Why not your J.D. and MPA? Or, a J.D. and M.A. in International Relations?

Here's what you'll study

The highly respected Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University offers the oldest academic training program of its kind in the United States. Since its establishment in 1924, the Maxwell School and its distinguished faculty have greatly influenced the growth and development of public administration. More than 6,000 Maxwell School alumni worldwide work in all levels of government, nonprofit agencies, private firms, and colleges and universities.

The Maxwell School’s M.P.A. program takes a three-pronged interdisciplinary approach to help students understand the political, economic, and social context of public administration; achieve competency in organization design along with management and administrative techniques; and gain experience in applying qualitative and quantitative analysis to public policy issues.

For a joint degree in International Relations, course concentrations may include Global Markets, Development, Foreign Policy, International Law, Intercultural Communication and Negotiation among others.

You may obtain the J.D. and M.P.A. or the J.D. and M.A. in three years instead of the four necessary to earn both degrees independently.

Here's what you need to know

The College of Law is the primary school for students enrolled in a joint degree program at Syracuse University. For a joint degree in Public Administration, you will earn 72 law credits plus 25 approved MPA credits. For International Relations, the credits required are 72 law credits plus 28 approved Maxwell School credits. Most joint degree programs may be completed in three years (six semesters) and, potentially, one summer. In all cases, both programs must be completed within four years.

Students seeking dual degrees must apply to both programs separately, and admission to the College of Law does not guarantee admission to other graduate programs. Students are required to complete their first year of study at the College of Law and candidates for joint degree programs must obtain advance approval from the College of Law. The specific number of credits required for non-law graduate programs may vary depending on each student’s previous academic background in the subject area.

In addition, joint degree students are charged College of Law tuition rates only, essentially offering the opportunity to earn two advanced degrees for the price of one.

For more information contact

Here's where you'll spend a lot of your time

There are significant advantages to tackling your law degree in an environment that’s integrated with a major university. Here are some of the places you’ll be spending your time as you pursue your studies. In your spare time? Well, there’s plenty of excitement to find here as well.

Syracuse University College of Law: A rich tradition in law and interdisciplinary legal studies.

Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse: A national leader in public affairs, political science and international relations.