Law and Public Policy and Management (Carnegie Mellon), JD/MSPPM

Return to: School of Law

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Heinz College offer a joint-degree program designed to train students for careers in which management, public policy and law overlap.  A successful partnership that has been in existence for over a decade, this program offers students a comprehensive education that marries the analytic and quantitative strength of the Heinz School with the rigorous legal training afforded by the School of Law. This joint degree offering is particularly beneficial to many students’ careers since legal considerations affect many public management and policy decisions, and the practice of law is enhanced by a clear understanding of public policy and management concerns. Participants of the program emerge with a broad knowledge of the fundamental intersections of law, government, policy analysis and management. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of this program allows for practical skill sets to solve economic and social problems that require technological, managerial, and legal expertise.

The joint-degree program is designed to be completed in eight semesters over four academic years instead of the five years required if pursued separately. Students interested in the joint degree program can pursue both programs simultaneously. During the first year, students study at either the Heinz School or the School of Law, taking the standard first-year curriculum of the respective school. The second year involves full-time study at the other school. For the third and fourth years, students take courses at both schools. In order to graduate with both degrees, students have to fulfill both schools’ degree requirements.