The dual degree program in law and public policy is designed for students interested in examining the integral relationship of law to public policy. The program is especially attractive to students who may seek to use their law degrees in the political, governmental, and not-for-profit realms. This dual degree program provides a broad theoretical grounding in policy analysis, program evaluation, and successful policy implementation and equips students with the necessary skills to creatively address the political, financial, organizational, legal, ethical, and constitutional challenges inherent in developing and delivering sound public policies.
Application. Candidates for the dual degree program must qualify for admission to WCL and the School of Public Affairs. The School of Public Affairs accepts LSAT scores in place of the GRE scores normally required for admission. For entering law students, applications for this program are first reviewed and acted upon by the law school. Upon admission to the law school, the application is forwarded directly to the School of Public Affairs for that school’s review and decision. Currently enrolled law students may apply during their studies at the law school.
Dual Degree Requirements
Law and Public Policy: JD/MPP. Students must satisfy all requirements for the JD at WCL and all requirements for the Master of Public Policy at the School of Public Affairs. To complete the JD degree, a student is required to earn 86 credit hours, of which 80 credits must be earned in law school courses. Of the credits earned at the School of Public Affairs, six will be applied to the JD degree upon approval of the law school. Following the first year of law school, the student will be required to complete 39 credits hours of approved graduate coursework, including 27 credit hours of MPP coursework in the School of Public Affairs, and 12 credit hours from AUWCL. At least 24 credit hours for the MPP must be taken in approved School of Public Affairs courses.
Students must satisfactorily complete LAW - 601 Administrative Law and LAW - 550 Legal Ethics to fulfill the MPP course requirements.
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