MSP/Juris Doctor
Students interested in pursuing the Master of Social Policy / Juris Doctor dual-degree program may apply to both programs concurrently, or apply to the MSP program while enrolled in the JD program at Washington University’s School of Law.
As distinct fields of study and practice, law and policy are each incredible tools for impact at community and population levels. Together, law and policy generate critical knowledge of the creation and maintenance of societal systems and structures and prepare students with tangible skills to navigate and advance the causes of justice and equity. Students interested in social policy research and analysis, government administration and service, and policy organization and think tanks should consider applying to the JD/MSP program.
Recommended Course Sequence
In this four-year program, students take 31 credit hours (two semesters and one summer) at the Brown School and 77 credit hours (five semesters) at the School of Law for a total of 108 credit hours. In general, students will follow the course of study outlined in the table below:
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | JD (15 credits) | JD (15 credits) | Possible JD Work / Clinic |
| Year 2 | MSP (15 credits) | MSP (12 credits) | MSP Internship (4 credits) |
| Year 3 | JD (~14 credits) | JD (~14 credits) | Possible JD Work / Clinic |
| Year 4 | JD (~14 credits) | JD (~14 credits) | Possible JD Work / Clinic |
This is a sample timeline. There is flexibility in how students structure their academic plans.
Tuition Structure
In the fall and spring semesters, tuition and fee charges are based on the division of the student’s primary, full-time enrollment, which varies by semester and is referred to as the student’s Prime division.
For three semesters of the JD/MSP program, students are Prime to the Brown School. During these semesters, students are assessed tuition according to the Brown School’s tuition structure and can receive Brown School scholarships. For five semesters, students are Prime to the School of Law. During these semesters they are assessed tuition according to the School of Law’s tuition structure and can receive School of Law scholarships.
Application Instructions
New students applying to this dual-degree program must apply to the MSP program through Washington University Graduate Admissions Portal and also submit a separate application for the JD program through the School of Law. Current Washington University graduate students currently enrolled in the JD program who wish to add the MSP should apply through Washington University Graduate Admissions Portal and are eligible for an application fee waiver when they submit their application.
Learn more about the JD program and application.
Learn more about the MSP program and application.