JD/MPP with the Master of Public Policy Program
It's all about solutions. In the JD/Master of Public Policy program, you'll learn to design effective solutions in the creation, implementation and enforcement of government policies. As an advocate in a variety of settings (legislative, judicial, or executive), you'll use the tools of law in public service. You will be equipped to work in multiple venues, including the courtroom, legislative offices, and public policy institutes on a wide variety of social and regulatory issues.
Graduates will be prepared to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy and lobbying positions, as well as private sector firms.
You will achieve all learning outcomes of both the JD and MPP degrees. Your studies in each program will be enhanced by designing a curriculum tailored to your interests and career goals.
Curriculum
You will work with your advisors to plot your course sequence based on admission time, career goals, and course availability. Here is a sample plan:
Year 1
Fall and Spring Term
Full time Law program, 27 credits
In the Spring semester, take Public Budgeting and Finance or Master of Public Policy course in elective slot
Year 2
Fall Term
10-12 credits of Law school coursework
- Advocacy
- 3 elective courses
6 credits of Public Policy coursework
- Public Policy Process
- Statistical Analysis for Public Policy
Spring Term
8-10 credits of Law School coursework
3 credits of Public Policy coursework (Public Budgeting and Finance or MPP elective)
Summer Term
2 credits of Law coursework (externship)
Year 3
Fall Term
Up to 8 credits of Law School coursework
6 credits of Public Policy coursework
- Policy Analysis and Design
- Elective course
Spring Term
Up to 8 credits of Law School coursework
6 credits of MPP coursework
- Economic Analysis for Public Policy
Elective course
Degree Requirements
To earn a dual JD/MPP degree, you must complete a total of 89 credit hours, including 65 law school credit hours and 24 MPP credit hours. A minimum of 74 graded hours are required for this grade. With careful planning, you can earn both degrees in three years of concentrated study. You will spend your first year as a full-time law student and take one MPP course in the spring semester. JD foundational course requirements and skills and experiential course requirements will be taken in the second and third years, concurrent with several MPP courses. A public service externship will be completed in either the summer following the first or second year.
Admission
Applicants for the dual JD/MPP degree must apply separately for admission to both the Master of Public Policy Program and to the School of Law, indicating intent to pursue a dual degree.
Tuition and Fees
The School of Law and Loyola's Office of Student Financial Assistance are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Loyola affordable.
With proper planning, you can benefit from tuition adjustments. The University's Student Business Office (SBO) will calculate the tuition of each dual degree student. School of Law financial awards are applied to School of Law tuition only.
FAQs
Why would I want to consider a dual degree program?
By pursuing two degrees through the dual degree program, you may obtain both degrees simultaneously in less time than if you pursued the degrees separately. The dual JD/MPP program provides graduates with the skills necessary to work as an advocate in a variety of governmental settings and influence and implement public policy.
How does the academic advising system work?
At the School of Law, each dual degree student will be matched with an appropriate law school professor who will serve as the academic advisor for the student. Advising with respect to the MPP will be coordinated with that program.
What are the prerequisites for a dual degree?
Dual degree students must be admitted to each school. Once admitted to the School of Law, students complete their first year law courses and one Public Policy course during the first year. If you begin coursework in the MPP program first, the School of Law will accept credits for non-law courses taken during the summer before your first year of law courses.
When do I need to do when I decide to enter the program?
Individuals admitted to the School of Law should declare their dual degree status at the earliest possible time:
- Upon admission (at the Office of Admissions)
- Upon entry into the law school (at the School of Law)
- Later in your law studies (at the School of Law Registrar)
Students may be permitted to enter a dual degree program as late as the beginning of their final year of law studies, however they may not be eligible for the full range of benefits of the program. Students will not be permitted to enter a dual degree program in their final semester. In all cases, dual degree students must alert the School of Law's Office of Financial Aid.
It's all about solutions. In the JD/Master of Public Policy program, you'll learn to design effective solutions in the creation, implementation and enforcement of government policies. As an advocate in a variety of settings (legislative, judicial, or executive), you'll use the tools of law in public service. You will be equipped to work in multiple venues, including the courtroom, legislative offices, and public policy institutes on a wide variety of social and regulatory issues.
Graduates will be prepared to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy and lobbying positions, as well as private sector firms.
You will achieve all learning outcomes of both the JD and MPP degrees. Your studies in each program will be enhanced by designing a curriculum tailored to your interests and career goals.
Curriculum
You will work with your advisors to plot your course sequence based on admission time, career goals, and course availability. Here is a sample plan:
Degree Requirements
To earn a dual JD/MPP degree, you must complete a total of 89 credit hours, including 65 law school credit hours and 24 MPP credit hours. A minimum of 74 graded hours are required for this grade. With careful planning, you can earn both degrees in three years of concentrated study. You will spend your first year as a full-time law student and take one MPP course in the spring semester. JD foundational course requirements and skills and experiential course requirements will be taken in the second and third years, concurrent with several MPP courses. A public service externship will be completed in either the summer following the first or second year.
Admission
Applicants for the dual JD/MPP degree must apply separately for admission to both the Master of Public Policy Program and to the School of Law, indicating intent to pursue a dual degree.
Tuition and Fees
The School of Law and Loyola's Office of Student Financial Assistance are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Loyola affordable.
With proper planning, you can benefit from tuition adjustments. The University's Student Business Office (SBO) will calculate the tuition of each dual degree student. School of Law financial awards are applied to School of Law tuition only.