In addition, joint degree programs with other disciplines may be individually designed and structured to meet the student's learning and career goals. Students must apply to and be accepted by both schools or departments to be joint degree candidates. Joint degrees are awarded simultaneously and shorten the time students would spend earning both degrees separately. Each year about 50 students pursue joint degrees. The program offers students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as comparative and international affairs, environmental and natural resources management, health services administration, personnel management and labor relations, policy analysis, public financial administration, public information systems management, or public or urban management.
Most graduates work in the public or governmental sector.
Students should apply to both schools at the same time for the combined degree. Since both degrees are awarded simultaneously, all degree requirements in both schools must be completed in order to receive either degree. Students customarily spend the first year in the School of Law. Thereafter, they divide the second, third, and fourth years between the two schools, taking an average of 4 to 8 credit hours of law courses and 4 to 8 credit hours of SPEA courses each semester. This gives students a continuing educational experience in both schools.