The partnership stems from one of the 10 institutional strategic initiatives, set forth last year, that grew out of Tech’s new strategic plan.  

“During the strategic planning process, one issue that kept coming to the forefront was the connection between technology and law,” said Marie Thursby, co-chair of the initiative’s task force. “Law is not part of Tech’s core mission, but it plays a large role in the development and commercialization of technology. We have already built a strong relationship with Emory, so exploring the expansion of our partnership in these areas became a priority.”

A task force that includes four Tech members and four Emory members was formed to research a potential law/technology degree program. Tech team members include Thursby, professor in the College of Management; Mark Allen, Regents’ Professor and executive director for the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology; Ty Herrington, professor in the School of Literature, Communication and Culture; and Bruce Stiftel, chair of the School of City and Regional Planning.

The group met several times last spring to discuss potential degree programs and hopes to provide a formal proposal to senior leadership at both institutions by the end of fall semester.

“We have focused on programs at the graduate level but will continue to investigate the possibility of some joint bachelor of science/juris master or juris doctor programs,” Thursby said.

For more information, contact Lynn Durham, assistant vice president.