Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Laws (LLM)

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In this dual degree program, graduates receive a Public Administration (MPA) through the Department of Public Administration and Policy , School of Public Affairs and a Master of Laws (LLM) through the Washington College of Law . The program is especially attractive for attorneys who hope to practice and innovate in the political, governmental and not-for-profit realms. The program provides a broad theoretical grounding in public administration and management, while also providing students with a practical education in the analysis and implementation of policy and law at all levels of government.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of both the Department of Public Administration and Policy , School of Public Affairs (SPA) and Washington College of Law (WCL). Admission criteria are the same as those for the Public Administration (MPA) . However, students who have been admitted to WCL will not be required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). For entering law students, applications for this program are first reviewed by the WCL. Upon admission to WCL, the application is forwarded to SPA for review and decision. Currently enrolled WCL students may apply during their studies at WCL.

Admission to either the MPA or LLM program does not guarantee admission to the other. Students who have been admitted to the MPA program may apply to WCL. Students may begin their studies in SPA in their first semester of the LLM program.

Dual Degree Requirements

42 credits hours of approved graduate coursework, including 24 credit hours of MPA coursework in SPA, and 18 credit hours of law coursework in WCL

MPA Degree Requirements

39 credits hours of approved graduate coursework, including at least 24 credit hours of MPA coursework in SPA, and up to 15 credit hours from WCL
Capstone Experience: PUAD-610 Public Administration Capstone (3)

MPA Course Requirements

Required (6 credit hours)

Quantitative Methods (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

Economic Analysis (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following or, for students with completed equivalent, other approved courses:

Public Budgeting and Finance (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or other course approved by MPA advisor:

PUAD-631 Financing Government Services (3)
PUAD-633 Budgeting and Financial Management (3)
PUAD-685 Topics in Policy Analysis and Management (1-3) : Public Finance in Developing Countries (3)

Public Management Electives (6 credit hours)

Complete 6 credit hours from the following:

Capstone (3 credit hours)

PUAD-610 Public Administration Capstone (3)

LLM Degree Requirements

18 credit hours of coursework required for the LLM, including:

Required

Complete 3-4 credit hours from the following or other approved course:

LAW-601 Administrative Law (3-4)

Seminar

Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

LAW-580 American Lawyer Seminar (3)
LAW-892 Washington Lawyer Seminar (3)