Juris Doctor and MPA Program

College of Law

Masters of Public Administration (MPA)

 

The University of Wyoming's joint degree program combining a Juris Doctor (JD) with a Master's of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) results in students earning two degrees in approximately three to four years. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree for those who seek leadership positions in public service. Students will learn the skills and techniques to design and implement policies, projects and programs to provide vital daily services and address important societal problems while attending to the day to day administrative issues in organizations.

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The joint degree program is for those looking to launch their career or round out their education with public administration experience. The JD/MPA prepares students for a variety of public sector roles, including leadership, management, and administrative positions in government and non-profit organizations; to instill in students’ public service values and professional ethics; and to promote a commitment to the improvement of government and social institutions in the ever-changing public landscape.

Graduate assistantship positions are available for JD/MPA students.  More information is relayed to first year law students during a joint degree information session, which is always provided during the first semester of law studies.

Curriculum:

In fulfillment of the JD degree, the College of Law will accept up to nine hours of MPA credits in courses approved by the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.  In fulfillment of the MPA degree, the College of Arts and Sciences will accept up to 12 hours of credits earned in specified courses in the JD program.

Applying:

Students apply separately for admission to the College of Law and the MPA program.  Students interested in pursuing a joint degree program, may not apply to the MPA program until they have been admitted to the College of Law. Once admitted to the JD program/College of Law, students interested in pursuing a joint degree program should schedule a meeting with an Admissions professional within the College of Law

MPA requirements include:

  • Submit the Application and pay the $50.00 application fee. The application fee cannot be waived.
  • Upload all official transcripts (undergraduate and post-graduate). If you are a UW graduate, please upload your unofficial transcript.
  • A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
  • Upload your resume.
  • Upload your Letter of Interest (2000 words or less)
    • Respond to: Why do you wish to pursue a graduate degree in Public Administration?
  • Upload your Analytical Writing Response (2000 words or less)
    • Respond to: For some time, police officers on three adjacent beats have met each other for a coffee break at a restaurant near a point where the three beats intersect. They usually have coffee and a donut and occasionally a piece of pie. The proprietor never charges the officers for their orders. Some people think this practice is acceptable; others think police officers should pay like any other customer of the restaurant. What is your view of the situation?
  • Provide at least 2 professional and/or academic recommendations from individuals knowledgeable about your preparation and qualifications for graduate education (the email addresses of your recommenders will be requested during your online application process.)

NOTE: GRE/GMAT scores are not required to apply.

Additional information on the MPA application process can be found here.