JD/MS Dual Degree

Why this graduate degree program may be for you

This interdisciplinary graduate program is designed for students who want a solid background in public policy as well as law. The master’s degree (MS) in Law, Policy and Society is an interdisciplinary public policy program that prepares students for careers in government, non-profit and legal organizations, and research. Students first complete the law degree, taking the specific courses indicated. After completing the Juris Doctor (JD) students then take one year of courses in LPS, ending with a capstone course. Students examine a full range of strategies for creating policy change, including legislation, litigation, the ballot box, and civil action. Students engage in policy analysis and applied research that develops real-world solutions to public policy challenges.

What can you expect from the program

Students begin with core courses in theories of public policy, research methodology, law, and economics. Then each students develops a unique plan of study in his or her chosen policy fields. Students leave the program with solid theoretical grounding in public policy, a toolkit of research methodologies, and expertise in one or more policy areas. Students receive individualized advising from a faculty member in their policy focus area who can guide them in developing a curriculum and planning a career. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and typically have several years of work experience making the classroom environment especially rich.

THE FOLLOWING COURSES ARE TAKEN IN THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES (3 semester hours each)

LPSC 6313 Introduction to Economic Analysis for Law, Policy, and Planning
CLPS 7310 Research and Statistical Methods
Advanced Methods Elective
CAS elective in policy focus area (Requirement)
CAS elective in policy focus area (Requirement)
CLPS 7312 Capstone in Law and Policy

THE FOLLOWING COURSES ARE TAKEN IN THE LAW SCHOOL AND DOUBLE COUNT TOWARD BOTH DEGREES (3 quarter hours each)

LAW7482 Introduction to Law, Policy and Society
CLPS 7311 Strategizing Public Policy
CLPS 7496 Appellate Advocacy
Law elective in focus area

Core Faculty

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

In addition to needs-based financial aid, a limited number of tuition discounts and scholarships are available. We urge you to complete your application for admission as early as possible. Applications for financial aid are processed after students have been admitted into the program. For complete details, go to www.policyschool.neu.edu/education/masters_urban/financial_aid .

Admissions

Admissions to the JD/MS in Law, Policy and Society program are for the fall semester only. Students may apply when they apply to law school or in their first year of law school. Applications are accepted until August 1st for fall admission. To apply to the Law, Policy and Society program, please submit:

Completed application to both NU School of Law and NU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
Personal statement
Current resume
Three letters of recommendation
Application fee
LSAT scores

All applications must be submitted online through www.lps.neu.edu.

Application Deadline: February 1st, 2010 for Fall Semester 2010