JD/MPA

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

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Law Meets Leadership

Want to shape policy, lead public organizations and understand how laws actually work in the real world? The University of Wyoming's JD/MPA Joint Degree brings legal training and public administration together in one accelerated program. In just three to four years, students gain the tools to navigate courts, agencies and communities, preparing them to lead where law and public service intersect.

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This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus
Online
Hybrid

About UW's Joint JD/MPA Program

The Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration (JD/MPA) Joint Degree at the University of Wyoming prepares students for leadership roles at the intersection of law, public policy and public service. Designed for those pursing careers in government, nonprofit organizations and policy-focused legal practice, the program allowed qualified students to earn both degrees in an accelerated three-to-four-year format. By integrating rigorous legal training with advanced study in public administration, the JD/MPA equips graduates with the analytical, managerial and ethical foundations needed to address complex public challenges. Students in the JD/MPA program benefit from a blended delivery model that combines on-campus legal coursework through the College of Law with online, synchronous Master of Public Administration courses offered through the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies.

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Students must apply separately to the University of Wyoming College of Law and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. Applicants interested in the JD/MPA joint degree must first be admitted to the College of Law before applying to the MPA program. After admission to the JD program, student should schedule a meeting with a College of Law admissions professional to discuss join degree requirements and next steps.

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MPA Admissions

Learn more about the MPA admissions process and requirements.

 

 

 

JD/MPA Program Highlights

Competitive Assistantships & Scholarships

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Competitive Assistantships & Scholarships

Competitive graduate assistantships and scholarships are available to support students in the JD/MPA Joint Degree program through the College of Law and School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and professional promise, helping reduce the cost of graduate study while strengthening students’ leadership and public service experience.

University Scholarships

Faculty from both the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies and the College of Law bring a blend of academic expertise and real-world experience to the JD/MPA Joint Degree. SPPAIS instructors specialize in public administration, policy analysis, leadership and organizational management, while College of Law faculty are renowned for their strengths in legal theory, advocacy and practice. Together, they provide students with interdisciplinary mentorship, practical insights and the skills needed to lead at the intersection of law, policy and public service. Students may also join faculty project or consulting engagements with state agencies, local governments and nonprofit organizations.

 

Internships and practicum experiences are a core component of our program, giving you the opportunity to apply legal and administrative theory in real-world settings. Pre-service students complete a supervised internship that integrates coursework with hands-on professional experience, while in-service professionals may substitute an approved elective. These placements help students build professional networks, gain practical skills and develop a deeper understanding of public service across government, nonprofit and policy-focused organizations.

 

Between the Law School and MPA program, students will gain access to a wide network of alumni, faculty and people in the field. In our program, you'll make professional connections through internship partners and capstone projects, while also being exposed to a statewide network of both JD and MPA alumni in government, nonprofits and policy roles. At UW, there are cross-campus organizations focused on civic leadership, community service and nonprofit management students can join. They also have the chance to hear from guest speakers and practitioner panels hosted by SPPAIS and partner programs.

 

A signature experiential course immerses students in philanthropy and nonprofit management through hands-on stewardship of real charitable funds provided by an external sponsor. Students evaluate community needs, review nonprofit proposals and develop funding recommendations, gaining practical experience in strategic giving, program evaluation and civic engagement. The course culminates in a formal written report to the sponsoring organization, which reviews and considers the students’ recommendations in good faith.

 

 

 

What can you do with a Joint JD and MPA degree?

With a joint JD and MPA degree, graduates are prepared for leadership roles that combine legal expertise with public sector and nonprofit management. Alumni pursue careers in government agencies, public interest and regulatory law, policy development, nonprofit leadership and administrative or executive roles where law, policy and public service intersect.

Inside the Wyoming Capital

In addition to holding leadership roles in local, state and federal agencies, private-sector and public service positions and nonprofit organizations, here are some careers you can pursue with your JD and MPA degrees:

  • City/County Manager
  • Public Defender or Prosecutor
  • Director of Community Engagement
  • Legal Aid/Nonprofit Lawyer
  • Grant Writer
  • Government Attorney
  • Policy Advisor/Policy Analyst
  • Compliance Officer
  • Lobbyist

  • Government and Administrative Law
  • Public Policy and Legislative Affairs
  • Regulatory and Compliance Law
  • Environment and Natural Resource Law
  • Criminal Justice Administration and Policy
  • Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Organization Law
  • Public Sector Leadership and Management
  • Healthcare Policy and Administration
  • Education Law and Administration
  • Government Relations and Advocacy 
  • Public Interest and Impact Litigation

“The UW MPA taught me how to lead with integrity and manage programs that make a difference. My internship turned into a full-time role, and the faculty’s mentorship continues to shape my career in public service.”

- Recent MPA Alumnus

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Related Programs

Are you considering a career in law and public administration? These programs might also be of interest:

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College of Law

School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies

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