Joint Degrees: The Heinz School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University

JD/MS

Juris Doctor / Master of Science

Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz School of Public Policy and Management and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law offer two joint degrees: Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM) or Master of Arts Management (MAM)/ Juris Doctor program. A successful partnership that has been in existence for over a decade, this program offers students a comprehensive education that marries the analytic and quantitative strength of the Heinz School with the rigorous legal training afforded by the School of Law. This joint degree offering is particularly beneficial to many students' careers since legal considerations affect many public management and policy decisions, and the practice of law is enhanced by a clear understanding of public policy and management concerns. Participants of the program emerge with a broad knowledge of the fundamental intersections of law, government, policy analysis and management. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of this program allows for practical skill sets to solve economic and social problems that require technological, managerial, and legal expertise.

The joint-degree program is designed to be completed in eight semesters over four academic years instead of the five years required if pursued separately. Students interested in the joint degree program can pursue both programs simultaneously. During the first year, students study at either the Heinz School or the School of Law, taking the standard first-year curriculum of the respective school. The second year involves full-time study at the other school. For the third and fourth years, students take courses at both schools. In order to graduate with both degrees, students have to fulfill both schools' degree requirements.

The Heinz School of Public Policy and Management and the Law School have different degree requirements. Carnegie Mellon courses are counted in units and University of Pittsburgh courses are counted in credits. A 12-unit course is the equivalent of a 3-credit course. To fulfill the program requirements for the Law School, students have to complete 88 credits while the Heinz School requires 204 units for the MAM or MSPPM degree. Students in the joint degree program are able to transfer 9 credits to the Heinz School degree after completing their JD degree and 56 units to the JD degree after completing their MSPPM/MAM degree.

Sample Course Sequence

Before selecting courses for each program, students are required to meet with their Academic Advisors at both programs to map out a course of study. In addition to the course work for both programs, Heinz School students are required to complete a summer internship after their first year at the Heinz School. Students can receive assistance from the Career Services Office in securing an internship.

Since degrees in the joint programs are awarded concurrently, it is important to note that a student who resigns from one program will be subject to all the requirements for graduation from the remaining degree program.

Application Instructions

Admission to the joint degree program may be obtained prior to, or during the first year of study at either school. Applicants to the program must complete each school's application for admission and the attached joint degree program application. A copy of the joint degree applications and a statement describing your interest in the program should be sent to each school by May 1. Please note that the admission deadline for the Law School and the Heinz School is March 1.

Interested candidates to the joint program should refer to each school's program brochures or websites for specifics on admission requirements. Applicants to the joint degree program must take the GRE or GMAT for the Heinz School and the LSAT for the Law School. Neither test will be substituted for the other program, and students are encouraged to take both early to ensure the timely receipt for a complete application.

Tuition

Students accepted into the program, regardless of whether they have already completed their first year at either the Heinz School or the School of Law, will be charged tuition at different rates. During the first year at the Heinz School, students are charged at the then-current Heinz School tuition rate. For the first year at the School of Law, students are charged at the then-current School of Law tuition rate. Tuition for the third and fourth years in the program is equal to the sum of 85 percent of the then-current School of Law tuition and 42.5 percent of the then-current Heinz School tuition.

Financial Aid

Students are eligible to apply for financial aid from the school they are enrolled in during their first and second year. In the third and fourth years, students apply to both schools for financial aid. Although students may receive financial aid during their third and fourth years, it will be adjusted by approximately the same percentage that tuition to the respective school is reduced, and is dependent on available aid.

Contact Information