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Concurrent Law Programs

In addition to offering the standard J.D. program, the Knudson School of Law has partnered with other academic departments to offer concurrent degree programs. Explore these options to see how you can earn your J.D. concurrently with a degree in business administration, adult and higher education, English, history, professional accountancy, public administration, psychology, administration, sustainability or environmental law and policy.

Follow Your Unique Interests

At the completion of 1L year, eligible students may apply to participate in one of the nine concurrent degree programs that operate in conjunction with other master’s degree programs at the University of South Dakota, or in the dual degree program that we offer in partnership with Vermont Law School.

The following programs may have unique requirements or application processes. For more information, contact the corresponding academic departments or reach out to gradadmissions@usd.edu. Learn more about applying to the graduate school.

 

Degrees & Offerings

Concurrent Accountancy, Law (M.Acc./J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

The Master of Accountancy concurrent degree program provides specialized training in accounting and related fields for those who wish to prepare for a career in public accounting, industry, government service or accounting education.

View Admissions Requirements

Concurrent Business Administration, Law (MBA/J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

The MBA program prepares you to adapt to changing environments, make decisions and develop leadership ability and social responsibility in business, and use analytical skills. A J.D. combined with an MBA can benefit your career in business law, corporate counsel, banking or health care administration.

View Admissions Requirements

Concurrent Adult and Higher Education, Law (M.A./J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

The Master of Arts in adult and higher education helps you develop expertise in the fields of adult education, higher education and administration. Graduates may go on to work in areas such as a university General Counsel's office, upper-level university administration, nonprofit organizations or legislative bodies requiring experts in the field of higher education.

View Admissions Requirements

Concurrent English, Law (M.A./J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

The concurrent degree with an M.A. in English uses the English specialties of exposition, argumentation and critical analysis of literature to give law students the skills to properly research, prepare and present briefs. With interdisciplinary training in both English and law, you will be better prepared for careers in both government agencies and private industry.

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Concurrent History, Law (M.A./J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

Historians with legal training are exceedingly rare. There is an increasing number of career opportunities in public service for those who have this interdisciplinary background blending law and history. These include employment in areas like national and state government agencies, energy, environment, civil rights and Indian law.

View Admissions Requirements

Concurrent Public Administration, Law (MPA/J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

The Master of Public Administration concurrent degree program provides you with a wide range of professional opportunities. Our graduates serve at all levels of government and nonprofit organizations in the United States and abroad.

View Admissions Requirements

Concurrent Psychology, Law (M.A./J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

Since both psychology and law deal with human behavior, the concurrent J.D. and Master of Arts program in law and psychology provides a unique opportunity for those interested in incorporating psychology into their legal training. With training in both law and clinical psychology (non-certified), you will be exceptionally qualified to work in the areas of professional ethics, individual rights, community relations, family law and child advocacy. Lawyers with backgrounds in social psychology are especially skilled in constitutional law, testimony and technical areas such as jury selection. There are also other opportunities in fields such as personnel selection, industrial relations, product safety and environmental issues.

View Admissions Requirements

Concurrent Administration, Law (M.S./J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

Our Master of Science in administration degree is a cross-disciplinary program which prepares you for administrative roles in public service-oriented organizations. You'll learn to lead organizations, solve problems and consider the ethical and legal implications of decisions. The program benefits mid-career professionals working in a variety of settings, including government agencies, nonprofit and service organizations, health care, education and private sector organizations that provide public services.

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Concurrent Sustainability, Law (M.S./J.D.)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

Sustainability is an emerging field that seeks to address many of society's complex and interdisciplinary issues. The Master of Science in sustainability program emphasizes experiential learning where we find solutions to real-world environmental, social and economic problems. The concept of sustainability encompasses a wide range of topics and endeavors, including ecosystems, energy, natural resources, economic development, population, food security, industry and conflict resolution.

View Admissions Requirements

Dual Degree Law, Environmental Law and Policy (J.D./MELP)

Concurrent Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

As a student in the USD Knudson School of Law, you have a unique opportunity to receive a master’s degree, concurrent with the law degree, at Vermont Law School. You may earn a J.D. as you also pursue a Master of Environmental Law and Policy.

Program Details

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Faculty & Staff

Get to know the faculty and staff in the Knudson School of Law. Our faculty are experts in their field, contributing research and scholarship in criminal law, family law, civil litigation, Tribal law, feminist legal theory and more.
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Neil Fulton

Dean-School of Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Gregory Brazeal

Gregory Brazeal

Associate Professor

Specialty

Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Cyber Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Hannah Haksgaard

Hannah Haksgaard

Professor

Specialty

Family Law; Rural Lawyers; Property
Bio Image for Faculty Member Wendy Hess

Wendy Hess

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Justin Huston

Justin Huston

Head of Instructional Services
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Sean Kammer

Professor
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Allen Madison

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Michael McKey

Michael McKey

Assistant Professor & Director
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Tyler Moore

Associate Professor of Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Tamara Nash

Tamara Nash

Dir Exp Learning & Lecturer
Bio Image for Faculty Member Laura Rose

Laura Rose

Associate Professor and Heidepriem Trial Advocacy Fellow
Bio Image for Faculty Member Ann Tweedy

Ann Tweedy

Professor
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Susan Benton

Head Tech and Collection Svs
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Cheryl Maloney

Communications & Marketing Spe
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Teresa Carlisle

Registration Officer
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Tracy Hummel

Senior Secretary
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Heather McDonald

Program Assistant I
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Katey Ulrich

Director of Admissions
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Your High-Quality Law Education

The Knudson School of Law offers a robust curriculum, real-world learning opportunities and personalized attention from faculty. Explore our website to learn more about your academic experience as a law student at USD.

 

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