Postgraduate Study…(JD/MPA or JD)?
I am a sophomore at a top 40 (according to US News) Liberal Arts College. One day I hope to go into politics, and maybe even run for public office in some capacity. Before that I definitely want to pursue a career in law…
My real question is; Would it be disadvantageous to earn an MPA from a, let’s say, (US News – Public Affairs) top 10 before applying to law schools? Or would this additional degree set me apart from my peers in the applicant pool (in a good way)? The particular MPA program is completed in 1 year (while most MPA programs are in 2 years)…So it would be similar to completing a dual JD/MPA program. Also, I believe the MPA experience would provide me with valuable critical thinking skills, which are necessary in any legal field.
I will add that I am double majoring in Political Science and Psychology. Before pursuing my political aspirations, I hope to either become an attorney for the Department of Justice or possibly the private sector.
Thank you very much!
I am an attorney (currently inactive due to other pursuits).
I do not think that there is a "yes or no" answer to your question. I would be surprised if most MPA programs taught significant critical thinking skills beyond what you will earn in your double major. If this MPA program is a one-year program, it may or may not be well-regarded by top law schools. If you have a 4.0 undergraduate record, or close to it, you run the risk, no matter how bright you are, of earning less than a 4.0 in the MPA program which would result in the MPA being a disadvantage to you in applying for law school.
If I were in your shoes and had top grades and top LSAT scores and I expected outstanding letters of recommendation, I would go directly to law school. I doubt that the MPA would be of significant assistance in a political career. It is my understanding that most MPA programs concentrate on the bureaucratic delivery of public services, rather than policy making.
If you want to take two years before law school, you might consider a masters degree in public policy such as is offered at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. This is just an example, not a recommendation or a lack thereof, as to the particular program.
Once again you would be taking the risk of earning a lesser record than you have in undergraduate school.
Best wishes.
I am an attorney (currently inactive due to other pursuits).
I do not think that there is a "yes or no" answer to your question. I would be surprised if most MPA programs taught significant critical thinking skills beyond what you will earn in your double major. If this MPA program is a one-year program, it may or may not be well-regarded by top law schools. If you have a 4.0 undergraduate record, or close to it, you run the risk, no matter how bright you are, of earning less than a 4.0 in the MPA program which would result in the MPA being a disadvantage to you in applying for law school.
If I were in your shoes and had top grades and top LSAT scores and I expected outstanding letters of recommendation, I would go directly to law school. I doubt that the MPA would be of significant assistance in a political career. It is my understanding that most MPA programs concentrate on the bureaucratic delivery of public services, rather than policy making.
If you want to take two years before law school, you might consider a masters degree in public policy such as is offered at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. This is just an example, not a recommendation or a lack thereof, as to the particular program.
Once again you would be taking the risk of earning a lesser record than you have in undergraduate school.
Best wishes.
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