Public Policy

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Heinz College offer a joint-degree program designed to train students for careers in which management, public policy and law overlap.  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.

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Office of Admissions
3900 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 648-1413
admitlaw@pitt.edu

Faculty Advisor
Michael J. Madison
Professor of Law
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
3900 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 648-7855
madison@pitt.edu

School of Public Policy & Management at Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 268-2164
(800) 977-3498
hnzadmit@andrew.cmu.edu

Curriculum & 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 4-credit course. To fulfill the program requirements for the Law School, students have to complete 88 credits while the Heinz School requires 198 units for the MSPPM degree. Students in the joint degree program are able to transfer 30 units to the Heinz School degree after completing their JD degree and 14 credits to the JD degree after completing their MSPPM degree.

Sample Course Sequence

Year 1

School Courses Heinz Units Law School Credits No. of Courses
Heinz Core Courses 102   8.5

Year 2

School Courses Heinz Units Law School Credits No. of Courses
Pitt Law Required 1st year   30 9

Year 3

School Courses Heinz Units Law School Credits No. of Courses
Heinz Electives 36   3
Pitt Law  Electives   24 8

Year 4

School Courses Heinz Units Law School Credits No. of Courses
Heinz Electives 30   2.5
Pitt Law Electives   20 7

Totals

Total Taken 168 units 74 credits
Total Transferred 30 units 14 credits
Total Required 198 units 88 credits

Students are required to register for a minimum of one class per semester at Heinz College during years 3 and 4 in order to qualify for the transfer of credits between institutions. A full listing of the requirements for graduation from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law can be found on the Graduation Requirements page.

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.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition

Students accepted into the program, regardless of whether they have already completed their first year at either the Heinz College or the School of Law, are charged tuition based on year of study. During the first year at the Heinz College, students are charged tuition by Heinz College at the then-current Heinz College full-time tuition rate.  For the first year at the School of Law, students are charged tuition by Pitt at the then-current School of Law tuition rate. Tuition for the third and fourth years in the program is as follows:  At Pitt Law, tuition is equal to the sum of 85 percent of the then-current School of Law tuition. At Heinz College, students are charged MSPPM program per unit rate, for enrollment of up to 35 units per semester. Students enrolling in greater than or equal to 36 units are charged the then-current Heinz College full-time tuition rate.

Financial Aid

During years one and two, students may apply for financial aid (scholarships and federal financial aid) from the school in which they are enrolled. In the third and fourth years, eligible students may apply to the University of Pittsburgh for federal financial aid.

Year School Tuition Scholarship Eligible Federal Aid Processor
1 Heinz Full-time rate Yes Heinz
2 Pitt Law Full-time rate Yes Pitt Law
3 Heinz Per-unit rate Yes-Prorated Pitt Law
Pitt Law 85% of FT Yes
4 Heinz Per-unit rate Yes-Prorated Pitt Law
Pitt Law 85% of FT Yes

Students pay the relevant tuition and required fees (e.g., technology fee) to the institution(s) at which they are then enrolled in classes.