The close connection between law and public policy is well established and is increasingly leading law students and education students into seeking careers in public policy. Law and education policy have long had strong interconnections. GW’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) and GW Law engage in activities that address the cross-section of education policy and law.
The two schools offer a joint program leading to the master of arts in education and human development (MAEd&HD) degree in education policy and juris doctor (JD) degree. Students must be admitted to both schools separately, and each school must approve the student's application to pursue the joint degree. GSEHD counts 12 credits in courses taken for the JD toward the MAEd&HD. The Law School counts 12 credits in courses taken for the MAEd&HD toward the JD.
Students who enroll full-time in the joint MAEd&HD/JD program should normally be able to complete both degrees in four years. The Law School stipulates that joint degree students must register exclusively in the Law School to complete the first-year JD curriculum.
All requirements for both degrees must be fulfilled. As degrees in joint programs are awarded simultaneously, requirements for both programs must be met before either degree is awarded. Students should confer with an adviser for specific requirements of the joint program.
Visit the Graduate School of Education and Human Development and Law School websites for additional information.