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#Three-Year Dual Degree With Law and Public Affairs or Global Policy Studies

A Fast Track to Public Leadership

The LBJ School of Public Affairs and the UT School of Law provide an innovative three-year dual degree program distinct from more traditional, four-year programs. This intensive program is designed for students who want to integrate the study of policy and law and prepare themselves to have an impact on public policy at the highest levels, while getting a jump on the job market by completing both degrees in only three years. You will learn to think like a lawyer, obtaining a broad legal education that introduces you to the concepts and analytic structure of many areas of law. You will also acquire the analytical skills and rigorous real-world training necessary to effect meaningful policy change. With the best of both worlds, you will graduate ahead of schedule with a highly marketable tool-kit of knowledge, skills and experience.

Two Degrees, Many Paths

In our modern global society, it may take more than a law degree or a public policy degree to solve some of our world s greatest challenges. A large proportion of all public issues have legal implications, and we want to equip you to take on these critical issues. Whether confronted with legal considerations or policy debates, you will be able to think critically about law, justice and public policy, and will be able to apply your intellectual and analytic skills to solve 21st century problems. Through this integrated program, you will be poised to take on high-level roles on the national or international stage, enjoying greater flexibility of career choice.

Customizing Your Degree

The LBJ School offers two-degree program pairings, the Master of Public Affairs and the Doctor of Jurisprudence, and the Master of Global Policy Studies and the Doctor of Jurisprudence. Through these two-degree combinations, you can choose whether to focus on federal, state and local policy issues under the MPAff Degree or focus on international relations and development under the MGPS Degree .

Practical Learning Experiences

You will have the opportunity to complete a high-level, professional internship focusing on the nexus of policy and law anywhere in the world. The LBJ School will provide you with a guaranteed stipend of $7,500 to offer you the greatest flexibility in pursuing an internship of your choice.

This program also includes participation in a year-long Policy Research Project (PRP), working to solve a public policy issue for a real-world client. The PRP is a staple of the LBJ School learning experience and teaches students how to interact in a cooperative and team-based environment in a deadline driven atmosphere.

Dedicated Support

We understand that pursuing two challenging degrees on a truncated timeline can seem a daunting task, which is why we have dedicated expert policy and law faculty who will offer support every step of the way. From navigating course offerings to exploring career opportunities, our graduate advisors will provide you with the guidance you need to make the best decisions for your academic career.

Program Outline

You will start your education at the LBJ School with a short summer immersion course designed to introduce you to the connections between policy and law. From there, you will begin your first full year at the Law School where you will learn to think like a lawyer through a series of courses focusing on civil procedures, torts, criminal law, property, contracts, constitutional law, legal research and writing.

You will spend your first full summer in a field placement focused on your areas of interest at the intersection of law and policy. We can help identify internship opportunities and will give you a stipend of $7,500 to offer you flexibility in choosing the best option.

Your second year will immerse you in the life of the LBJ School and will provide you the same deep understanding of public policy analysis, research methods and public management that public policy students enjoy in the regular program. You will also take some additional Law School classes.

In your third year, you will continue to take courses in both schools, tailoring your degree to your career needs by choosing electives from the Law School and working on a year-long PRP at the LBJ School, working to solve a current policy issue for a real-world client.