Dual Degree in Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctor George Washington University

Overview

The Dual Degree in Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctor at George Washington University offers a comprehensive academic pathway for students seeking to lead at the intersection of law and public policy. This collaborative programme ensures that graduates possess the legal credentials and administrative acumen necessary to navigate complex governmental and legal landscapes effectively.

Why Dual Degree in Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctor at George Washington University?

This joint initiative between the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration and GW Law provides a unique competitive advantage. Students benefit from the combined resources of two highly respected institutions, gaining access to a vast network of legal professionals and policy experts in the heart of the nation's capital. The curriculum is structured to foster a deep understanding of how legal frameworks influence public service delivery and organisational governance.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the credit-sharing arrangement, where both schools accept up to 12 credits of coursework from the partner institution. This integration allows for a more streamlined educational experience without compromising the depth of either discipline. The first year is dedicated exclusively to the foundational law curriculum, ensuring students establish a strong legal base before integrating advanced public administration modules into their studies.

The programme emphasises a simultaneous completion model, meaning all requirements for both the Juris Doctor and the Master of Public Administration must be met before either degree is conferred. This ensures that graduates emerge with a holistic skill set, ready to tackle multi-faceted challenges in the public, private, or non-profit sectors. Guidance from the Law School’s Associate Dean for Student Affairs helps students manage the rigorous demands of this dual qualification.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 2091 per credit
• National fee: USD 2091 per credit
• Local fee: USD 2091 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates core requirements from both the legal and public administration disciplines. Modules may include:

• Law
• Public Service and Administration
• Research Methods and Applied Statistics
• Economics for Public Decision Making
• Managing Public Organizations
• Public Budgeting, Revenue, and Expenditure Analysis
• Policy Analysis
• Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation

Careers with Dual Degree in Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctor

Graduates of this dual programme are uniquely prepared for high-level roles that require both legal expertise and administrative leadership. The interdisciplinary nature of the studies opens doors to diverse career paths in government agencies, international organisations, and public interest law firms. Many alumni pursue careers as policy analysts, legal counsel for government bodies, or executives within non-profit organisations and regulatory agencies.

The combination of a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Administration is highly valued in sectors such as urban planning, environmental policy, and civil rights advocacy. By mastering both the creation of law and the implementation of public policy, graduates can influence systemic change and manage large-scale public initiatives. The programme's location and reputation provide a strong foundation for securing influential positions in public service and legal practice.