New Joint Degree Program Combines Law and Education at Drake University
Drake University is launching an innovative program that allows students to pursue a Juris Doctor alongside either a Ph.D. or Ed.D. from its School of Education. This unique dual degree program is set to enroll its first class in the fall of 2026, offering an accelerated pathway for those interested in combining law and education leadership.
The collaboration between the Law School and the School of Education is aimed at students seeking careers in education leadership, policy development, or academia. “The partnership between the Law School and the School of Education reflects Drake’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation,” stated Roscoe Jones, dean of the Law School. “We are fostering a collaborative environment where legal theory and educational research meet to help shape the next generation of education policy and legal professionals.”
According to Ryan Wise, dean of the School of Education, “To navigate the complexities of an evolving policy landscape in education, we need leaders who can work across disciplines to build environments in which every student can thrive. This new joint program provides a unique bridge, allowing students to combine deep educational research with the legal expertise necessary to succeed and solve complex challenges.”
Program Details
The joint degree can be completed in approximately five to six years, depending on the dissertation timeline, with graduates receiving both degrees simultaneously. Students have the flexibility to start with the Juris Doctor before pursuing a Ph.D. or Ed.D. The accelerated nature of the program is facilitated by cross-credit courses that count toward both degrees. These include Law School courses like Education and Law Policy, Administrative Law, and Civil Rights Litigation, as well as School of Education courses such as Foundations of Doctoral Education, Program Evaluation, and Policy and Cultural Diversity.
- Drake’s Juris Doctor (JD) has a longstanding history of preparing students for successful legal careers for over 150 years. This joint program extends the array of existing joint programs with other university departments.
- Drake’s Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) emphasizes education theory, ethics, technology, and research methodologies while providing opportunities for scholarly development.
- Drake’s Doctor of Education in Leadership (Ed.D.) focuses on practical leadership in education, with the option to complete a capstone project instead of a traditional dissertation.
Enrollment Process
Applicants must gain admission to both the Law School and the School of Education separately, with the option to apply simultaneously or during the first year of enrollment. Initially, students will concentrate on the Juris Doctor curriculum before integrating courses from both programs.
For more details, visit https://www.drake.edu/eddoc/joint-jd/.
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