University of Denver Announces Dual Law/Healthcare Degree

The University of Denver now offers a dual degree between the Sturm College of Law and University College, where students may earn a Juris Doctor and Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership. Reducing cost and time to completion, students who pursue both a JD and MS will gain valuable healthcare skills—one of the highest growth areas in law today, according to the American Bar Association.

“This joint degree exemplifies one type of professional academic programming that universities will need to consider doing more of as our students are increasingly pursuing more complex and multidisciplinary career paths,” said Michael McGuire, dean of University College.

Students will double their network of peers and professors through courses at both Sturm College of Law and University College, the college of professional and continuing studies. With an increased focus on the intersection of health and law, career opportunities in this field are growing.
“The demand for practitioners in healthcare leadership and management continues to grow, as does the need for professionals with deep knowledge of the legal framework surrounding healthcare issues,” said Martin J. Katz, dean of Sturm College of Law. “The Sturm College of Law is excited to partner with University College on this dual degree—this kind of collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to learning is increasingly important for students who want to distinguish themselves in a competitive job market.”

Earning a dual degree gives students flexibility and versatility in their future careers as they gain an extensive educational background in law and healthcare. In today’s economy, the focus on healthcare is crucial and the pertinent legal issues related to health are only growing.

Dr. Irene Frederick, academic director of the Healthcare Leadership program said:

Graduates of the dual degree program are well positioned to address challenging legal and policy questions encountered in healthcare. Knowledge of both the medical and legal issues affecting healthcare sets the stage for productive dialogue between medical and legal professionals to support excellent healthcare outcomes