Dual Degree in Law and Public Administration Created at Rutgers–Newark

NEWARK, NJ -- Rutgers School of Law–Newark and the Rutgers–Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a dual Juris Doctor/Masters in Public Administration degree program. The program allows a full-time student to complete the requirements for both the J.D. and M.P.A. degree in four years (eight full-time semesters). 

 

“Our reputation for academic excellence as well as an historic commitment to public service and the urban community draws numerous students who want to use their law degree to advance social justice through a government or non-profit sector career,” said Ronald K. Chen, Acting Dean of Rutgers School of Law–Newark. “The new J.D./M.P.A. program will give those law students important exposure to current best practices in public governance and the policy-making process as well as additional career opportunities.”    

 

Marc Holzer, Dean of Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration, said: “The dual degree program will benefit Master of Public Administration students by underscoring government’s foundation in the law, and will serve law students by deepening their understanding of the implementation of law by the agencies of government.” 

 

Students who wish to pursue the dual degree must apply for and gain admission to the J.D. program and the M.P.A. program separately. The student would normally spend the first full-time year completing the required curriculum for the J.D. degree and the second full-time year completing the core curriculum for the M.P.A. During the third and fourth years of full-time study, the student will take elective courses from either the J.D. or M.P.A. curriculum in order to meet the requirements for both degrees. Each program will accept up to 12 credits earned at the other toward satisfaction of the J.D. or M.P.A. degree requirements, allowing the student to complete the program in eight semesters, rather than the 10 semesters that would be required if the two degrees were earned separately.

 

Additional information about the new dual degree program is available from Associate Dean Andrew Rothman at the Law School and Associate Dean Peter Hoontis at the School of Public Affairs and Administration.