JD Admissions

Dual Degrees with the Harvard Kennedy School

NYU School of Law offers a dual degree program leading to a Juris Doctor (JD) and either a Master in Public Policy (MPP) or a Master in Public Administration (MPA). Students can pursue a JD/MPP or a JD/MPA at the Harvard Kennedy School.

NYU School of Law requires 83 credits to earn the JD degree. NYU applies 12 credits earned at the Harvard Kennedy School towards the JD degree; each 4-credit course at the Harvard Kennedy School transfers as 4 credits at NYU.

The MPP Program at the Harvard Kennedy School features a required core curriculum in the first year that culminates an intensive and integrative simulation called Spring Exercise. During the second year (third semester), students complete the Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE), an applied thesis where students work with a client organization to tackle an existing concern and make recommendations.

The MPA program at the Harvard Kennedy School requires a previous Master's degree and a minimum of three years of full-time work experience. The MPA curriculum is self-designed curriculum. Students are expected to take four courses in each of the three semesters they spend at the Harvard Kennedy School. At least one course must be taken in each of the school's three core methodological areas: Quantitative Methods; Management, Leadership and Decision Sciences; and Public Ethics and Political Institutions. Students must also select a Policy Area of Concentration and take a minimum of two courses (8 credits) in that area.

Students must meet the application requirements of both schools and be admitted to both schools independently. Applications may be filed simultaneously before enrolling at either school, or during their first year at either school. Students are expected to spend three consecutive semesters at the Harvard Kennedy School and complete five semesters at the NYU School of Law. The final semester must also be spent at the NYU School of Law. Students may not receive either degree until they have completed all coursework for both degrees.

Students interested in the program, and those already enrolled, are invited to contact Amy Chu, Senior Director of Academic Services and Registration at the School of Law (law.acadservices@nyu.edu or 212-998-6020), to discuss items regarding academics or the JD program. For questions regarding admission to the JD program, please contact the Office of JD Admissions at law.moreinfo@nyu.edu or (212) 998-6060.

For program specific information please contact jointconcurrentdegrees@hks.harvard.edu with any additional questions. Students with specific questions about the Harvard Kennedy School programs should visit the Kennedy School website at www.hks.harvard.edu.

Students with specific questions about the Harvard Kennedy School programs should visit the Kennedy School website at www.hks.harvard.edu or contact the team at jointconcurrentdegrees@hks.harvard.edu.