und law professor teaching about elements of the law

J.D. M.P.A Joint Degree

Take the fast track to a legal career in politics, government or non-profits.

In almost the same time you can earn a law degree from UND's highly regarded law school, you can also earn your master's degree in Public Administration. That kind of combination will set you apart as a person who isn't just fluent with legal matters, but also steeped in the value of public service.

Program type:
Law Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 or less
Credit hours:
112 (84 J.D., 28 M.P.A.)

Why earn a J.D. M.P.A. joint degree?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
May 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Oct. 15* | Dec. 1
Summer:
March 15* | May 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's M.P.A. program establishes your credentials as a person who understands the challenges of public management, and how to design and analyze public policy.

As a student in UND's joint J.D. M.P.A. program, you'll be able to count six credits of law school classes toward your M.P.A.. Count an equal number of M.P.A. classes to your law degree. That can save at least a semester of college.

While you'll need to attend law classes in person, all M.P.A. classes are available online. Candidates for UND's joint J.D./M.P.A. program need to be accepted to both the School of Law and the School of Graduate Studies.

Accreditation by NASPAA and ABA

This joint public administration program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and the American Bar Association (ABA).

J.D. M.P.A. at UND

  • Normally, the joint program will be completed in four years. With summer school classes it may be possible to obtain both degrees more quickly.

  • Get valuable on-the-ground expertise through the School of Law's Externship/Field Placement program. We have placed students in federal courts, non-profit organizations and other offices.

  • Double your network. Tap into contacts you'll make through both the School of Law and UND's Nistler College of Business & Public Administration.

  • Earn hands-on experience through internships. Our students have worked in city, county and state government, non-profit groups, NGOs and more.

  • We offer student support services such as academic advisors, career services and free tutoring.

  • Our flexible public administration program is offered online or on-campus.

Careers with a J.D. and M.P.A.

146k

Median annual salary for lawyers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for lawyers through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A combined law and public administration degree will make you a prime candidate for government, political or non-profit jobs that rely on a thorough understanding of the law. You'll find career options in fields such as:

  • Dispute resolution
  • Government relations and lobbying
  • Non-profit management
  • Human rights
  • National security

Public Administration and Law Course Options

POLS 508. Legislative and Executive Processes. 3 Credits.

Description, analysis, and evaluation of the structures, processes, procedures, and positions of the legislative and executive offices in government. On demand.

POLS 531. Foundations of Public Administration. 3 Credits.

An extensive overview of Public Administration stressing the basic concepts and trends in the discipline as well as the classic scholars. F.

POLS 536. Public Personnel Administration. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to help managers in all positions of an organization to understand the fundamental nature of public personnel administration, also known as human resource management. Topics to be covered include basic functions such as position classification, wage and salary administration, and performance appraisal. Attention will be given to contemporary issues such as sexual harassment, affirmative action, privacy, and unionization.

POLS 532. Public Policy. 3 Credits.

A discussion of the initiation, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of American public policy. Various policy areas such as agriculture, education, environment, and welfare will be analyzed.

POLS 502. Problems in State and Local Governments. 3 Credits.

Directed in-depth inquiry into contemporary structural and policy problems of state and local governments. During the course, each student will prepare a research paper relevant to a current problem suitable for publication and distribution to an identifiable body of public officials and citizens for problem-solving purposes. On demand.

POLS 535. Public Organizations. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on understanding the distinctive purposes, characteristics, and responsibilities of public organizations and how to facilitate successful outcomes within them. Special emphasis will be placed on comprehending the systemic and organizational environment for effective governance and leadership; determining how to plan, prioritize, and allocate organizational resources; and developing the practical knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes to manage and lead public agencies or similar organizations in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. F,S.

Online M.P.A.

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

The J.D. portion of this degree is held entirely on campus. Only the M.P.A. is offered online.

Live Online Classes

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture
  • Ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Conduct group activities
  • Participate in video-sharing
  • Have chat conversations
  • Use interactive whiteboards
  • Take live polls

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

Top-Tier Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders in Business

In the classroom or boardroom, you'll gain the hands-on experience necessary to become a leader.

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Kevin Dunn
Graduate Adm Officer & Advisor
P 701.777.2975

 

Schedule an Appointment

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