Doctor of Juris Doctor and Public Administration

The dual JD/MPA program recognizes the values of interdisciplinary study and encourages students having an interest in both law and public administration to pursue these degrees simultaneously. Public policy decisions by governments and nonprofit organizations have both administrative and legal ramifications. Effective administration of public, private and non-profit entities requires comprehensive and strategic management skills, along with an understanding of the legal environment in which the organization operates. The public administrator who understands the principles and processes of law has an advantage in effectuating good policy making and management. New career opportunities involving the integration of public administration and law are growing, often in creative and sophisticated ways. Moreover, the dual JD/MPA program brings together two academic units critical to advancing the University s metropolitan-oriented mission in teaching, research, and service to the community.