Students interested in governmental service at the federal, state, or local level can complete their law degree along with a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree offered by the political science department at Baylor University. This dual degree program leads to the simultaneous award of a Juris Doctor (JD) and MPPA. While the JD program trains students to recognize, analyze, and formulate legal solutions to legal issues, the MPPA develops students' ability to work within the context of governmental entities that must confront larger issues of public policy. The JD/MPPA strives to improve the effectiveness of governmental leaders in the administration of massive, complex regulatory, or benefit programs.

Students receive 12 hours of credit toward their JD upon successful completion of the MPPA degree requirements and 12 hours of credit toward their elective requirement for the MPPA upon successful completion of Law School coursework. Thus, JD/MPPA students complete 114 quarter hours of law and 24 semester hours of graduate work. Since both degrees are awarded simultaneously, all requirements in both schools must be completed in order to receive either degree.

To request an application to the MPPA program, contact the Graduate Program Director for Political Science, Dr. Timothy W. Burns (254-710-6237). 

Graduate School
P.O. Box 97264
Waco, TX 76798
254.710.3588

For additional information, contact:

Political Science Department
P.O. Box 97276
Waco, Texas 76798
254.710.3161

Persons with questions concerning any joint degree program should contact the Associate Dean of the Law School at 254.710.1911.

Students must apply for admission to, and be accepted by, both the Law School and the Graduate School. All applicants must take the applicable entrance exam for each school.