Master in Public Policy and Juris Doctor Dual Degree MPP/JD

Public Policy and Juris Doctor Dual Degree (M.P.P./J.D.)

Master in Public Policy, Juris Doctor, dual degree programs at Carsey School; image shows campus photo of UNH Law School in Concord, NH

Be The Kind Of Lawyer Who Makes A Difference.

The Carsey School's MPP/JD Dual Degree program provides a rich combination of legal expertise with the strategy and practice of communicating important policy issues to decision-makers and those impacted by public policies. You will gain the critical skills and knowledge required to tackle a broad range of complex challenges in the contemporary world of law and public policy, preparing you for a broad range of career options upon graduation.

Credit Hours: 104   |    Program Length: 42 Months (3.5 Years)   |    View Application Deadlines

WHY GET A DUAL PUBLIC POLICY AND JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE? 

The public policy master’s and Juris Doctor dual degree (MPP/JD) will provide you with a deep understanding of how legal and policy issues relate. Through this public policy and law joint degree, you’ll gain the critical skills and knowledge required to tackle a broad range of complex challenges in the contemporary world of law and public policy. 

WHY CHOOSE UNH’S PUBLIC POLICY AND JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE PROGRAM? 

The Carsey School of Public Policy’s MPP degree complements the JD with a broad grounding in the world of public policy. The two degrees are generally awarded after three-and-a-half years, offering substantial savings in both time and expense. Courses for the JD program are taught at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law in Concord, while those for the Carsey School’s MPP program are offered at the UNH Durham campus. A portion of the public policy experiential learning takes place during the January-term Washington, D.C., colloquium. You will also complete an internship at a policy-focused organization or, if doing a legal residency, at the externship location. 

POTENTIAL CAREERS 

  • Government affairs coordinator 
  • Lawyer 
  • Legislative staff 
  • Mediator 
  • Policy analyst 
  • Public interest advocate 
  • Regulatory affairs manager 
  • Research analyst 

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Curriculum & Requirements

The Public Policy and Juris Doctor (MPP/JD) Dual Degree will provide you with a deep understanding of how legal and public policy issues relate and will equip you with the critical skills and knowledge required to tackle a broad range of complex public policy challenges and make a difference in the contemporary world of law and public policy.

You will start this dual degree program in the fall with your first year at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law followed by one year at the Carsey School earning your Master in Public Policy. You will then return for a final year and a half at the law school to complete your Juris Doctor degree. In just three and a half years, you will graduate with two highly marketable and sought-after degrees.

Program Delivery & Location:  Academic courses for the JD program are offered in person on the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law campus in Concord, NH.  Academic courses for the MPP program are offered in person on the UNH Durham, NH, campus with a portion of the MPP experiential learning taking place offsite: Washington, DC, for the Colloquium and at the Internship site location during the internship experience (or if doing a legal residency, at the externship location).

MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY/JURIS DOCTOR DUAL DEGREE PLAN

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
LGP 909 Civil Procedure 4
LGP 920 Contracts 3-4
LGP 960 Torts 3
LSK 900 Legal Research and Information Literacy 2
LSK 919 Legal Analysis and Writing 1 2
 Credits14-15
Spring
LGP 900 The Legal Profession 1
LGP 916 Constitutional Law 4
LGP 952 Property 4
LPI 912
or LIP 944
Fundamentals of Law Practice
or Fundamentals of Intellectual Property
3
LSK 920 Legal Analysis and Writing 2 3
 Credits15
Summer
PPOL 998 Policy Internship 1 3
 Credits3
Second Year
Fall
PPOL 806 Fundamentals of Policy Analysis 3
PPOL 904 Economics for Public Policy 3
PPOL 908 Quantitative Methods for Policy Research 3
MPP Public Policy Track Course 4 3
 Credits12
January Term
PPOL 950 Washington DC Colloquium 3
 Credits3
Spring
PPOL 810 Policy Across Borders 3
PPOL 902 Strategy and Practice of Public Policy 3
PPOL 990A Policy Capstone Planning 1
MPP Public Policy Track Course 4 3
 Credits10
Summer
PPOL 990 Policy Capstone 3
 Credits3
Third Year
Fall
Remaining Required Courses in the JD Program's Second or Third Year 18
LCR 906 Criminal Procedure I: The Law of Criminal Investigation 3
LGP 903 Administrative Process 3
LGP 951 Professional Responsibility 3
Upper Level Writing Requirement 2 3
Experiential Learning Requirement 2 6
 Credits36
Spring
Upper Level Skills Requirement 2 3
Experiential Learning Requirement 2 6
JD Elective Course 3 3
 Credits12
Fourth Year
Fall
JD Elective (Bar Prep WTE) 4
JD Elective (Bar Prep - BA) 3
JD Elective 3 3
JD Elective 3 3
 Credits13
 Total Credits121-122

Notes:

1

In general, the Policy Internship is credit-bearing (PPOL 998), supervised by a faculty member who will provide the academic structure to parallel the applied experience. In some cases, a policy internship may not be appropriate for academic credit or the requirement may be satisfied through the UNH Law School's Legal Residency-Externship (6 credits); in such cases the JD Externship experience fulfills the MPP Internship requirement but does not provide credits (PPOL 998A). If the Internship is not taken for credit (PPOL 998A), students are required to take an additional MPP-approved elective course. It is highly recommended that students consult with their MPP Academic Advisor to determine the best path for the student.

2

Students must complete separate courses to fulfill the Upper-Level Writing and Experiential Learning requirements. A course may be designated as meeting each of the Upper-Level Writing and Experiential Learning requirements, but a student cannot fulfill both requirements by taking a single course.

3

JD Elective courses chosen for this MPP/JD Dual Degree should have a policy-relevant component to the curriculum. Discussion with your MPP Academic Advisor should inform this choice.

4

Students choose two (2) courses from either the MPP Strategy and Communications Track or the MPP Policy Analysis Track. Courses in both tracks can also be taken as open elective courses.

Degree Requirements

Students enrolled in the Master in Public Policy and Juris Doctor (MPP/JD) Dual Degree program are required to earn a minimum of 104 credits to successfully complete the dual degree which confers both an MPP degree and a JD degree. If both degrees are pursued separately, students are required to take a total of 125 Credits:  85 Credits for the JD degree and 40 Credits for the MPP degree, taking approximately four and one half years to complete.  With the MPP/JD Dual Degree, the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law accepts up to 12 credits of approved MPP courses and the Carsey School of Public Policy accepts up to 9 credits of approved JD courses, reducing the total required credits to 104 and time to complete the two degrees to three and one half years. 

Students start their dual degree by completing their first year of the Juris Doctor program at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. Students then complete one year of coursework in the MPP program at the Carsey School of Public Policy and return to the law school for their final one and one half years of coursework. Note that students are advised to have taken an introductory level economics class prior to starting the MPP portion of the MPP/JD Dual Degree program such as a “principles of economics” (macro or micro). It is highly recommended that students meet with their Graduate Academic Advisors from both programs prior to starting the Dual Degree to insure they have a clear understanding of each program's pre-requisites, degree requirements, and course schedules. 

Students completing the dual degree will graduate with two degrees:  Master in Public Policy degree and Juris Doctor degree. 

MPP CURRICULUM for MPP/JD Dual Degree

MPP CORE Curriculum Courses (5 Courses):
PPOL 806Fundamentals of Policy Analysis3
PPOL 810Policy Across Borders3
PPOL 902Strategy and Practice of Public Policy3
PPOL 904Economics for Public Policy3
PPOL 908Quantitative Methods for Policy Research3
MPP EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Activities (4 Courses):
PPOL 950Washington DC Colloquium3
PPOL 990APolicy Capstone Planning1
PPOL 990Policy Capstone3
PPOL 998Policy Internship 13
or PPOL 998A Policy Internship
PUBLIC POLICY TRACK (2 Courses) 26
Two (2) courses are selected based upon the chosen MPP Track: Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track
Total Credits31

JD CURRICULUM for MPP/JD Dual Degree

First Year Required Courses
LGP 900The Legal Profession1
LGP 909Civil Procedure4
LGP 916Constitutional Law4
LGP 920Contracts4
LGP 952Property4
LGP 960Torts3
LPI 912Fundamentals of Law Practice3
or LIP 944 Fundamentals of Intellectual Property
LSK 900Legal Research and Information Literacy2
LSK 919Legal Analysis and Writing 12
LSK 920Legal Analysis and Writing 23
Third Year Required Courses
LCR 906Criminal Procedure I: The Law of Criminal Investigation3
LGP 903Administrative Process3
LGP 951Professional Responsibility3
Upper Level Skills Requirement3
Upper Level Writing Requirement3
Experiential Learning Requirement6
JD Elective Course 33
Fourth Year Required Courses
JD Elective (Bar Prep WTE)4
JD Elective (Bar Prep - BA)3
JD Elective 33
JD Elective 33
Total Credits67

For more details on the JD program, visit the Requirements for the Juris Doctor Degree.

MPP/JD Dual Degree Credit Summary

Master in Public Policy Program Course Credits31
Juris Doctor Program Course Credits 373
Total Credits104

Notes:

1

In general, PPOL 998 Policy Internship is credit-bearing, supervised by a faculty member who will provide the academic structure to parallel the applied experience. In some cases, a policy internship may not be appropriate for academic credit or the requirement may be satisfied through the UNH Law School's Legal Residency-Externship (6 credits); in such cases the JD Externship experience fulfills the MPP Internship requirement but does not provide credits (PPOL 998A). If the Internship is not taken for credit (PPOL 998A), students are required to take an additional MPP-approved elective course. It is highly recommended that students consult with their MPP Academic Advisor to determine the best path for the student.

2

Students choose two (2) elective courses from either the MPP Strategy and Communication Track or the MPP Policy Analysis Track list of courses.

3

JD Elective courses chosen for this MPP/JD Dual Degree should have a policy-relevant component to the curriculum. Discussion with your MPP Academic Advisor should inform this choice.
 

  • Apply basic methods of policy development and analysis to design and evaluate public policy
  • Demonstrate competency in public speaking and writing related to public policy
  • Demonstrate competency in strategic and tactical skills for achieving policy objectives
  • Utilize data and research to inform policy design and advocacy
  • Understand policy profession norms and ethics
  • Apply critical thinking skills to address policy-relevant questions
  • Legal analysis and reasoning: Graduates will be able to identify, comprehend, and apply the relevant substantive and procedural laws to solve a legal issue, informed by an understanding of the diversity of viewpoints on and contexts for any issue.
  • Written and oral communication: Graduates will be able to present material effectively in these formats for both objective analytical and advocacy purposes across a range of settings, including in the courtroom.
  • Professionalism: Graduates will be able to act in an ethical, respectful, and self-aware manner with all other stakeholders, including clients, employers, and the court.
  • Legal research: Graduates will be able to navigate and assess relevant legal authorities using appropriate tools.
  • Public service: Graduates will be able to contribute productively to strengthening the justice system, with a sensitivity toward the needs of people facing societal barriers.
  • Problem solving: Graduates will be able to engage in focused and pragmatic collaboration toward goals.
  • Client counseling and management: Graduates will be able to provide trustworthy and responsive action upon clients’ matters.
  • Factual investigation and analysis: Graduates will be able to implement a strategic plan for information-gathering, which includes the ability to iterate on the plan as needed, and evaluate the results of the information obtained.

Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

  • Fall:  August 1
  • Spring: December 15
  • Summer: N/A
  • Special: N/A

Application Fee: Application fee waived for MPP/JD applicants

Campus: JD offered in Concord and MPP offered in Durham

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters Eligible: No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

  • Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
  • Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Test Scores: LSAT Required

Applicants to the dual degree program should submit their LSAT scores (have them sent from the Law School).

For general information about test scores required for admission into our programs please visit our Test Scores webpage.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions:

This should be a clear, concise statement of the applicant’s relevant past experiences, including academics, research, and/or work experience. The statement should also include an expression of interests and an explanation of the student’s goals in pursuing a master's degree.

Statements must be included with your submitted application.

Resume

Resume is optional but recommended.

Additional Department Requirements:

In addition to the three letters of recommendation a complete application will include a statement of support from UNH Law. Current UNH Law students must request a statement of support from Lauren Berger (Lauren.Berger@law.unh.edu), the UNH Law Assistant Dean for Students. Ask to have the letter sent directly to you as you will need to upload it below to submit your application. For new students you may upload a copy of your admit offer letter in lieu of a formal statement of support.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

Applicants may be asked to interview either in person or by conference call with the program director and/or the graduate program coordinator. Applicants are highly encouraged to contact the MPP program office for information on applying. Please visit the UNH School of Law Dual Degree webpage for MPP/JD Dual Degree Guidelines. Admission to the JD/MPP program requires pre-stipulation of a B (3.0) grade point average at the end of the first JD year. 

Additional Details for International Applicants

All prospective international students are strongly recommended to submit a pre-application on the graduate school website prior to applying to the program, please see the International Applicants Instructions page for additional requirements. TOEFL scores are required if English is not your first language.

Application Deadline

MPP: Aug. 1
 
JD: July 1 (U.S.)/June 1 (Int'l)
 

Ranked 3rd

JD Practical Training 
 

2 Degrees

In Just 3.5 Years

Explore Program Details

The MPP/JD dual degree program can be completed in just seven semesters (3.5 years), reducing the typical time to earn both degrees by one full year. This reduced schedule results from the acceptance of credits by programs from the other to fulfill a portion of each degree’s course requirements. This also results in reducing the overall cost of earning both degrees by a significant amount. For detailed information on tuition costs and fees for the MPP/JD Dual Degree program, visit the UNH Law Dual Degree Tuition & Fees webpage.

Education Awards

The Carsey School is proud to partner with public service organizations nationwide, enabling students to build upon their valued experiences by furthering their public service education and expanding their impact. These graduate school partners offer funding to employees, members, and alumni of their own credentialing programs. Education awards are also available for specific groups. Learn more


Partnership-based awards

$5,000 Available to Employees & Board Members of Inclusiv & Inclusiv Members
Eligible employees and board members of Inclusiv and Inclusiv members can receive a $5,000 Education Award to pursue a master’s degree from Carsey. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
$5,000 Available to Graduates of The Washington Center
University of New Hampshire students who have successfully completed The Washington Center (TWC) program are eligible to receive a $5,000 education award towards their degree at Carsey (applicable to the MPA, MPP or MCD). TWC graduates in the MPP program can waive the internship requirement.
$5,000 Available to Active First Responders
Active first responder personnel, including sworn police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, qualify for this $5,000 education award towards their degree at Carsey. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
$5,000 Available to Graduates of the CFSI Semester in the City
Students who have successfully completed the Semester in the City program through the College For Social Innovation are eligible to receive a $5,000 education award towards their degree at Carsey. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
$7,000 available to City members and alumni
City Year corps members and alumni are eligible to receive up to $7,000 in tuition through Carsey's City Year Alumni University Partnership program. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
Up to 50% tuition match for AmeriCorps Alum
AmeriCorps Alumni are eligible to receive one full-time Segal AmeriCorps Education Award match – which when combined with the Segal Award can amount up to 50% in tuition to the Carsey School. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
$8,000 available for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who enroll via the Coverdell Fellows program are eligible to receive an $8,000 education award. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
Up to $5,000 Available to City of Concord Employees
City of Concord employees may be eligible for up to $5,000 in education awards in a matching scholarship available between the Carsey School and the City of Concord. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.

MPP Faculty

Meet Our Students

  • with Accelerated MPP student Delaney Cote
    "No matter the exact path, Delaney feels equipped with what she is learning and continues to value field focused experiences as she pursues her degree."
    with Accelerated MPP student Delaney Cote
    "No matter the exact path, Delaney feels equipped with what she is learning and continues to value field focused experiences as she pursues her degree."
  • with MPP student Antonio Serna
    "I have a deeply held belief that equality cannot be realized without combating the inequalities marginalized groups in society experience every day"       ~(MPP) Student Antonio Serna 
    with MPP student Antonio Serna
    "I have a deeply held belief that equality cannot be realized without combating the inequalities marginalized groups in society experience every day"       ~(MPP) Student Antonio Serna 
  • with MPP student Carly Prescott
    "Without Washington, D.C., I never would have understood my true passions"       ~(MPP) Student Carly Prescott— Elkins, NH
    with MPP student Carly Prescott
    "Without Washington, D.C., I never would have understood my true passions"       ~(MPP) Student Carly Prescott— Elkins, NH
  • with MPP student Stephanie McNally
    "I am determined to become a proponent of change at the societal level that will have an impact on my community"       ~(MPP) Student Stephanie McCally — Bethesda, MD
    with MPP student Stephanie McNally
    "I am determined to become a proponent of change at the societal level that will have an impact on my community"       ~(MPP) Student Stephanie McCally — Bethesda, MD
  • with MPP student Thomas Galarneau
    "I am not merely following the path that I chose to be on, but one that has fit me quite well to this point"       ~(MPP) Student Thomas Galarneau — Portsmouth, NH
    with MPP student Thomas Galarneau
    "I am not merely following the path that I chose to be on, but one that has fit me quite well to this point"       ~(MPP) Student Thomas Galarneau — Portsmouth, NH