In general, such programs allow students to obtain two graduate degrees sooner than they could acquire each independently. Applicants for joint degrees must submit one online application to the university, noting the intention to acquire both degrees. (Joint M.S.L.I.S.J.D. applicants must submit a separate law school application via the LSAC.) Be sure to submit all required documents for both programs, as application requirements for each program may differ. Each department makes admissions decisions separately, so admission to one does not necessarily guarantee admission to the other. Joint degrees are conferred simultaneously after all requirements for both degrees have been met. The Department of Library and Information Science and the Columbus School of Law offer a joint-degree program to provide academic preparation for law librarianship. Many law library positions require both a law degree and a library and information science degree. The total number of library and information science semester hours of graduate credit required is reduced to 27, and a student in the program may apply up to 12 library science credits toward the J.D. degree.<br>The Department of Library and Information Science and the Department of Biology in the School of Arts and Sciences offer a joint-degree program requiring a total of 60 semester hours of graduate credit. Of the total credit hours, between 24 and 30 must be in biology and between 30 and 36 must be in library and information science.