What is a JD MPA?
Asked by: Ms. Burdette Williamson | Last update: December 11, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)
The faculties of the College of Law and the School of International and Public Affairs have approved a joint degree pathway culminating in both a Juris Doctor degree (JD), awarded by the College of Law, and a Master of Public Administration degree (MPA), awarded by the School of International and Public Affairs.
Is an MPA as good as an MBA?
I've got both. The MPA is considered more useful when working in government and nonprofits, the MBA is considered more useful when working in the private sector. Both are relatively equal if you are looking to teach. So the answer is, it depends on your field of choice.
Is a juris doctor higher than a Masters?
Another interesting fact is that while J.D. certification “ranks” higher than a master's degree in law in the U.S., a lawyer will actually pursue the latter after obtaining their J.D. degree. The Master of Laws (L.L.M) is primarily used to specialize in a certain area, such as criminal law or corporate law.
Is JD MPA worth it?
With the JD/MPA track, this dual degree not only expands your perspective but presents several career paths. A JD degree by itself provides a procedural study of the law. Although this information is valuable on its own, it's not fully specific to public service.
What does MPA stand for in law?
With a law degree such as a juris doctor (JD), you'll be prepared to take the bar and become an attorney. An MPA degree—master of public administration—helps you to develop skills and knowledge beneficial for leadership positions in a variety of settings and concentrations.
Joint JD/MPA Degree
Is MPA a good degree?
Objectively speaking, an MPA is an excellent degree to pursue. The specialized knowledge gained, skills developed, career doors opened, and expected earnings are just a few of the many reasons why this is a valuable credential to have.
What is JD MPA?
The Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration (JD/MPA) dual degree program prepares students to work at the junction of these two complementary fields. The JD/MPA program is intended for legal professionals who are drawn to matters of public governance or nonprofit administration.
Is a JD easier than a PhD?
The amount of study, research and learning that is required for a PhD. is much greater than attending law school.
What GPA do you need for JD?
Entry to the Juris Doctor program requires a Bachelor degree or international equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7 (any discipline). If you've undertaken more than one tertiary qualification, the GPA will be determined by the highest GPA of all completed qualifications.
What does a public policy lawyer do?
A career in public policy involves influencing the direction of national policy by working with lawmakers, creating and advising government programs, or serving as an expert within a specific field. There are opportunities for students of all majors in local, state, and federal government.
Can someone with a JD be called a doctor?
It requires at least three academic years of full-time study. While the JD is a doctoral degree in the US, lawyers usually use the suffix "Esq." as opposed to the prefix "Dr.", and that only in a professional context, when needed to alert others that they are a biased party – acting as an agent for their client.
What is the highest degree in law?
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
A Doctor of Juridical Science degree is considered the highest level of a law degree and is designed for professionals who are looking to gain an advanced legal education after earning their JD and LLM.
Can you practice law with a Master's in law?
degree is designed for students who already hold a J.D. or other first professional degrees in law. If students want to take the bar exam, a J.D. degree will enable them to practice in every state while the LL. M. degree may qualify them only to take the bar exam in a few states.
Does MPA increase salary?
Professional Benefits of Pursuing an MPA
On average, people who've earned an MPA can expect an average salary of $68,000 — that's about $18,000 more per year than people with only a bachelor's. Check out this MPA Career Report for more salary information.
Why do people pursue an MPA?
The MPA degree is a good fit for individuals who are interested in making a positive impact on society and want to be equipped with the skills to make informed policy decisions that can address complex societal challenges.
Is an MPA an advanced degree?
Master's Degree in Public Administration
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) may be suitable for those who wish to gain a more in-depth understanding of specialized public administration topics ranging from human resource management and administrative law to organizational theory and more.
Can you be a lawyer with a Juris Doctor degree?
Typically, once you earn your Juris Doctor from a law school approved by the American Bar Association, you can earn your licensure to practice law by taking the bar exam.
Is a 3.7 GPA too low for law school?
The average GPA for law school is between 3.91. However, like LSAT scores, it's important to understand that the specific average GPA can differ depending on the law school and its level of competitiveness. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 4.0 or even higher.
Can you get a JD without taking the LSAT?
Yes, you can. Many law schools in the U.S. (including prestigious ones) don't have an LSAT requirement. However, they require the GRE, an exam taken to apply to grad school.
What is a juris doctor equivalent to?
The Juris Doctor degree is a first level professional degree. It's probably the equivalent of an academic master's degree. Until the late 1960's, lawyers received a bachelor's degree in law (an LL. B.)
What is the hardest PhD to get?
Neuroscience: Studying the brain and nervous system is incredibly complex. It involves a combination of biology, psychology, and even engineering, making it a challenging field to master. Astrophysics: Trying to understand the mysteries of the cosmos is no easy task.
Can I be a professor with a JD?
Academia. A JD degree-holder can become a teacher or professor. People who follow this career path typically get an LLM instead of sitting for the bar exam. They can further specialize in their preferred field by obtaining a Doctor of Laws (JSD or SJD).
What does MPA mean in law?
Master of Public Administration vs. Master of Legal Studies
Both a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) can prepare students to develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, serve society, and improve social conditions.
What is MPA?
An MPA is a common abbreviation for “master's of public administration”, a graduate-level, professional degree considered a top credential for local community, government, and nonprofit leaders.
Is JD MBA a law degree?
Graduates of the program receive the Juris Doctor degree (JD) from the Law School and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Loyola Marymount University. The dual degree program provides law students the opportunity to complete both degrees in four years.