Essential Information
Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Arts (MA) programs in law and public policy offer comprehensive coursework and award degrees in each discipline. Graduates from both programs can pursue careers in the public or private sector, while those with an LPD also might find careers in academia.
Those applying to joint J.D./M.A. programs must apply to each department separately. Law school applicants need to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), and they must demonstrate analytical thinking skills in their undergraduate coursework, regardless of their major. Public policy M.A. programs require applicants to submit letters of recommendation, and a personal statement demonstrating their writing skills and interest in the program. Incoming LPD students need to have an advanced degree, such as a J.D., M.A. or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). Applicants are required to have substantial relevant employment experience. Some programs offer weekend courses.
Joint J.D. and M.A. in Law and Public Policy
J.D./M.A. programs, sometimes called J.D./Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs, teach the history, practice and theories of the law, along with the ideas and skills involved in policymaking. Students learn to apply legal analytical skills taught in law school towards contemporary issues in governing. Each degree program is separate, with the law school faculty teaching the law courses and the public policy faculty instructing the policy courses. Students complete internships where they work with lawyers and government officials during the course of their studies.
Students in J.D./M.A. programs in law and public policy take core curricula of each program and have limited choices for electives. Many programs allow students to specialize in a particular aspect of each field, such as environmental, civil rights, or employment law and policy. Courses include:
- Civil rights and environmental policy
- Constitutional, public, and criminal law
- Legal research and writing
- American political systems
- Policymaking strategy
- Public discourse and urban politics
Doctorate in Law and Policy
The very few existing LPD programs emphasize skills and theories in policy analysis and research. Students complete group assignments where they learn to work with their peers, emphasizing the collaborative process of law and policymaking. Students are able to complete many courses online and attend class on the weekends.
The classes in LPD programs discuss the research methods and statistical analyses used to evaluate laws and public policy. Students learn to analyze the economic effects of laws and policies and improve their skills at conducting original research. The following topics are covered:
- Healthcare policy
- Social science theories
- Policy leadership
- Ethics in politics
- Policy evaluation
Popular Career Options and Salary
LPD graduates are qualified for positions in the public, private and academic sectors. They can work as policymakers or lawyers or in consulting and education. Graduates often choose one of the following careers:
- Public policy professor
- Constitutional law professor
- Public policy advisor
J.D./M.A. graduates can pursue advanced careers in law or policy. Graduates can work for law firms, government organizations, civil rights groups or as independent consultants. Some common career options are listed below:
- Public policy lobbyist
- Lawmaker
- Political scientist
- Civil rights attorney
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
In May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median salary for political scientists of $125,350. Overall, this position was predicted to see a 6% increase in jobs for the 2019-2029 decade. Attorneys made a median salary of $126,930 in 2020 and were expected to see a 4% increase in job opportunities.
In 2020, law professors made about $134,760 on average per year, according to the BLS. Postsecondary teachers were predicted to enjoy a 9% increase in jobs for the 2019-2029 decade.
Licensure and Continuing Education Information
There aren't any licensure standards for lobbyists, lawmakers or others who work in policy, but those interested in becoming professors need a doctorate in the subject. Lawyers must be admitted to the bar in the state where they practice. To be admitted to the state bar, candidates must graduate from an accredited law school, pass a written bar exam and pass a thorough character evaluation.
Joint J.D./M.A. programs in law and policy allow students to engage in interdisciplinary studies related to law and its applications in public policy and governance. Prospective students will learn about different aspects of law and government, in preparation for a variety of careers in advocacy, law, public policy, or education.
