LLM/MPP in Master of Laws and Public Policy

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 attorneys who seek to practice 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 provides attorneys 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 the LLM and MPP programs. The School of Public Affairs accepts LSAT scores in place of the GRE scores normally required for admission. For entering LLM 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. 

Dual Degree Requirements

Master of Laws and Public Policy: LLM/MPP. Students must satisfy all requirements for the master of laws at the Washington College of Law and all requirements for the master of public policy at the School of Public Affairs. Students must complete successfully eighteen semester hours of law courses and twenty-seven semester hours of MPP courses. Of the MPP courses, six semester credits approved by the law school will be applied to the LLM degree for a total of twenty-four credits for the LLM degree. Up to fifteen credit hours in law school courses may be credited toward the MPP requirements upon approval by the School of Public Affairs. To receive the full fifteen credit hours, students must test out of PUAD-601 Methods of Problem Solving I. The law school’s LAW - 892 The Washington Lawyer  seminar, or LAW - 580 Introduction to American Legal Institutions , may fulfill one of the two research course requirements for the MPP.