over five terms, resulting in higher aid per term. Instead, students in a concurrent or combined degree program forfeit one semester of gift aid and receive funding for only five semesters.
However, students enrolled in at least 7 units for both programs in their final academic year may be eligible for up to six semesters of Berkeley Law gift aid, as they will be charged both PDST rates during that period.
By accepting Berkeley Law gift aid, students certify that they understand their responsibility to:
- Notify the Berkeley Law Financial Aid Office if they plan to pursue a concurrent or combined degree.
- Consult with the Berkeley Law Dean of Students to discuss their enrollment plans.