1L Transfers

JD students may apply to transfer into the JD-MBA program during the fall of their 1L year, using a single, online application on Kellogg’s website. 1L JD-MBA transfer applicants may apply solely with LSAT scores. Transfer applicants are not required to submit GMAT or GRE scores although applicants have the option of including those results if they have taken these exams.

JD transfer applicants will be notified of their acceptance towards the end of the 1L fall semester and will immediately be integrated into the first-year JD-MBA cohort. Because all JD-MBA students spend their first year at the Law School completing their 1L doctrinal courses, JD transfer students are able to transition smoothly into the program and complete the dual degree in the same format and timeline as students accepted directly into the JD-MBA program.

The application process takes place during the month of October.

Transfer Student Testimonials

"I went to law school to practice intellectual property law and help minority entrepreneurs protect and monetize their ideas.

In addition to the spectacular legal education, my business education has given me the opportunity to try my hand at entrepreneurship and learn tools for growing business. I feel better equipped to communicate with founders, investors, and other businesspeople due to the Northwestern JD-MBA program."

"Adding the MBA on to the JD broadens my qualifications and augments my ability to succeed as a transactional lawyer,

while also opening up a new world of potential recruiting opportunities on the business side. The JD-MBA community's tightly knit cohorts and accessible alumni network only added to my eagerness to join the program."

"As someone who was an engineer before, I didn’t have much exposure to the financial aspects of corporate life.

Soon after I started the JD program, I realized that if I wanted to go into transactional law, I’d have to strengthen my business acumen. Even after just a few classes at [Kellogg], I’m able to understand so much more about practice groups within corporate law."

"Although I was certain I wanted to work in the law, I viewed the JD-MBA joint degree as a way to enhance my abilities

to liaise between corporations and their attorneys. Plus, the Kellogg curriculum aims to build better leaders — an asset in any field."

"As someone interested in a career in transactional law and private equity, the JD-MBA degree allows me to sit with and learn beside my future clients.

Kellogg’s Venture Capital and Private Equity pathway was extremely attractive to me and allows me to expand my technical skillset."