About the JD/MPA Concurrent Degree Program
The University of San Diego’s School of Law and the School of Public Affairs at San Diego State University offer a Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration (JD/MPA) concurrent degree program for students interested in examining the interface of law, public administration and management.
With an innovative and rigorous curriculum across two competitive universities, this concurrent degree program in public administration and law is designed for those who have a desire to contribute to policymaking through a public service perspective. Graduates will be equipped to practice law in large private, governmental or nonprofit organizations.
Program Highlights
| Concurrent Coursework | More Career Options | Grow Your Network | Make an Impact |
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| Students complete a J.D. and M.P.A. in less time than it would take to earn both degrees independently. | Explore career options at all levels of government as well as the private and nonprofit sectors. | Strengthen your professional network with access to a global network of professionals connections in legal and public administration fields. | Prepare to lead in the ever-changing landscape of public affairs and law. |
What You Will Study
Pursue the Juris Doctor of Law and a Master of Public Administration to gain theoretical and practice skills in law and public administration. Students will be able to identify enhanced career opportunities in the public sector, government administration or a related nonprofit sector or to represent public or private sector clients in relations with government agencies. The program provides a generalist foundation in public administration, management, and public policy while also offering a law school education that can be applied to various aspects of government. While in the program, students will also gain access to University of San Diego and San Diego State University’s combined global network of alumni.
Curriculum
Admitted students who pursue the concurrent degree program will benefit from cross-acceptance of a certain number of credit hours. A major benefit of the program is that it reduces the number of semesters a student would normally need to obtain both degrees – generally, a reduction of at least one semester.
Students will take coursework in topics such as:
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Benefits You Receive
Choosing a concurrent JD/MPA program rather than pursuing a JD then the MPA in sequence offers several advantages:
Save Time and Money
Pursuing both degrees through the concurrent degree program generally takes less time (eight semesters instead of 10 semesters) and can be more cost-effective than completing them sequentially.
Develop Comprehensive Skills from the Start
Students will gain a comprehensive skill set centered on legal analysis, policy formulation and management principles from the beginning of their studies. This early exposure to interdisciplinary perspectives will better prepare you for positions at the intersection of law and public administration.
Global Networking Opportunities
With the combined network of USD and SDSU, students can connect with an expansive global network of professionals to network, which can lead to internships, job opportunities and mentorship relationships.
Career Advancement
Graduates of the concurrent JD/MPA programs will be well-positioned for a broad range of career opportunities that require expertise in both law and public administration.
Career Options
The career options for individuals with JD/MPA degrees are vast. The combination of legal expertise and public administration knowledge equips graduates to address complex societal challenges, navigate regulatory environments and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields.
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Workplace Settings
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Getting Admitted, Student Support
Application deadlines and admissions
The concurrent degree program is open to students in good academic standing at their home institution. Admission to the JD/MPA program is not guaranteed, and a select number of candidates will be chosen each year.
Students involved in the JD/MPA program will have been admitted to both the School of Public Affairs at SDSU and the School of Law at USD. Students will pay tuition and fees at the university in which they are enrolled. The host institution will not charge additional tuition or fees for courses. In addition, concurrent degree students can receive a scholarship for tuition and fees – the equivalent of one year of academic study in the Master’s program.
Information about SDSU and the MPA program are on the School of Public Affairs website. For USD, admissions deadlines and other requirements are on USD’s School of Law website.
Program options
Students are encouraged to start their studies at the law school, then spend their second year only in the MPA, and then their final two years in the law program with a final 3-unit MPA capstone thesis completed during this period. During the first year of the JD program, students may not enroll in any MPA credits. Likewise, in the MPA year, students may not enroll in any JD credits. Students are responsible for meeting the graduation requirements across both degree programs.
Student can complete the concurrent degree program in four years. Students must apply to the JD/MPA program during their first year of study in their home institution. Classes for the second degree would start in year two. Students must apply separately to both the University of San Diego and the San Diego State University programs and follow the admission requirements. We recommend that you seek admissions counseling prior to applying for the concurrent degree.
Questions?
Prospective students should contact the School of Law Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at jdinfo@sandiego.edu or by calling (619) 260-4528.
Current JD concurrent degree students should schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.