Law & Biochemistry

A stack of law books on a shelf
Juris Doctor, Master of Science

About the Program

Interested in tackling some of the most pressing legal issues facing the biotech industry today? Combine legal skills with a sophisticated understanding of biology and biochemistry with a dual Juris Doctor and Master of Science in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve, the #53 university in the country.

Offered jointly through the School of Law and the School of Medicine’s Department of Biochemistry, our four-year program—one of few offered nationwide—prepares you for a career in patent law, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, forensic science or other fields.

What to Expect

Within the first year of your JD program, you’ll take courses at the School of Law on criminal law, civil procedure and law, legislation and regulation. Once admitted into the master’s portion of your dual degree, you’ll supplement your legal courses with fundamental biochemistry courses, including Introduction to Biochemistry: From Molecules to Medical Science and Molecular Biology. 

In the following years of your dual-degree program, you can mix and match your biochemistry and legal courses to learn about intellectual property law and the latest developments in the biomedical sciences. You’ll also have an opportunity to pursue an internship at a biotech firm, which allows you to work with clients who are scientists.  

At the end of your program, you’ll be required to complete a legal writing requirement and exam.

Having the MS in Biochemistry, in addition to my law degree, has been invaluable in my career.”

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Beyond the Classroom

As a dual-degree student, you’ll be encouraged to participate in regular School of Law and Department of Biochemistry activities, and can also attend biochemistry’s semi-annual retreat. During the retreat, you'll have opportunities to learn more about program expectations, connect with faculty members and your classmates, and explore potential challenges of interdisciplinary coursework.

You'll also have opportunities to build your social (and professional) networks by attending other events hosted by the Department of Biochemistry, including weekly departmental and student seminars, annual lectureships, holiday parties and more.

Plus, you'll have the opportunity to do original research with faculty in the School of Medicine and access to state-of-the-art facilities for extensive legal research, such as the law school’s Center for Law, Technology and the Arts and Law-Medicine Center.


By the Numbers

103

total credit hours in the dual-degree program

76

total hours in the School of Law

27

total hours in the Department of Biochemistry

#53

university in the country, U.S. News & World Report

Admissions Requirements

You must be accepted to the School of Law to be considered for the dual-degree program. You can apply any time prior to your third year of law school. 

The application process includes: 

  • Online law school application, including a personal statement
  • Official transcripts
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Any other materials that might relate to your scientific background
  • Three letters of recommendation 

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