Since its founding in 1982, the College of Law has emphasized training attorneys to work for the public good. From offering legal services to rural residents to advising municipalities on policy implementation, Georgia State Law graduates are engaged with every aspect of civic life.
The J.D. & Master of Public Administration dual-degree program is offered by the Georgia State’s College of Law and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. It is designed for individuals who want to use their legal education to serve in the government and nonprofit sectors.
With an innovative legal curriculum, robust Pro Bono Program, study abroad opportunities, and an ideal downtown Atlanta location, Georgia State Law is poised to prepare the next generation of practitioners.
Potential Careers
Understanding how law and policy interact is in-demand today more than ever. Recent J.D. /M.P.A. graduates are serving in public office, working for government agencies, or employed by private and nonprofit sector organizations concerned with issues of public policy and public administration.
Curriculum
Earn both degrees in a shorter time than if pursued separately.
J.D. Requirements
- J.D. Required Courses: 44 credit hours
- J.D. Elective Courses: 46 credit hours
- 14 credit hours from approved 8000 level M.P.A. courses can count towards J.D. requirements.
M.P.A. Degree Requirements
- M.P.A. Required Courses: 21 credit hours
- M.P.A. Elective Courses: 15 credit hours in a concentration
- 15 credit hours of law courses with a grade of B or better can be counted as electives in the M.P.A. program.
- Internship or Practicum: 3 credit hours (law school externship may be substituted)
How to Apply
To pursue a dual degree, students must be accepted by both colleges and satisfy the curriculum requirements for both programs. Acceptance into one program does not guarantee acceptance to the other.
- Current J.D. students should seek admission into the M.P.A. program as soon as possible, and before completing 40 law school credit hours.
- Current M.P.A. students must apply for the dual degree before completing 20 M.P.A. credit hours.
- Foundation or introductory coursework may be required for students based on their previous academic experience.
Additional Requirements
After students have been admitted to both the M.P.A. and J.D. programs and have declared their intent to enter the program, they must, at first opportunity, complete the first 30 hours of required courses in the J.D. program. After completion of these 30 hours of J.D. courses, enrollment in courses of either college or enrollment in both colleges concurrently is permitted.
If the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies does require any such courses, the College of Law recommends that students planning on part-time law study complete those courses prior to taking their first law courses.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Students pay fees for both programs, but only one tuition, generally at the law tuition rate. J.D. Tuition & Financial Aid Information
Contacts
College of Law
Admissions
404-413-9200
[email protected]
Academics
John Marshall
404-413-9189
[email protected]
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Young Public Administration Webpage
Young Office of Academic Assistance
404-413-0021
[email protected]
Academics
D. Grant Coyle
404-413-0107
[email protected]
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