Joint Degree Forum

[lawschoolboundfuture]

Im potentially interested in getting a combination JD/public policy degree. Is the extra year and the extra money in getting the second degree worthwhile

[Doorkeeper]

1. It depends on what school.
2. It depends what degree you want to get.
3. It depends what you want to do after school.
4. It depends if you have UG loans still out.

[lawschoolboundfuture]

1. I am hoping to go to to a T-14 school
2. I would either get a degree in public policy or environmental science
3. I want to do environmental law and then work for the government
4. No debt

[Doorkeeper]

1. I am hoping to go to to a T-14 school
2. I would either get a degree in public policy or environmental science
3. I want to do environmental law and then work for the government
4. No debt

The main reason for someone to get an MPP or MS in Environmental Science would be to have a background in the specific policy area that you want to work in. The MPP/MS would probably make you somewhat more marketable in the policy world if it's from a top public policy or environmental science department, but it is probably not inherently necessary. You might want to look around the job listings for policy shops you're interested in and see if they prefer a JD, MPP, or both. Generally it's an either/or though. For government work, you probably will not need the MPP/MS in addition to the JD if you want to do environmental law. This being said, if you want a mastery in a specific policy area, then an MPP/MS might be worth it. It's up to you to determine whether that's worth the extra debt.

Also, some MPPs/MS programs do give partial scholarships.