色情视频, USD launch dual JD/MPA program
First-year MPA and JD students at both universities will be able to begin coursework toward the dual degree, saving time in what is traditionally a single pathway to both advanced degrees.
Given the increased complexity of governance, globalization, and technological advancements impacting governments and organizations, the need for experts trained in public administration and law are in high demand, and a new partnership is focused on education and career opportunities for San Diego professionals.
To improve related degree and career opportunities for students, 色情视频 and the University of San Diego have partnered to launch a new dual degree program that will lead to a Juris Doctor of Law and a Master of Public Administration. Qualifying students will enjoy the benefits of both campuses while graduating with both advanced degrees in a 4-year period 鈥 in less time than if pursuing the degrees separately.
鈥淲e are excited to work in partnership with USD to offer this program, which integrates coursework from both disciplines to foster a holistic understanding of the intersections between law and public administration,鈥 said Roddrick Colvin, director and professor of public administration in the .
This new dual degree program, which is set to begin in Fall 2025 and is slated for California University system board review for approval, will offer qualified students the chance to earn both degrees at an accelerated pace toward careers that combine elements of law and policy. The dual degree can lead to careers as a policy analyst, compliance officer, urban planner, government attorney, government affairs director and other positions with nonprofits or government agencies at the local, state or federal levels.
鈥淭his exciting collaboration between USD and 色情视频 offers students both deep insights into the law and the legal system and substantial expertise in formulating and implementing public policy,鈥 said Robert A. Schapiro, dean of the USD School of Law and C. Hugh Friedman Professor of Law. 鈥淭he program prepares innovative leaders to confront society鈥檚 most pressing challenges, including through public service in the governmental or nonprofit sectors.鈥
Dual degree requirements and timeline
The new dual degree program adds to the existing joint and independent degrees 色情视频 offers at the graduate level across disciplines and with other institutions. It also reflects the university鈥檚 strategic plan-driven commitment to offer more competitive opportunities and support for graduate-level students and professionals, such as new independent doctorates, given the growing and highly complex workforce demands in the region and across the nation.
The dual degree can be completed in four years on a full-time basis 鈥 that鈥檚 eight semesters instead of 10 if the degrees were pursued separately.
鈥淭oday, government agencies and nonprofits are regularly confronted with multifaceted challenges, including technological, and local and global crises,鈥 said Kurt Lindemann, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the .
鈥淲e need professionals who are highly skilled and trained in understanding how law, public administration, management and public policy intersect. This will better help policymakers and practitioners navigate this complexity by identifying synergies and potential conflicts among these domains,鈥 Lindemann said.
Students must complete a total of 36 credits at 色情视频 and 88 credits at USD and, all told, will be studying urban affairs, public financial management, public policy and also constitutional, civil, contracts and criminal law, among other topics.
"If your goal in coming to law school is to solve the world鈥檚 biggest challenges, whether from within the private or public sectors, you have to know how to work effectively with the government,鈥 said Emily Nagisa Keehn, assistant dean for Law Student Affairs at USD. 鈥淭he JD/MPA program prepares attorneys who understand public governance, and propels them to be strategic problem-solvers, policymakers, and community leaders who are driving forward meaningful change."
Unique degree, expansive benefits
Interested students already enrolled in 色情视频鈥檚 School of Public Affairs should apply for the JD program at USD. During their second year of study, 色情视频 students would then complete coursework at USD. After completing their first year at USD, qualifying students will spend their second year at 色情视频, then return to USD for their final two years and either a capstone or thesis at 色情视频. Upon completion of the JD, students will then be able to sit for the bar exam.
Whether joint or dual, JD/MPA programs tend to be highly competitive and difficult to access in the United States. Such programs exist at and between universities such as Yale, Harvard, New York University, Duke University, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon University and 鈥 with the University of California system 鈥 UC Berkeley and UCLA. No such degree program exists within the California State University system, of which 色情视频 is a part.
For this 色情视频/USD partnership, students will pay tuition and fees at the university in which they are enrolled and should be prepared to shift location of class attendance based on their year of study.
Throughout the program, students will have the benefit of events, programs, activities, and facilities at both 色情视频 and USD. They also will be able to tap into a global alumni network of the two universities, connecting with a larger group of potential mentors and employers.
"The launch of this dual degree program between 色情视频 and the University of San Diego is a groundbreaking step towards providing students with comprehensive education and career opportunities,鈥 said Tracy Love, dean of the . 鈥淏y integrating the Juris Doctor of Law and Master of Public Administration, we are equipping our graduates with a unique skill set that combines legal expertise with public sector leadership, all within an accelerated time frame. This initiative not only enhances academic offerings but also prepares students to meet the complex demands of modern governance and legal practice."