Public Policy (MS) / Juris Doctor (JD)

Major: Public Policy and Law
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS) and Juris Doctor (JD)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 115.0 (79 JD + 36 MS)
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 22.0101
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 

About the Program

Amid demographic, economic, political and environmental change, leaders in either the public or private sector require insight and analysis grounded in policy, democratic process and the law. The overlapping roles of public agencies and private organizations create a wide range of issues that raise legal challenges and opportunities.

Our JD-Master of Science in Public Policy Program gives students a strong foundation in research, analysis, economics and law in tandem with hands-on learning and networking opportunities with non-profit organizations and government agencies throughout the Delaware Valley.

Students take courses at the law school and Drexel's College of Arts & Sciences (Center for Public Policy), earning degrees from both. In addition to acquiring basic skills in the two disciplines, students gain a unique perspective on legal research and its application in legal practice.

Our faculty features widely recognized scholars whose expertise covers a range of topics in public policy. Course offerings include Essentials of Economics, Sustainability and Public Policy, Case Study Research, Constitutional Law, Theory and Practice of Policy Analysis and a Lawyering Practice Seminar.

Additional Information

For more information, please visit the JD-MS Public Policy web page.

Admission Requirements  

• Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting associations of the United States or, if foreign educated, a degree equivalent to a four year baccalaureate degree
• Applicants must be registered for Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS)
• Applicants must have taken the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
• The candidate’s undergraduate grade point average and LSAT scores will be strong factors in determining admission to the law school.
• In addition, the Admissions Committee will consider a student’s extracurricular activities, work experience, and volunteer service.
• To be admitted to the joint degree after matriculating at the Law School, students must have at least a 2.5 law school GPA.

Degree Requirements 

Please note that the credits for the LAW courses are shown in semester credits and the remaining courses are shown in quarter credits. This program requires the completion of 45.0 quarter credits for the MS and 85.0 semester credits for the JD*.

*

PLCY 503, PLCY 504, and PLCY 506 (9.0 quarter credits) are applied as 6.0 semester credits of LAW electives, reducing the credits that need to be taken in LAW to 79.0 semester credits. LAW 555S and LAW 724S (6.0 semester credits) are applied as 9.0 quarter credits of Public Policy electives, reducing the credits that need to be taken in the MS to 36.0 quarter credits.

**

Must include a Co-op or Clinic with co-requisite seminar

*

If full-year paper

**

If paper option

***

If WUL option

†

May require permission to enroll

Sample Plan of Study

3 Year Plan of Study

3.5 Year Plan of Study

*

Recommended, but students can also take Summer classes and complete Experiential Requirement in another semester.