Joint Degrees
The Muskie School's four joint degrees programs combine the Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) through the University of Maine School of Law and the Master's Degree in Public Policy and Management (M.P.P.M.), Health Policy and Management (M.S.), Community Planning and Development (M.C.P.D.), or the Masters in Business (MBA) through the USM School of Business and the Master's Degree in Health Policy and Management (M.S.). The joint degrees programs allows student to utilize a number of "crossover" courses to fulfill the requirements of each degree simultaneously. Students may thus complete both degrees in four years instead of the five years that would ordinarily be required.
Under the joint degrees programs, students are matriculated in two graduate programs. Upon completion of requirements of each joint degrees program, a separate degree is awarded. (This differs from the joint degree arrangement offered at some universities, where a single degree is awarded.) Since admitted students matriculate in two programs and receive two separate degrees, admission to the two programs is through separate application to the Law School or Business School and the Muskie School's Graduate Programs in Public Policy and Management, Health Policy and Management, and Community Planning and Development. Although prospective students may complete the two admissions processes in consecutive years or simultaneously, entrance to one program does not in any way ensure admission to the other.
- Law and Public Policy and Management
- Law and Health Policy and Management
- Law and Community Planning and Development
- MBA and Health Policy and Management
- Admissions
- For More Information
Law and Public Policy and Management
The number of credits required to complete the Master's in Public Policy and Management and the Juris Doctor independently is 136; 89 for the J.D. and 39 for the M.P.P.M. A student may, with prior approval, transfer up to nine credits from each program to the other, thus reducing the number of required credits. Each student is expected to develop an academic plan with respect to Law and Public Policy crossover courses, articulating the rationale for the selection of these courses. Students will be assisted in their planning by faculty advisors and the Joint Degrees Committee.
Law School Degree Requirements
The J.D. degree requires a total of 89 credits for completion. The first year consists of 33 credits of required courses, demanding a full-time commitment. Although most courses after the first year are elective, there are several additional requirements, including Professional Responsibility, Constitutional Law II, and a perspective course. In addition, all students must satisfy the Independent Writing Requirement. Law students who are also enrolled in the PPM Program, may, with prior approval, apply up to nine credits of PPM courses taken while matriculated at the Law School, toward the J.D. degree.
Public Policy and Management Degree Requirements
The M.P.P.M. degree requires a total of 39 hours for completion. A core curriculum of 18 hours assures an understanding of basic principles of political science, management, economics, statistics, and public finance. Following the core courses, students elect one of two tracks of study: Policy Analysis and Planning, or Public Management. Each track requires a combination of required and elective courses totaling 12 credits. Following the core and track courses, students must take six credits in either a selected concentration or elective courses. Also required is a three-credit capstone course and a three-credit field experience for students with little or no public sector experience. PPM students who are enrolled in the Law School may, with prior approval, apply up to nine credits of Law School courses taken while matriculated in the PPM program toward the M.P.P.M. degree.
Law and Health Policy and Management
The Law and HPM joint degree option requires that a student be admitted to both programs. Students intending to pursue both degrees should make their intentions known to the admissions committees of both Law and HPM. The joint degrees student may reduce the total number of required credits by applying three law courses as electives to the HPM degree. Current recommendations for such electives include:
- LAW 618 Health Care Law
- LAW 621 Administrative Law
- LAW 626 Antitrust
- LAW 655 Insurance Law
- LAW 666 Economic Regulation of Business
- LAW 675 Medical Legal Process
Course content varies from year to year, and the students law advisor can advise the student as to the most appropriate current electives.
Law and Community Planning and Development
Students admitted to the master's program who elect the joint degrees option through application and separate admission to the University of Maine School of Law will take Land Use Law in place of Law and Public Policy, and either of the basic courses in land use planning (comprehensive planning and zoning/land use control), and then complete their planning specialization from among the following courses in the Law School: Natural Resources Law, Environmental Law, Ocean and Coastal Law, Toxic Torts, Protection of Wilderness and Wildlife, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Environmental Law Research and Writing, Environmental Law Clinic.
MBA and Health Policy and Management
The dual degree program in health policy management and business administration offers the master's degree in health policy and management (MS) through the Muskie School of Public Service at USM and the master's of business administration (MBA) through the USM School of Business.
The program allows students to earn both the MS and the MBA simultaneously by designing a certain number of cross over courses that satisfy the graduation requirements of each degree. To earn the 66 credit hours required for the joint degree, students must complete a combination of HPM and MBA core courses, as well as an MBA practicum.
Full time students may thus complete both degrees in three years instead of the four years that would ordinarily be needed. Separate admissions are required.
Admissions
To participate in the Joint Degrees Programs, a student must be matriculated in both programs. There is a separate admissions process for each degree. Although prospective students may complete the two admissions processes in consecutive years or simultaneously, entrance to one program does not in any way ensure admission to the other. Prospective joint degree students should note that, in general, only courses taken during the period a student is matriculated in both programs may be counted as transfer credit toward either of the degrees. Applicants must submit separate applications to each degree program; LSAT scores are required for the Law School, and GRE scores are required for PPM, HPM, and CPD and GMATS or GRE's are required for the Business School. Applicants should consult the admissions office in each school procedures and policies.
Those interested in the joint degrees programs should consult the admissions offices in each school and program for specific information about procedures and policies.
For More Information
Muskie School of Public Service
Office of Student Affairs
phone: (207) 780-4864
